Hi,Helen: You have been given way too much to deal with! But here you are and you still sound strong. Since your hubby is in N.O., do you have support where you are? You will need help after surgery. About the trach- the hospital nurses and Docs will be on top of the COPD and will teach you how to use an inhaler when you go home. Hopefully you won't have the trach in for very long. Keep eating now, just be careful not to bite your tongue Do you know if you are getting a peg tube? LAO, REST AS MUCH AS YOU CAN before you go to the hospital. No one gets any rest there. It sure sounds to me like you are a survivor. Amy