Hi Amy,
I feel so happy for you and your mom!
My mom still has her trach, her surgery was 9/17, and they have kept it in, think for swelling reasons.
Two weeks ago they changed my mom's trach to one that can be capped during the day, then she had to put the open canula one in at night. Starting today they said for her to leave it capped until she comes in for appt on the 17th.
I don't know why she has the trach still in, the surgeon originally said it would probably be removed prior to her discharge from the hospital. Reading Gary's post above regarding the lymphedema makes me consider why her's was left in, she is experiencing that.
Again, I am so happy for you, your mom and your family. I know how happy our doctor's were with my mom's results...feels good to breathe again.
Love,
Donna