Larynx removal
Hi everyone. My husband is scheduled to have his larynx remove June 1. He would love to talk to someone who has gone through this operation to know what is in store for him. He is having a terrible time swallowing and has lost a lot of weight. Does anyone have advice about reducing all the mucus so he does cough constantly. Thanks so much to anyone who can help. He is 70, disabled vet, and had tonsil cancer two years ago. This cancer is stage 3.
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Hi @ozark, sorry that you and your husband are having to deal with this. I am one of the moderators here and have messaged the other members of the group to see if they can share their experience with you. Keep us posted!
Hi, I'm Roy, I had a total laryngectomy September 2nd 2010, what would you like to ask about?
Where to start? Right now, my husband is scheduled for surgery June 1. Of utmost importance to him is is there anything possible he can do to stop from constant coughing and difficulty swallowing. As for the surgery, can you explain how long it lasts, how difficult is the recovery, how long will he be laid up, will he eventually be able to swallow? And, of course, he is interested in knowing about the process of speaking -- if even possible. Sorry to ask so many questions but it's a pretty big deal. He is already very weak from not being able to eat much. Thanks for any information about what he can expect.
Hi again, sorry just a couple more questions and I will see what I can tell you...Which country are you in? I'm in UK. Do you know what type of cancer? eg. Sqamous Cell Carcinoma (which was my situation). You mentioned that the cancer is stage three, is it metastatic? ie. are there secondary tumours in the lungs, liver oesophagus or elsewhere. Let me know please and I will tell you about my case and what I did. I can in no way recommend any of the answers which I will give you as I am not qualified but I can tell you about my "jouney" and my decisions.
Hope to hear back from you soon.
Roy
Hi Roy,
We are in US, a little town in Pennsylvania and my husband is being treated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. He has stage 3 squamous cell cancer, believed to be isolated in larynx. He previously had cancer of tonsils (supposedly cured) two years ago, treated with chemo and radiation. As far as I know, this new cancer is not considered a spread but rather a second primary cancer. No tumors of the lungs etc. that we are aware of. Right now, my husband's biggest issues are his difficulty swallowing and constant coughing. He has lost 70 pounds and has a few related health issues. He's a diabetic, has rheumatoid arthritis, and had bypass heart surgery in 2004 but has had no heart related issues. He is a veteran of Vietnam war. The doctor told him without this surgery he would "choke to death" so we have little choice. Thanks for any advice you can offer.
I am so sorry to hear that you and your husband are going through this. I will pray for him and you also. God be with you! He is!
You or your husband can reach out to the Cancer Coach program at the Cancer Wellness Center. They match a patient/caregiver with someone who is out of treatment - they also try to match cancer types so you can talk to someone who has been in your shoes. You can reach them at http://www.cancerwellnesscenter.org
84 Sweeney Street, Suite C-9 North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (716) 694-1395
Hillary Ruchlin, Executive Director
You can also try Webwhisperer http://www.webwhispers.org/
WebWhispers was started in 1996 for those who had questions about larynx cancer treatments, surgery, recovery, and what life is like after laryngectomy surgery. We are now the largest support group for individual laryngectomee survivors of larynx and other throat cancers. We offer advice from those who have been there and education at the time it is needed.
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