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#34306 09-01-2005 09:00 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 22
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 22
Thank you all for your thoughts-some good and much needed advice. I wish there was a manual! On a good note, Lee has posted for the 1st time and I'm hoping he'll continue. He had non-hodgkin's lymphoma 10 years ago and was so different-it never got him done and he never believed he would be anything but cured. This is a whole different animal.
Tonya, thank you for taking the time and strength to respond. Your brother sounds like a wonderful person and I'm sure he was proud to have you for his sister.
Thanks everyone
Doreen


Stage IV scc base of tongue/larynx
Total glossectomy/partial laryngectomy/radical neck dissection 4/05 followed by chemo and rad. Tonsillar Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 1996(cured and not related)
#34307 09-01-2005 02:07 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,152
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,152
Doreen,
What does he like to do that doesn't require interaction with anyone other than you and nature? Take him to the beach. A stroll in the woods. Sit on your porch and watch the birds. Do a puzzle, read some of the the same books.

I am a total laryngectomy but still have my tongue so can talk. However, my voice is getting weaker so don't use it a lot. I never suffered depression after either bout with cancer but did suffer an immense amount of fear after laryngectomy. It wasn't until I went back to work 12 weeks later that I gained any confidence. I did spend those 12 weeks reading and sitting on the beach and jsut enjoying nature since it was the fall. I think that helped. Actually I was supsoed to go back to work after 8 weeks, but tripped over a chair the morning I was returning and fractured my pelvis in three places. That landed me in hospital for 5 days and then on crutches and cane. Enough to piss off the good humor man.

Anyway, I wouldn't push him into company that requires eating and talking until he is ready. If he has problems with mucous from the trach, concerts etc can be troublesome if you have to cough up goop.

What type of neck gear does he wear? Does he have a humidifier? What specific problems is he coping with. I know we are being treated at the same facility and even have some of the same drs. Email me if you like. I will scheduled for an appt at 3:15 on the the 12th. Look me up if you also happen to be there.

Take care,
Eileen


----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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