Tracheostomy

bjw1955
bjw1955 Member Posts: 67
Looking for people that was left with Tracheostomy due to their Cancer. I'm a one year survivor from Laryngeal Cancer and was left with a trach. God bless
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Comments

  • kimmygarland
    kimmygarland Member Posts: 312
    Permanent?
    My husband had surgery in early March and still has his trach. He is going through chemo and radiation and they tell us it should be able to be removed once radiation swelling subsides and he can go a certain amount of time with it capped.
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67

    Permanent?
    My husband had surgery in early March and still has his trach. He is going through chemo and radiation and they tell us it should be able to be removed once radiation swelling subsides and he can go a certain amount of time with it capped.

    Trach
    Mine has been permanent because the radiation killed my cancer but the radiation scared my wind pipe and narrowed it.I'm hoping to have laser surgery to open up my airway so I can get it out. I've been waiting for the swelling to go down. I hope and pray.God Bless
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    bjw1955 said:

    Trach
    Mine has been permanent because the radiation killed my cancer but the radiation scared my wind pipe and narrowed it.I'm hoping to have laser surgery to open up my airway so I can get it out. I've been waiting for the swelling to go down. I hope and pray.God Bless

    Prayers going your way bjw....
    that you get your laser surgery, and are able to get rid of your trach...so many miracles out there in this modern world....the first one is how the body itself tends to it's wounds...

    p
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member

    Prayers going your way bjw....
    that you get your laser surgery, and are able to get rid of your trach...so many miracles out there in this modern world....the first one is how the body itself tends to it's wounds...

    p

    I can feel what your going threw...Every Breath!
    I too had the tumor on my voice box...I was trached twice the first time was after surgery, I was really surprised, I had some many complications, screwed up surgery from one quack...and, one week later found a Stage 4 on my voice box as yourself, I went threw rads and chemo and nearly died, no peg, lost my weight, and they overrated me, to no good cells, as I then begin to rot, sounds horrible, but I was not getting better, My esaphogus collapsed, and they nearly lost me, I a woke again trached, this nearly took me out to deal with this tube, gagging and couhging. it fell out all the time, people looked like, well lets face it...Being an active male and and a gym rat...it changed my out look on life, Yes I am angry still, I work a few days, take life slowly, no running, no heaving lifting, the heat kills me to breath, The Doctors would love to trach me again, I will fight with all I have to resist this mechanically device, and live like I use to, I have a rough voice, and will never sing again, I wish I could tell you it's going to be better..i gave up a lot to fight the tube and its difficult sometimes..please feel free to contact me. your getting there, I would like to know why our wind pipes can't be stretched..Doctors would love to add more, but do nothing that broke along the way....Take Care...Dennis in TN
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    lifer
    i have had my trach now for almost 4 years do to radiation damage. prior to that i did not know i had oxygen problem, when i got it i could feel right away the relief of more air to lungs. there is good and their is bad too it. i really like the good.

    john
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67
    dennis318 said:

    I can feel what your going threw...Every Breath!
    I too had the tumor on my voice box...I was trached twice the first time was after surgery, I was really surprised, I had some many complications, screwed up surgery from one quack...and, one week later found a Stage 4 on my voice box as yourself, I went threw rads and chemo and nearly died, no peg, lost my weight, and they overrated me, to no good cells, as I then begin to rot, sounds horrible, but I was not getting better, My esaphogus collapsed, and they nearly lost me, I a woke again trached, this nearly took me out to deal with this tube, gagging and couhging. it fell out all the time, people looked like, well lets face it...Being an active male and and a gym rat...it changed my out look on life, Yes I am angry still, I work a few days, take life slowly, no running, no heaving lifting, the heat kills me to breath, The Doctors would love to trach me again, I will fight with all I have to resist this mechanically device, and live like I use to, I have a rough voice, and will never sing again, I wish I could tell you it's going to be better..i gave up a lot to fight the tube and its difficult sometimes..please feel free to contact me. your getting there, I would like to know why our wind pipes can't be stretched..Doctors would love to add more, but do nothing that broke along the way....Take Care...Dennis in TN

