My cousin was recently dx w/squamous cell carcinoma after a lump was removed from his voice box. He couldn't speak for several days after surgery and when he was able to and his voice began to come back, another treatment that followed left him with a whispering voice again. He is very positive about his prognosis and ready to tackle radiation but is concerned about the long-term impact to his voice. This is still all very new to us and I'm convinced it would really be wonderful for him to hear from others who have had the same experience, so my search for him is on!! His doctors, to this point, have not been able to give him any real expectation with regard to his voice after radiation. Any personal insight to provide would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Gretchen:
Welcome! My voice box wasn't affected but I lost my voice during treatment and then afterwards I sure didn't feel like talking much. I had a speech therapist help me with speaking and more importantly swallowing exercises post TX. She helped me a lot!! I am still very soft spoken and when tired slur words some (At least I'm very aware of it but my family says it's almost not noticable). My voice has continued to get stronger as time has passed. Most Doctors aren't gong to commit so as to not produce false hope because everyone reacts differently. Keep your cousin focused and stay positive. Good things will happen I'm sure someone here will respond with more information on voice box surgery and treatments.
Warm Regards,
Steve

Thank you Steve. I'm going to share this site with my cousin and his wife. I appreciate your reply and wish you all the best.

Gretchen, I think it's common to lose a lot of one's voice during RT. I did pretty much completely for a good 2 months. Of course my tumors were in my lymph nodes, not my voice box. Perhaps someone else who's directly experienced can offer their opinion.

Please give my cousin your best - great of you to help out by coming here!

David 2