I don't know. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes it happens when I have been talking more than usual, or have been out in the air, or doing something strenuous. It's weird, isn't? There doesn't seem to be any one thing that causes it. Sometimes it is embarrassing if I have to speak. Last spring I had to present a scholarship at the local high school and it happened after I walked into the school from the parking lot. I had to park at a short distance from the school, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. Fortunately, I was OK by the time I had to make my presentation, but it was a worry when it happened.


Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.