Emma,
I had the ND and laryngectomy in 2001. Make certain you take a something for him to write with so he can make his problems known to you or nurses. Make certain it has a solid surface because if they have to take artery from the arm, it will be difficult for him to write. My surgery was 14 hours and I was in ICU overnight. I don't remember having any pain but was on morphine drip overnight. I didn't use it once I was in my room. I was out of hosptial 5 days later and back to work at 8 weeks. You both will be in my thoughts today.

Take care,
Eileen


----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I