Throat Cancer-Radiation-Full Laryngectomy

I used this board with some frequency beginning in March of this year after I had been diagnosed with cancer of the vocal cord and began radiation.  Unfortunately for me the treatment did not work and later after getting a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic, I received a Full Laryngectomy on 9-11-08, and I just came home from the hospital yesterday and for the first time in nearly five months, no radiated ear pain.  I look like something out of a horror movie but it sure is a relief not to be in constant pain.  It's sad to be 54 years old with a hole in my throat but uplifting to be alive.  I really don't have a question but instead I would just like to thank everyone that I've communicated with on this board over a period of time while becoming educated in this subject field.  I think this is something none of us, or our loved ones, ever plan to have to deal with.  Take care and good luck to everyone that reads this.     

I wanted to provide a short update from my previous message.  Next week will be 2 months since my surgery.  The surgery incisions have healed and are about gone.  My weight and color have returned, as has a little pep in my step.  The pain is gone.  All these are good things and I am beginning to live life as a Laryngectomee.  I have learned to talk again using a TEP....well, I'm learning.  Right now I'm sounding like a very tired Bette Davis on way too much cough syrup!  But I'm talking, and I'm alive.  While this has been the longest year of my life...I am beginning to put one foot in front of the other one and getting on with life, which I am thankful for having the opportunity. 

For anyone facing this surgery, first get a second opinion, then educate yourself.  There are so few Laryngectomees that few doctors or nurses know how to prepare you for it or treat you for it.  But there's nothing that can prepare you for waking up in ICU with the majority of your throat missing, smell and taste gone, no more speech, and a nose that no longer serves any prupose except to drip. And especially the quarter sized hole in your throat that you now breathe and cough from!

But there is a bright side.  Most cities have a support group of some of the nicest people you'll ever meet that have already gone down the same road as you and can provide some wonderful guidance and a calming hand.  Also, once the healing process begins, you'll understand the cancer is gone and you have some life left to live.  I've learned how to control the coughs that brings the mucus out of the throat, and I have found clothes that can cover the hole in your throat but still allows you to breathe.  Once the decision was made to get on with life, the rest was easy.  Its just the looking in the mirror that brings the reality of things to the surface from time to time, but those feelings are fought off by all the positives I just spoke of.

Later today I visit my first pre-laryngectomy patient to help prepare her for surgery next week.  Nobody prepared me and I hope I can bring some comfort and answer some of the questions I know she will have. 

It's nice to see that you are having a positive spin on the hand that has been dealt to you.  It's not easy but I think you have the best attitude to keep going, and take one day at a time.

 It is wonderful that you are using your experience to help someone else in the same spot you are.  I know that when my husband was diagnosed with stage IV SCC this board was my greatest comfort because I knew what to expect and even more, the people here knew what my husband and I were going through.  Cheers to you for putting all your own issues aside to help another! Keep on truckin!

God Bless,

Brandi

Thanks Brandi....equally important is receiving positive comments from folks like you.  Its like fuel for the tank...it keeps you going.  Thanks again and good luck to you and your husband.

 Mike