After Laryngeal Cancer: Local Help is Available

Q:  I saw your previous column with the question from the laryngectomy patient. I also had a laryngectomy about 4 years ago. I joined two groups of laryngectomees and have gotten a lot of helpful information from both, plus the nice feeling that I am not the only one with this, and how others dealt with some of the problems we have.

WebWhispers is an on-line group for anyone with access to a computer. The address is www.webwhispers.org and there is a lot of helpful information on the site. You can join for free and get on their e-mail list. You can ask any question about your laryngectomy and many people will answer from their own experience. It is a very caring group --makes you feel not so alone.

There is also a monthly meeting held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Walgreen's Health Initiative building at 1435 No. 113th St. in Wauwatosa, WI from noon to 1:15 PM. We are a group of laryngectomees -- usually led by speech therapists. I believe it is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Quite often we have speakers (I believe Dr. Bruce Campbell spoke once). Other times, we just discuss with the group about our situation and how we have handled problems. We support and help each other. A few of us speak with an electrolarynx, a few with transesophageal puncture (TEP), and a very few with esophageal speech. It's a fairly small group -- usually about 10 or so attending each month.

A:  I do hope the reader who had his larynx (voice box) removed because of cancer and is not able to speak will see your very helpful suggestions for gaining support and information. For more, try the American Cancer Society, and the International Association of Laryngectomees, which lists local larygenctomee clubs and other helpful resources.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.