Since he can't talk, I would get him a large, loud bell to ring for attention just in case nurses don't notice call light or night nurse has to goes to the bathroom. I'd also get an erase slate so he can write notes easily. Having a new trach is very scary and the bell just might make him feel safer. I used one when I got home to page my husband when he was in another room or floor of the house.

Take care,
Eileen


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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