    Trach
    DEAR DENNIS I WAS HOARSE FOR 2 MONTHS AND WENT TO MY PCD AND HE BRUSHED ME OFF SINCE I WAS ALREADY ON OXYGEN FOR COPD DUE TO SMOKING FOR YEARS SO I CALLED MY BREATHING DR AND HE SEEN ME AND REFERRED ME TO A ENT DR I WASN'T IN HIS OFFICE 5 MIN AND HE PUT A MIRROW DOWN MY THROAT AND TOLD ME THERE WAS A GOLF BALL SIZE TUMOR ON MY VOICE BOX AND IT PROBANLY THE C WORD I FRIEKED OUT 2 WEEKS LATER I COLLAPSED AT HOME MY HUSBAND CALLED THE EMS AND THEY TOOK ME TO THE ER THE TUMOR WAS OBSTRUCTING NY AIRWAY THE NEXT DAY THEY PUT THE TRACH I A FEW DAYS LATER MY G-TUBE 2 WEEKS IN ICU 1 WEEK OUT ON THE CANCER FLOOR AFTER THAT 3 MONTHS IN A REHAB NURSING HOME AND 38 RADIATION AND 6 CHEMO MAY 2011 MY LOVING AND CARING HUSBAND BROUGHT NE HOME I'LL WRITE MORE LATER GOD BLESS BRIGET WV
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67
    fisrpotpe said:

    lifer
    i have had my trach now for almost 4 years do to radiation damage. prior to that i did not know i had oxygen problem, when i got it i could feel right away the relief of more air to lungs. there is good and their is bad too it. i really like the good.

    john

    Trach
    DEAR JOHN I'VE HAD MINE FOR 15 MONTHS DUE TO RADIATION DAMANGE AND THE GOLF BALL SIZE TUMOR WAS ON MY VOICE BOX AND OBSTRUCTING MY AIRWAY I'M WORKING WITH A ENT ONCOLOGIST WHICH I WILL GO SEE THIS COMING TUES TO GET MY TRACH CHANGED MINE IS A SIZE 6 IT WAS A SIZE 8 AND THE SAME DAY I HAVE A SWALLOWING TEST WHICH I HOPE I PASS THIS TIME I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED GOD BLESS BRIGET IN WV
  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore Member Posts: 303
    bjw1955 said:

    Trach
    DEAR JOHN I'VE HAD MINE FOR 15 MONTHS DUE TO RADIATION DAMANGE AND THE GOLF BALL SIZE TUMOR WAS ON MY VOICE BOX AND OBSTRUCTING MY AIRWAY I'M WORKING WITH A ENT ONCOLOGIST WHICH I WILL GO SEE THIS COMING TUES TO GET MY TRACH CHANGED MINE IS A SIZE 6 IT WAS A SIZE 8 AND THE SAME DAY I HAVE A SWALLOWING TEST WHICH I HOPE I PASS THIS TIME I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED GOD BLESS BRIGET IN WV

    trach
    Saw my surgical ENT last week. I told him we may as well make my "temporary" trach permanent. Mine is a result of a surgery to remove half my mandible last June rather than my BOT back in 2004. This is just another "gift" of the radiation treatment. Last June before I was discharged from the hospital, they removed my first trach. That lasted about two and a half months. When the stoma was almost closed, I started having problems breathing. They had to put the trach back in while I was awake. That was an experience I NEVER want to repeat. Anyhow, on Wednesday, they are going to fit me with a Montgomery trach. I will be very glad to get all this stuff off my neck finally.
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member

    trach
    Saw my surgical ENT last week. I told him we may as well make my "temporary" trach permanent. Mine is a result of a surgery to remove half my mandible last June rather than my BOT back in 2004. This is just another "gift" of the radiation treatment. Last June before I was discharged from the hospital, they removed my first trach. That lasted about two and a half months. When the stoma was almost closed, I started having problems breathing. They had to put the trach back in while I was awake. That was an experience I NEVER want to repeat. Anyhow, on Wednesday, they are going to fit me with a Montgomery trach. I will be very glad to get all this stuff off my neck finally.

    hey George
    glad to hear there is progress. There's a lot to be said for that. Even if it isn't perfect, it still is a step or five in the right direction. Wishing things go well for you. You certainly deserve it.


    Pat
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67

    trach
    Saw my surgical ENT last week. I told him we may as well make my "temporary" trach permanent. Mine is a result of a surgery to remove half my mandible last June rather than my BOT back in 2004. This is just another "gift" of the radiation treatment. Last June before I was discharged from the hospital, they removed my first trach. That lasted about two and a half months. When the stoma was almost closed, I started having problems breathing. They had to put the trach back in while I was awake. That was an experience I NEVER want to repeat. Anyhow, on Wednesday, they are going to fit me with a Montgomery trach. I will be very glad to get all this stuff off my neck finally.

    TRACH
    GEORGE I HAVE OXYGEN TO MY TRACH DO YOU? IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR I GOT FITTED FOR A SPEAKING VALVE THAT CONNECTS TO MY TRACH WITH A MASK AND MY OXYGEN. WHAT IS A MONTGOMERY TRACH I AVE A SIZE 6 TRACH. I STILL HAVE MY VOICE BRIGET
  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore Member Posts: 303

    hey George
    glad to hear there is progress. There's a lot to be said for that. Even if it isn't perfect, it still is a step or five in the right direction. Wishing things go well for you. You certainly deserve it.


    Pat

    Thanks Pat
    I still haven't given up on things totally. Some days are harder as you know too well. I don't think I could handle a second bout like you have. Keep it up.
  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore Member Posts: 303
    bjw1955 said:

    TRACH
    GEORGE I HAVE OXYGEN TO MY TRACH DO YOU? IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR I GOT FITTED FOR A SPEAKING VALVE THAT CONNECTS TO MY TRACH WITH A MASK AND MY OXYGEN. WHAT IS A MONTGOMERY TRACH I AVE A SIZE 6 TRACH. I STILL HAVE MY VOICE BRIGET

    Montgomery trach
    Hi Briget, I did a little search on the net for the Montgomery. It's supposed to be made of a softer silicone material. It sits more flush with your skin and you don't need all the ties and stuff around your neck to hold it in place. I don't need oxygen. My oxygen saturation is always between 98% and 100% so that is not a problem. My trach is a disposable 4. I change the inner cannula once a day. I have to clean it out very, very often due to mucous. Luckily, after 44 years of smoking, I still have a very strong cough and do not need to be suctioned. It's aggravating though to get the inner piece all cleaned out and end up having to take it back out a couple minutes later because the mucous has built up again. Some days I can get some words out and others no matter how hard I try, I can't. It's a result of the surgery I had on my jawbone last June. Eventually, I hope it will get better. Have to wait and see.
  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570
    TRACH
    Hey bjw, I have had a trach since last June when a tumor at the entrance of my trachea was removed, along with my larnyx. Thank you very much radiation treatment, the gift that just keeps on giving. I'm still in the process of accepting this last kick in the solar plexis which has, thus far, left me speechless, and no longer able to persue surfing and scuba diving which were my passions. However, this too shall pass, and I will find other outlets, but it is a lot to handle. I guess everyone is affected differently, although never positively, when one has to have a trachestomy, yet it sure beats the alternative. Best of luck with your adjustment.

    PATRICK
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67
    patricke said:

    TRACH
    Hey bjw, I have had a trach since last June when a tumor at the entrance of my trachea was removed, along with my larnyx. Thank you very much radiation treatment, the gift that just keeps on giving. I'm still in the process of accepting this last kick in the solar plexis which has, thus far, left me speechless, and no longer able to persue surfing and scuba diving which were my passions. However, this too shall pass, and I will find other outlets, but it is a lot to handle. I guess everyone is affected differently, although never positively, when one has to have a trachestomy, yet it sure beats the alternative. Best of luck with your adjustment.

    PATRICK

    Trach

    Dear Patrick, I know its no fun when your left with a trach from our cancer we got. I use to be very active .Biggest thing I miss is driving my car and going to yard sales this time of year. My small pleasure this spring is I will be able to eat my strawberries out of my berry patch. The end of May last year I just got home from the rehab nursing home and my throat was still sore after 38 rads and 6 chemo and I couldn't eat food that had acid and that is one thing I can do this year.Hope you have a bright day. God Bless Briget
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67

    Montgomery trach
    Hi Briget, I did a little search on the net for the Montgomery. It's supposed to be made of a softer silicone material. It sits more flush with your skin and you don't need all the ties and stuff around your neck to hold it in place. I don't need oxygen. My oxygen saturation is always between 98% and 100% so that is not a problem. My trach is a disposable 4. I change the inner cannula once a day. I have to clean it out very, very often due to mucous. Luckily, after 44 years of smoking, I still have a very strong cough and do not need to be suctioned. It's aggravating though to get the inner piece all cleaned out and end up having to take it back out a couple minutes later because the mucous has built up again. Some days I can get some words out and others no matter how hard I try, I can't. It's a result of the surgery I had on my jawbone last June. Eventually, I hope it will get better. Have to wait and see.

