Thank you Minnie, well said. I felt bad about my post after I read it again, my intent was not to scare people about the trach. Like you said, it was more fear of the unknown, I guess I missed the part when my oral surgeon told me I would have the trach, I was in shock as it was and probably wasn't listening to details. I didn't find this board til way after treatment. John,you will get through it, trust me, we did. Love, Carol