Amy
No John will not be able to talk with the trach in place so you need a whipe board, (much beter than bits of paper) and download free text to speech software, www.readplease.com
He may not need it for to long I had mine for a week, once they are happy that all the swelling has stopped they will remove it
I'm sure you will cope fine
Like Brian I hope Minnie picks this thread up, she was a great help to me over the trach, and I'm sure she will fill you in over the surgery..
Sunshine... love and hugs
Helen