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 smile I'm sure someone here will respond with more information on voice box surgery and treatments.
Warm Regards,
Steve

SCC right side BOT/FOM; DX 1-25-06; Neck dissection/25% of tongue removed 2-17-06. Stage 2 Recurrence 7-06: IMRTX35 & 3X Cisplatin ended 10-18-06. Tumor found 03/18/13; Partial Glossectomy 03/28/13 left lateral tongue. Nov. 2014; headaches,lump on left side of throat. Radical Neck Dissection 12-17-14; Tumor into nerves/jugular; Surgery successful, IMRTX30 & 7X Erbotux. Scan 06-03-15; NED! 06-02-16; Mets to left Humerus bone and lesion on lungs-here We go again! Never, Ever Give Up!

**** PASSED AWAY 10/8/16 ****