Jamie,

During my surgery I had a trach put in place but I also had my tongue removed, both sides of neck dissected, peg tube placed, and stomach muscle removed to rebuild floor of mouth so I sort of had "one stop" surgery. The trach didn't hurt or anything - it was more of a nuisance/inconvenience and I was more than happy to bid it farewell after sporting it for 8 1/2 months. Good luck to your mom and know that we're here for you.

Hugs, Nancy

Stage IV oral cancer (tongue), T3N2, total glossectomy with right and left modified neck dissection 7/03, rad /chemo ended 11/03