    Trach

    Dear George T went to my ENT onocologist and got my trach changed to a Shilly cuffless yesterday.it always hurts to have my trach changed but the next time I get it changed it won't hurt as bad.Wishing you a awesome day. God Bless Briget in WV
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67

    Montgomery trach
    Hi Briget, I did a little search on the net for the Montgomery. It's supposed to be made of a softer silicone material. It sits more flush with your skin and you don't need all the ties and stuff around your neck to hold it in place. I don't need oxygen. My oxygen saturation is always between 98% and 100% so that is not a problem. My trach is a disposable 4. I change the inner cannula once a day. I have to clean it out very, very often due to mucous. Luckily, after 44 years of smoking, I still have a very strong cough and do not need to be suctioned. It's aggravating though to get the inner piece all cleaned out and end up having to take it back out a couple minutes later because the mucous has built up again. Some days I can get some words out and others no matter how hard I try, I can't. It's a result of the surgery I had on my jawbone last June. Eventually, I hope it will get better. Have to wait and see.

    Trach

    Dear George T went to my ENT onocologist and got my trach changed to a Shilly cuffless yesterday.it always hurts to have my trach changed but the next time I get it changed it won't hurt as bad.Wishing you a awesome day. God Bless Briget in WV
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67

    Prayers going your way bjw....
    that you get your laser surgery, and are able to get rid of your trach...so many miracles out there in this modern world....the first one is how the body itself tends to it's wounds...

    p

    Trach

    I went yesterday and got my Trach changed. I guess I have excepted it I'm still have my hope. My ENT oncologist said that its going to take time. Hope your having a great day. God Bless Briget in WV
  • bjw1955
    bjw1955 Member Posts: 67
    fisrpotpe said:

    lifer
    i have had my trach now for almost 4 years do to radiation damage. prior to that i did not know i had oxygen problem, when i got it i could feel right away the relief of more air to lungs. there is good and their is bad too it. i really like the good.

    john

    Trach

    Dear John, Thats the reason I have my trach and it was obstructing my airway. M tumor was a golf ball size on top of my voice box.After a year of I thought I would ever talk again and then this past March I got fitted for a speaking valve and I still have my voice. I'm very thankful for that. I hope something has brighten your day. God Bless. Briget in WV
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    bjw1955 said:

    Trach

    Dear Patrick, I know its no fun when your left with a trach from our cancer we got. I use to be very active .Biggest thing I miss is driving my car and going to yard sales this time of year. My small pleasure this spring is I will be able to eat my strawberries out of my berry patch. The end of May last year I just got home from the rehab nursing home and my throat was still sore after 38 rads and 6 chemo and I couldn't eat food that had acid and that is one thing I can do this year.Hope you have a bright day. God Bless Briget

    good for you, Briget
    Briget, you are sooo right in saying that things DO get better even if we can't see it at the time we are going thru the toughest battles of our lives. See what you have to look forward to with your berries... I too would not have believed a year ago that I would come out the other side and be doing OK all things considered. One year ago tomorrow was just my last day of rads, and I never thought I would even be able to drink water again. And you have such a good attitude that has served you well. Keep it up and one day I hope you may give up the trach.
  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore Member Posts: 303
    Ingrid K said:

    good for you, Briget
    Briget, you are sooo right in saying that things DO get better even if we can't see it at the time we are going thru the toughest battles of our lives. See what you have to look forward to with your berries... I too would not have believed a year ago that I would come out the other side and be doing OK all things considered. One year ago tomorrow was just my last day of rads, and I never thought I would even be able to drink water again. And you have such a good attitude that has served you well. Keep it up and one day I hope you may give up the trach.

    Hi Briget
    They changed you to what I have had for close to a year. Currently, I have a Shiley 4 cuffless. It has a disposable inner cannula that I change every day. Sometimes I have to clear it of mucous every 10 minutes. I found out Wednesday when I was fitted for the Montgomery that it does not curve and go down my throat like the Shiley does. The Montgomery is more or less straight and it sort of fits flush to the inside of your windpipe. It doesn't need the strap around your neck to hold it from popping out. It has to be ordered so when it comes in and they install it in me, I'll let you know how it feels.