Choices for treatments of laryngeal cancer

Hi Kizzi 1

So sorry to read your story regarding your Mother, I’m not over 80 but I was 70 when I had my Laryngectomy, as long as she passes all the pre surgery tests I would recommend that course, I was offered the RT/Chemo route but my Consultant was very honest with me and her advice has proved so right, unfortunately you don’t mention any speech problems, that was my problem for the surgery as my cancer was stage 4 and within the voicebox, my swallowing wasn’t effected and I had no problems swallowing unlike your Mother, I can also say that after my Laryngectomy my swallowing was and still is excellent, granted you have to be careful with certain foods-stodgy- bread can be difficult sometimes but I always have water or liquid handy.

The operation is a large one for obvious reasons and she will be so well supported after by Speech Therapists ans they will become her friends for life . I can explain more but I really advise she goes for the Op she will enjoy eating again and if she can speak now then hopefully they will fit a valve and she will be able to continue speaking.

This is the link to MacMillan Information

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/laryngectomy#what_is_a_laryngectomy

Please come back if you need any further support and take care, Tony

Hi Kasvin,

Thank you so much. This is the only information I've managed to get from a person who has had the laryngectomy . She did have radiotherapy before so thinks she will not get saliva back and will continue to have problems swallowing. Also probably very worried about stoma care and can she take care of this on her own. We need another chat with the team but her initial resistance has slowed this process down. 

Its great to hear that your proceedure  has been such a success.

My first husband had a laryngectomy after RT failed. He did make a good recovery eventually but he had lots of snags for six months because the tissue had been damaged so much by the X-rays. 

Thank you Beesuit,

I will read your blog.

Kizzi1 said:

I will read your blog.

It’s a bit off the wall. I fear it won’t help your decision though. I really feel for you and your mum. 
Hugs

Hi- I in fact have too much saliva and have to also take tablets to reduce mucus, I do use water a lot as it helps with possible dry mouth and I have to have twice daily mouthwashes as for stoma care she seems very active by your enquiry and be honest to a Lady it would be no worse that daily make up ! it will take a little getting used to but it's easy, I certainly wouldn't change a thing now, the only draw back which I was thinking and Dani has highlighted the RT does damage tissue greatly and reconstruction can be difficult especia;lly for her voice reconstruction

I quite often go into my local Hospital and chat to upcoming Laryngectomy patients and they are sometimes like your Mother but all comes well on the other side

Hope she takes more advice onboard

Tony