Hi, my daughter Dawn(about your age) had very similar symptoms to yourself about 2 years ago. She did not require chemo or radio and is progressing well. In fact she got married 8 months ago and is extremely happy with her life. She did have a speech impediment after 2 surgeries to remove the offending tissue but is almost back to normal. Not saying the jouney was easy but the whole family came through this awful disease. If your consultants say that surgery is the only treatment you require then be thankful, we were extremely fortunate to find this site and be in contact with some wonderful people.
Dont hesitate to contact me via private e- mail via the site and I will only be too happy to give you more details of Dawn's journey. My postings are on this site under the heading of squamous cell carcinoma. Take care and all the best for your future, from what you have said it sounds very bright indeed.

Regards, David.