Sorry to hear this Gillian. Hope surgery went well.
 I also had cancer in my lymph node (gland) because I had primary cancer on my tonsil. 
I had surgery in July, radiotherapy Sep/Oct and am now in remission. 
Check out this thread, lots of people in a similar situation. Best wishes. 

www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../rare-tongue-cancer

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat/thread/rare-tongue-cancer?page=5#post-1879721

Sorry to hear this Gillian. Hope surgery went well.
 I also had cancer in my lymph node (gland) because I had primary cancer on my tonsil. 
I had surgery in July, radiotherapy Sep/Oct and am now in remission. 
Check out this thread, lots of people in a similar situation. Best wishes. 

www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../rare-tongue-cancer

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat/thread/rare-tongue-cancer?page=5#post-1879721

Thank you so much for replying...i go in tomorrow for tonsils out...have you any idea how long it will be before they start the radiotherapy ? and how did the treatment effect you ?

Hiya, for me I needed to wait until my surgery scar healed (about a month), but you won't have the same issue I suppose so maybe you'll be quicker. 
I also only had radiation to one side, I understand if it's both sides it can be more challenging. 
That being said it, I managed on mostly soluble paracetamol - with an occasional codeine. My neck was a little sore/tender, I had a cream to use. I didn't opt for a feeding tube, I pretty much lived on creamy soup, porridge and smoothies. I lost my taste very early, after a week maybe but it's mostly back now. My throat was super sore but it was manageable. 
You'll manage it Gillian, you'll remember the bigger picture and just count down the days. 
Do look at the link I mentioned if you get a chance, there's about 4 people and they're all talking about throat cancer and the side effects so it'll give you a good idea of the different perspectives. 
Take care, and best wishes x