When I was first diagnosed with oral cancer I told a former mentor of mine (from my grad school days) that one of the most upsetting things about going through the treatment was thinking that it could do permanent damage to my voice (which it has--still can't get through teaching a 50 minute lecture class most days and I had a beautiful singing voice which is completely gone).

My former advisor emailed back and said "you know, my impression is that most people go through life talking way too much and thinking way too little. You have a good mind--the cancer isn't interfering with that--so you'll be one of the rare ones who thinks more than they talk!"

On days when I get frustrated with my voice giving out, I remember that.

And, as Mark said, speech is definitely not the only means of expression.

Still, with all tnat said, I can understand how painful this is for you and for Del. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Nelie