Hi Susan,

My dad had tumour on his voice box,  so big he could hardly breathe and collapsed- he had all the signs- losing his voice constantly, but despite the families concerns he convinced us he was fine!! Anyway he had a tracheotomy (hole in his neck) which saved his life , and surgery ( laryngecttomy)to remove tumour and voice box.  So in this short space my dad had to get used to being a ‘neck breather’, couldn’t taste/smell or communicate.

I know all the above seems daunting and scary but 8 years later, my dad is still here!! He’s adjusted and let me tell you, it has not slowed him down. He had a valve surgically implanted which is ‘his voice’ - sounded strange at the time but nobody bats an eyelid now. He is the chairman of allotment gardens, he’ll speak infront of a crowd (sometimes with microphone!) and is very active in the community. Im so proud of him- we all are- and my dad especially is so grateful to still be here, grateful to the surgeons and nurses and so many people who have got him to where he is today.

I wish you and your mum the very best , and I apologise for not wording all the above in a more thoughtful manner. Just when I aw your post I felt like I had to reach out and let you know your not on your own X

Gee