How to cope with voice loss and taste changes after laryngectomy?

Adjusting to these significant changes after laryngectomy can feel overwhelming, especially while managing radiation treatment. Many people in similar situations find that exploring voice restoration options like speech therapy, electrolarynx devices, or tracheoesophageal speech can help restore communication, while working with specialists on taste and smell changes may offer gradual improvement over time. The feelings around treatment decisions are completely understandable - connecting with others who've walked this path and focusing on mindfulness techniques during this challenging period can provide valuable emotional support.

Hi! Paul, I was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in my throat the base of my tongue. I have been through radiation treatments (35) and my chemotherapy. The treatments have also diminished my taste and sense of smell. I also have had a difficulty swallowing and some speech. When I spoke to my ENT (ear nose throat) specialist he told me that it could take up to a year to recover. This is a very sensitive area your throat, voice box, tongue,tonsils,lymph nodes are all connected in this area. It has been 5months since my last treatment, and there has been some improvement, but it has been slow. Hang in there! Keep up the fight! 💪

Hi Paul, sorry for what you are going through. My Dad had throat cancer and also went through radiation, and the doctors told him not to use any metal utensil. I'm not sure if that will help, but it is worth trying.