Hi Jexxie,
I am a total laryngectomy since August of 2001 meaning I have a permanent trach. I have a voice prosthesis between my esaphagus and trach on the inside that allows me to speak when I cover the stoma. Is the reason they are giving her a peg tube because they also plan radiation? I had a nasal feeding tube after surgery for about 8 days and then was able to eat soft food. I had had radiation 4 years prior for another oral cancer so did not get any more in 2001.

You did not mention where she plans on having this surgery. If at all possible she should being treated at a CCC hospital. It that is not possible, then one that does this surgery on a regular basis. I also had a neck dissection at the same time. Surgery took about 14 hours. I was in ICU overnight and home after 5 days. I don't remember having any pain although was on meds for a few days. Didn't need the morphine drip at all. She will need home health care for a few weeks to help clean and heal stoma.

If at all possible, you should go to her doctor appts with her and ask lots of questions including getting the staging, how and when she will be able to speak again, is she going to have rads and chemo etc.

Hang in there. Hopefully it is just a nasty bump in the road for her. Post again when you have more info and take a deep breath.

Take care,
Eileen