It probably would be a good plan to ask at least one of his doctor specialists. A speech pathologist doesnt have as wide a range of medical training behind them as say an ENT or even a family doctor would have. My suggestion was to take your husband to a speech pathologist for help to develop his voice and speech.

Recovery from oral cancer and its treatments can never be fast enough for any patient. The ups and downs will hang around for many months. At only 3.5 months post rads, his recovery is still just beginning. A complete recovery could take a full 2 years post treatment and many patients will not ever fully regain every part of their former lives. Im sure you both are anxious to have your husband return to his previous routines but honestly, this cant be rushed. For a easier recovery he should continue to take in a minimum of 2500 calories daily and 48 oz of water. Encourage him to drink as much as possible to work those throat muscles. Have you been watching his protein intake? High protein whey powder can help to speed up healing. Of course, make sure its okay to add this by checking with his doc. Over the internet you never know what kinds of underlying medical problems a patient could have but for most the high protein whey powder works very well.

We have had several members who were singers go thru oral cancer treatments. For most it took them a while to return to singing. Several have mentioned their new voice post treatment sounds different than how they sounded before cancer. Many have said they sound a bit raspier. For most patients, they are their own worst critics and think ever small nuance is noticeable to the world. While the new voice might be a little tiny bit different than his former one, it could in time turn out very well.

Please use extreme caution with this since you just never can be completely certain of what is being put in there. With your husband only being out of rads a short time, the electronic cig could have additives that would irritate his sensitive throat. A humidifier with something from the health food store may be an alternative to using a product that is not regulated. You would know exactly what is being put into the humidifier and can adjust it accordingly. Check with a doc before doing anything.

FDA on E-cigarettes


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile