Of all cancer diagnoses, one percent are laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is a disease where malignant cancer cells are found in the larynx/voice box in the throat. Typical symptoms are a sore throat, voice changes and possible ear pain. Before undergoing surgery, quitting smoking is an important thing to do. Smoking can affect your surgery … Read more
What is laryngectomy? A total laryngectomy is the complete removal of the larynx/voice box. The larynx/voice box provides sound for speech and prevents food, liquid, and saliva from entering the airway. A total laryngectomy will change how your loved one speaks, but most people are usually able to regain their voice but in different ways. … Read more
Your doctor and medical team would like to know about your past medical history, and they may want to know what medications you are currently taking. Here is a handy tool to help you prepare for your meeting with your clinical team, remember to fill it in and take it with you to your meeting:
At this stage, you may have had an introduction of how to use an HME at hospital. When leaving the hospital you will receive a coming home kit that will include a number of HMEs and attachments to help you grow accustomed to wearing an HME. Your stoma lead directly to your lungs, so it … Read more
Aspiration – means you’re breathing foreign objects, such as food and drink, into your airways. At the hospital: Surgeon – This is the person who will carrying out the surgical procedure Anesthetist – this is the person who will keep you asleep and pain free through and after your surgery Speech therapist – will help … Read more
It is more than likely you will visit the hospital the day before your surgery is scheduled. This is so the clinical team can get you 100% prepared for your surgery. When you enter the hospital, you will be directed to the ward. During this time and until you are settled into the ward, you … Read more
You may be wondering how a laryngectomy will affect your breathing. The procedure redirects your windpipe to the hole in your neck so you will no longer be drawing air in through your mouth and nose as you always have. Instead, the air is inhaled and exhaled through your stoma. Your lungs will operate as … Read more