Welcome To StillTalking.org

After Laryngectomy surgery a person is confronted with a whole new way of life, no matter how much everything may seem to remain the same. Laryngectomees may become antisocial from experiencing difficulty in talking in group situations, in a noisy environment or where they feel they are breaking the flow of conversations through their difficulty with speaking. A Laryngectomee support group is the ideal place to practice socialising. Other Laryngectomees and their family and friends will be able to relate to any problems and provide a comfortable environment which encourages communication.

In addition, a Laryngectomee support group is the best place for a new Laryngectomee to receive information, exchange ideas and discuss problems with people who have been through the whole Laryngectomy experience. Hospital professionals give general advice and information immediately before and after a Laryngectomy to a person in a fairly traumatic situation and a lot can go in one ear and out the other. Also, ongoing problems may not become apparent until months after the operation and any associated radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The Laryngectomee support group, possibly more importantly, is the place where spouses can meet other spouses of Laryngectomees to share frustrations and personal experiences that might seem like difficulties that only they, in all the world, are confronted with.

Our Association attempts to reach as many patients who undergo a Laryngectomy in New South Wales as possible, in order to let them know that support groups exist, their aims, purpose, when and where they meet along with contact numbers. Then, obviously, it is up to the new laryngectomee to make the effort to attend their most accessible support group to find out what benefits it can offer them and hopefully they can give their input in helping others who become Laryngectomees after them.

DON'T FORGET ONE OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS WILL BE YOUR SPEECH PATHOLOGIST!

Ten monthly newsletters are distributed by mail and/or email to members each year.
Back issues of LANSW newsletters 'Still Talking' are available here on the website as a resource for laryngectomees, carers and support groups and can be browsed or searched using keywords or phases for many helpful and informative articles. Our archives also contain a number of informative articles. Items no longer current are here.
Back Issues of "The New Voice", Newsletter of the Laryngectomee Association of Victoria Inc. have also been made available.

"Lorrance then explained to our newcomers that the first part of our meeting was run like an open forum in order to encourage people to talk about what they may be going through following their surgery and recovery, their problems and concerns their successes that worked for them. Any topics that are subsequently arise will generally be a guide for content of future newsletters where relevant."

"Lorrance commented that there was a lot of wisdom mixed up with the chatter in this part of the meeting. He emphasized to our new members not to be frightened to ask questions. You may not always get an answer straight away, and it may not be a professional medical text book response either. In fact laryngectomees through their own personal experiences have sometimes found quite simple ways of fixing problems using plain commonsense. Lorrance said we are not mind readers unless you speak up and tell us about an issue you may be facing we can’t offer you help, so again, please don’t be frighten to speak up."

" annual subs from those who pay them (30% to 40% actually do pay their subs),"

"In regard to the New Laryngectomee Bag Presentation Pack Project initiated by Lorrance, we have put 50 odd bags in circulation via the hospital system in the past two and half years. We are trying to make these bags available to all new laryngectomees to help them. "

Some observations:    Show

Robert Manne with Geraldine Doogue on ABC/RN Saturday Extra Saturday 24th March

La Trobe's Emeritus professor of politics, Robert Manne had his larynx removed after throat cancer. But that's not keeping him from contributing to the national discourse. After having his larynx removed, Professor of politics, Robert Manne believed his contribution in public discussions about the nation and international affairs, was over. He was contented though with continuing his writing. Robert is the author of several books, with the latest On Borrowed Time, and is a regular contributor to The Monthly and The Guardian and has written three Quarterly Essays. But, Robert is back in the public domain talking to Geraldine Doogue about finding his voice again and the current Australian political situation.
Link to ABC/RN or simply play below.

Dr Itzhak Brook has announced the publication of "The Laryngectomee Guide Expanded Edition”. The 254 pages Expanded Guide is an updated and expanded version of the earlier 2013 edition. It contains twice more information on all topics, and also describes newer devices and products available for laryngectomees. The Expanded Edition of the Guide can assist laryngectomees and their medical providers by providing information about side effects of radiation and chemotherapy; methods of speaking; airway, stoma, and voice prosthesis care; eating and swallowing; medical, dental and psychological concerns; respiration; anesthesia; and travel. It is available in paperback and eBook versions.
The eBook is available for Free reading and download at https://goo.gl/gecLgq
A paperback version can be obtained at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1976852390
A Kindle version can be obtained at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078X283B8

I’ve always wondered: why is the flu virus so much worse than the common cold virus? "The Conversation" September 21, 2017 11.05am AEST
Since my laryngectomy in 2010, I haven't had a cold but I succumbed to the recent flu epidemic. An article in "The Conversation" contains an explanation. As a lary, I no longer breathe air through the upper respiratory tract so the viruses responsible for colds don't get easy access to the tissues lining the upper respiratory tract
Typically, rhinovirus binds to a receptor on the surface of cells in the nose and sinuses.(ie upper respiratory tract)
The flu virus can infect both the upper and lower respiratory tract, which in part explains its ability to cause severe disease.