Tracheostomy

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Hi I had surgery 5 weeks ago for neck cancer. There were complications and I spent 3 weeks in intensive care. I’m now home but with a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Is there anyone in a similar situation who can offer support. It’s hard when I was so active prior to the surgery and I’m not progressing as the hospital staff would like. 
Thank you. 

  • Hi  

    Sorry you are having problems. There are plenty of us here who had feeding tubes through chemo/radiotherapy in particular but not so many with a tracheostomy. I hope somebody pops on soon regarding that. 
    I presume both trachy and tube are temporary? 
    What sort of surgery and for what cancer did you get treated if you do t mind me asking? It might help folk replying. 
    Best wishes. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below 

    https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com 

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Hi Jl329

    Sorry to hear that you have encountered some complications after your surgery. I did have a temporary tracheotomy when I was in hospital for 2 of my ops and also an NG tube but they were both taken out prior to me leaving the hospital. My ops have all been for jaw cancer. I did find the tracheotomy quite a trial. Not being able to speak was difficult and trying to make myself understood to the staff was hard. In the end I had to write down a few words to get my meaning across. This must be a trying time for you. Has your medical team given any indication when the tracheotomy can be removed?  Progress may seem slow at the moment but everything takes time. Try and get as much nourishment as you can through the feeding tube as this is vital to help your recovery. 5 weeks is still early days in your recovery. but you will get there.

    Sending you positive thoughts

    Lyn

    Sophie66