Betsy,

I forgot to tell you, the tracheostomy is annoying but you'll be fine. They will probably give you a humidifying tube that you keep up by your trache hole to keep it from getting dried out and clogged up. Use it and keep it by the hole as much as possible. This will keep them from having to clear out the hole. Also, not sure if you are worried about it, but most people can't even see the scar from my trache anymore.

Hang in there. The surgery is no fun, but your attitude and strength will help you heal quickly.

Love,
Jennifer


Jennifer
Stage II (T2N0M0) SCC diag 4/21/05; partial glossectomy & selective neck dissection (good margins and lymyph nodes negative), jaw split, 1/3 of tongue removed, free flap from left forearm - 5/23/05; 42 years old at diagnosis