Thanks for the feedback. Each time I check back, I read something that I hadn't considered. The ability to fight infection when getting it placed is something I didn't realize was a possibility. But, that's huge! It's good to preserve the swallowing function...so this is a tough one!

It's nice to hear how people were able to get it removed soon after recovery and avoiding dehydration is near the top of my list of things to avoid. He's been in the hospital for that one with a throat infection.

I'm passing along the information and trying not to have a bias--really hard not to have one.

Thanks, everyone!

Sandy