Laryngeal

Hello Lisa.  

Sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis.  I had a different sort of cancer, base of tongue, so I'm not too sure exactly what your Dad's surgery involved.  However until someone who can help you more comes along I thought I'd say hello and let you know we're not ignoring your first post.  

If you haven't already found it there is a carers group on the site where you will find others who can share their experiences. My husband used to say it's just as hard for the carer as the patient, so you might find it useful to join in the discussions there.  

As to recovery I think it varies so much from person to person.  I had a neck dissection operation which is probably different to what your Dad had. Generally though I can say I found it took me several weeks to get over having a major operation and I was very tired.  I remember being grateful for people helping me with cooking, housework, laundry, shopping etc.  I used to find talking to visitors tiring and I remember I very much appreciated when people came and sat in companionable silence and helped with a jigsaw or something like that.  

There is also a very good helpline on the site.  I don't think they will be there over the bank holiday but perhaps one of the nurses there could advise you more if you ring on Tuesday.

Best wishes to you and your Dad. x

Hello Margaret,

Hello Lisa , sorry to hear about you Dad , i know what he is going through as i had my larynx/ voice box removed in 2010 . The recovery is a bit slow to start with due to the healing of the stoma ,suction and swallowing . The first two weeks are the worse where the suctioning of the tube is uncomfortable and the wearing of the mask , each day will see a slight improvement in the suctioning and use of oxygen and it is a great relief when the tube is removed and there is no risk in the stoma closing as this is the only way he can breathe and has taken place of the mouth and nose hence the suctioning of the mucus as we normally cough or blow our nose to get rid of it  ( not the best subject ) . The tubes should start to come out by the end of the week which is a great relief as it gives a lot more freedom also if he has a catheter fitted so he can at least get out and about a bit . After these two weeks or so he as you say have a swallowing test to check for any leaks during swallowing after the operation  , this is where they get your dad to swallow a coloured liquid and as it goes down they take a video / x-ray of it going down , the coloured liquid is easier to detect if any leaks are visible , this test is nothing to worry about and takes about twenty mins on average . Please do not worry as these are straight forward operations to the consultants and he will be looked after by the Drs and nurse quite a bit in these early stages as i know what its like when someone makes you laugh as it can cause the need for suctioning :) I know i have not covered all the issues so if you need more specific advice please come back and re-post or send me a private message . You are doing a great job at the moment but dont over do it as things will improve as i can testify . All the very best to you all ,take care .

                                                  Chris .x

Hi Chris, thank you for your message, it's really lovely of you for sharing your experiences.  We met the registrar last night, she is happy for his drains to come out today, and he had the scan/leak test yesterday and that was good news - no leaks!  

Do you mind me asking you? Did you looses some of your tastes? My mum and I were just curious if he won't be able to smell how would his tastes be. 

Thank you again and I hope yo won't mind as time goes on if I could ask you for advice.

Lisa x

Hello Lisa , i have sent you a private message which you should receive could you let me know if you do as my internet was playing up last night . Thanks

                                                    Chris x

Hi Chris.

I know its a long time since your op..my partner had this done in Jan 21.  I need someone to tell me it gets better. It has ripped us apart.

I just need to know he will walk away from me but learn to live.

Sorry if this was inappropriate 

I know the question was asked of Chris struggln but I also had a laryngectomy (I'm assuming that's what your partner had), in Sept 2020.

From a personal perspective I'm completely at ease with my life now, can you give us a better idea of what problems you're having, can then maybe give a more helpful response.

Hi Struggliin. My first husband had a laryngectomy in 1987 after failed radiotherapy. He was a photojournalist of the old Fleet Street school. Very convivial. The loudest voice in the pub. His op never changed that except he had to stick his finger over his stoma to talk. The only thing he couldn’t do afterwards was go swimming or sing like he used to. 
It is a life changing but life saving operation but there is a good life to live afterwards. 
Let us know what the issues are if you can. Hugs 

Hi Mike.

He has problems with baseplate, he hates the nebuliser, he hates it if you don't understand the true tone straightaway.

He has finally been given teeth as they took all but four out. Now he doesn't have the patience to let them fit perfectly.

He hasn't really eaten solids since and has had 2 throat stretches to increase food pipe.

He has to many fortisips drinks but won't take dieticians advice.

Oh boy I'm on one!!  

He is just so negative. I have defended his behaviour but I can't anymore!

He gives me back nothing. If I say I'm struggling he's answer is 'try being me.

He tells everyone else how he couldn't have got through this without me..but I just get venom.

The last straw was through his care bag at me, smashing his truetone against the wall and blaming me for him being Alice.

I said nothing just gotbup and went home.

He has made no attempt to fix it, telling people he said I would leave!

I do care and even if not with me I want him to start living.

Sorry sorry sorry

Hi again. Do you have a Maggie’s anywhere near you or are you anywhere near The Swallows in Blackpool. I don’t know how you’d do it but if you could get him to actually meet other laryngectomees he might just get the filip to turn his life round. He’s still very early days after surgery too and he sounds like he can’t accept the situation he is in. 
Macmillan offer free counselling if that might help.