he transitioned to a smaller trach in hopes of going home without it but he had to go back to surgery for a neck wash due to an infection. While in there it was discovered that his "native tissue" is dying (back of the tongue). The way it was explained to me was it will be like an open sore and they hope it heals over time. So he got a larger trach and will go home with it. Has anyone had any experience with this? The flap itself is doing well. I feel much more comfortable with the trach now...I guess the difference a few days can make. My husband is supposed to be discharged Monday...hope it happens..


Caregiver to husband 53 SCC stage 3 soft palate 2011 Rad, recurrence tongue stage 4 2012 induction chemo, partial glossectomy surgery, cancer back left rad neck dissection 2013, more chemo, allergic to erbitux, cancer back 2014 floor of mouth and jaw, mandibulectomy scheduled 3/5/2014