How do people live without a voice box after laryngectomy?

Learning to communicate after a laryngectomy involves several options including electronic voice devices, tracheoesophageal speech with a voice prosthesis, or esophageal speech techniques that many people successfully master over time. Connect with others in this community who have walked this path - their experiences and practical tips can provide valuable insight and reassurance as you explore your treatment options with your medical team.

I'm having that surgery soon a little nervous but I want to be able to talk again, prayers for us all we'll get through this together.

Hello, have a similar diagnosis. Sought second opinion, now awaiting start of clinical trail which will avoid surgery. All situations are different but seek a second opinion if you can.

Sorry to hear that, Barb. I’m sure this is scary for you. I am waiting for another biopsy to determine if my cancer came back and if so, surgery is the next stage as I’ve already done chemo and radiation. I’m afraid of the same thing needing to be done if it is positive again. Prayers for you and everyone else here.

Has anyone had 3 different doctors give 2 different results to a cancer diagnosis.

They wanted me to do that but I chose radiation and chemotherapy. That was 4 years ago. I’m still having issues with side effects and am on my 3rd tracheotomy. I still have a voice though.

Tony S, what type of clinical trial are you having?

Kathy, why do you have a tracheotomy?

Tony S, Where is the clinical trial you are in?

Lisa Rightsell 1st one when they did my biopsy for throat cancer(in 1year) 2nd when they rebuilt my trachea (8weeks) thus one they were dilating my throat and it didn’t take, I was very short of breath constantly. My doctor referred me to another doctor for a largenctomy, but I hit a call about a hyperbaric chamber for treatment. It helped so much my doctor has not mentioned the larengectomy again.he’s looking for other solutions

Hi Brian & Lisa, my clinical trial is called OrigAMI-5. Start treatment today.

Hey greg k out cincinati I went radiation 36 treatment 1 yr 10 month ago the result were not good as far as the throat canceri had throat surgery after the radiation fail Iwas really not into getting the surgery done but because of love one and friends in recovery at v the joseph house house in cincinnati I went Thurston haven't smoke since a d thing are doing real good I am working on getting able to work with specialist to learnt work on my voice at VA medical center and the VA HAS BEEN GREAT THUR ALL OF THIS DAY ARE GOIG BETTER EACH I PRAY FOR ALL AND HOPE THE BEST FOR GREGORY THANK TO ALL THE VETERANS ON HERE

Lisa R I have another trach because the radiation has done a job on my trachea. It was rebuilt once but they had to dilate my throat so often afterwards it finally had me dangerously short of breath. I did 40 rounds in a hyperbaric chamber and it did wonders for me. My doctor was shocked how well it worked and he is working with me to try to get the trach out in the future