Tips for Dealing with a Laryngectomy for Head & Neck Cancer Patients

People who have been treated for cancer of the mouth, tongue, or neck experience changes in very important activities, the most important being communication. Below are some of the common communications issues that come up for head and neck cancer patients, and possible solutions, that may help you deal with them.

No, it's not a flashlight.

If you use an electrolarynx, you'll get questions about it from all sorts of people, from your granddaughter to the security personnel at your local airport. If

at all possible, respond to the request for clarification of "What is that thing" by calmly explaining that you have had treatment for head and neck cancer, what the electrolarynx is, what it does and doesn't do, and how important it is to you. Use paper and pencil if needed to illustrate what communication is like without it.

I can stick my tongue out but I can't say Ahhhhhh

You'd think medical personnel would be familiar with the results of a Laryngectomy. But doctors and nurses often will say the thing they say a thousand times, while the other parts of their minds know that you can't comply! If you have had a full Laryngectomy and are now a "neck breather," you're going to hear some strange requests from people.

Remind your health care team members of your situation: what you can and can not do, the specifics of your equipment, how you talk, etc. You can't assume that they know, and you must be your own advocate. This is also true of emergency medical personnel if at any time you receive emergency care. An emergency bracelet that explains your situation is a good idea. "I am a neck breather" is information that might save your life.

Laughing and crying sounds the same.

For some people with head and neck cancer who have surgery to the larynx, laughing and crying sound the same. This can be disconcerting to people around you who can't tell from just the sound. This is a common result of laryngectomy, and it is not unique to you! You can explain that you're laughing or crying so that the person who cares about you knows how to react.

Okay, the stoma is not very attractive.

Some attention to your personal appearance will help people react more normally to you. Even though it may be hot out, mock turtlenecks or shirts that button to the neck can cover the stoma naturally while protecting against dust or other lung irritants. Also, clothing or a neck scarf can help keep a cough or sneeze from spraying out.

When I'm angry, I pound on the table!

If the kind of treatment for your head and neck cancer changed how you communicate, then you have discovered that expressing strong feelings verbally can be harder now. This can increase your frustration, especially if you're angry. It is hard to express anger under the best of circumstances. Angry gestures might scare those around you. When you're calmer, it might help to explain that you can no longer shout, and you are not going to hit anybody, you just need to make some noise!