Hi, anyone had a Laryngectomy? I've had neck dissection and Radiotherapy which has left me with silent aspiration, I've had Pneumonia 14 times in 18 months and to stop the Aspiration Pneumonia it's been suggested by my Maxifacial Surgeon to eliminate the Aspiration. Big stuff I know but the Repeated Pneumonia infections will do me eventually so I don't see any choice.
It seems for me Cancer continues to kick the S**t out of me for over 3 years now . I'm quite terrified of a future with no voice, if I can even have the surgery. Thanks. Wayne.
Ps, I've searched on here for a Laryngectomy section but no results.
Sorry to read this Wayne, tough situation.
I had a laryngectomy in Sept 2020 after chemo/radio/surgery in 2013/14 and I'm left with no voice, but the majority of patients do still retain their voice via a speech valve....and once mastered it sounds great, even down to retaining any regional accent.
It's a very serious op obviously, and some annoying maintenance down the line but it becomes second nature very soon. Neck breathing actually feels no different than normal breathing so little/no adjustment needed.
I'm living a decent life after being given six months had I not gone for it, wouldn't presume to tell you what to do but laryngectomy isn't a bad thing!
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
I have no voice at all Wayne; my tissue damage from radiotherapy meant that fitting a voice prosthesis wasn't an option, and the lack of vibration in my neck (also RT damage) made an electrolarynx pretty much useless. I tried oesophageal speech but couldn't master it.
Fortunately my son, who lives with me, has learnt to lip read me perfectly so he's my "voice" when I need one.
It's certainly a tough op to get through and recover from; I was in hospital for four weeks and then another week with an infection, and was nil-by-mouth for around six months in all.
But life saving as you say.
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
Hi Wayne-I can't add much to what Mike has said other than whilst it is a life change it isn't an impossible change like his I had mine in 2020 but as I hadn't had RT or Chemo previously mine was quite a straight forward voicebox removal and I refused any RT after the op as that would have caused the same amount of colateral damage as prior
The regime for cleaning etc becomes second nature after the first 12 months, I also have chest problems so mucus is the main problem, I'd suggest that if you can get them to supply you with a portable suction machine after, they provided mw with one and still have it on loan also a nebeliser will help keep the mucus loose.
Hope all goed well
Take Care
Tony
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Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022
Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub
