The Business and Websites listed below are not endorsements. They are listed to help Laryngectomees find supplies and information.
Selecting links that follow may take you to the website of the Business and Website mentioned:
Archive
Topic #1
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) hosted an online webinar entitled: Moving Forward: The Power of Exercise in Head and Neck Cancer Recovery. This was recorded so you can still watch the webinar.
During our March meeting, Len Black introduced Melissa Cooke MS.CCC-SLP who is the Patient Resource Navigator at the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Melissa shared information on resources available to head and neck cancer survivors through her organization, https://www.headandneck.org/
She, herself, can be reached at Melissa@headandneck.org
Len Black also worked with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) to put together a Webinar last August 19th for Laryngectomees. That wonderful webinar, “Thriving as a Laryngectomee: Finding Joy and Embracing Hobbies” is now available on YouTube!
The first link below is a video, featuring Len as one of three ‘thrivers’ in the aftermath of having had a total laryngectomy. Great Job, Len!!! We so appreciate all the positive energy you bring to the laryngectomee community!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYe0NIvlYng Video
This second link is for the informational slides shared during the webinar.
This third link is to the main page of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) website which is a terrific resource for laryngectomees.
Below are the titles and dates of when they first aired.
1. June 10, 2025 | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT Webinar
Putting Patients First: Navigating Clinical Trials In Head & Neck Cancer
2. MAY 5, 2025 Webinar
Hope & Healing: Addressing Emotional Needs During The Head & Neck Cancer Journey
3. March 25th Webinar
Moving Forward: The Power of Exercise in Head and Neck Cancer Recovery.
4.February 25, 2025
Healing From Within: Managing Fatigue and Sleep Challenges
Topic #2
Tom Olsavicky shared that the September, 2024 newsletter from Web Whispers includes a great article on TEPs. You can access the newsletter with this link:
In a discussion regarding speaking volume, Tom also shared that he periodically will use a voice speech amplifier to increase his voice volume. There are many different kinds available. His device is the Chatter Vox Model 100.
Topic #3
Tony Talmich has been a total laryngectomee since 1990 and uses an electrolarynx and esophageal speech to communicate. He is happy to talk with anyone with regard to suggestions to support communication and maximize voice quality.
Tony has worked successfully with many people in person and in online formats. He can be reached through his
cell phone with a text or a call at
786-246-9668 or through his email:
tony.talmich@gmail.com Tony
prefers folks reach out to him through his
cell phone, by either texting or calling him.
Topic #4
We had a discussion concerning the possibility of extending the life of one’s TEP voice prosthesis. Some members use nystatin, which is a prescription antifungal agent. Another member commented on her use of apple cider vinegar in water. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, your speech and language pathologist (SLP) could help you. As we are not medical professionals, we are not making a recommendation. If you are interested in finding out more, your speech pathologist will be able to help you.
During a discussion with regard to a member’s question about when a laryngectomee is to be hospitalized for an unrelated procedure or surgery involving anesthesia, Chloe Thorburn, SLP shared attachments of diagrams, photos and a sign clarifying the needs of a total neck breather.
For your peace of mind and your well-being, we recommend printing these out and bringing them with you, in the event that the medical personnel are unfamiliar with the needs of a total laryngectomee.
One of the attachments explains the anatomy with a TEP and the other explains the anatomy without a TEP.
Topic #6
We have also discussed the sometimes frustr ating process of getting supplies and where to get those supplies.
Many folks get their supplies directly from Atos Medical.
Tom Olsavicky shared a wonderful compilation of companies where laryngectomee supplies can be found. That list is in the pdf attachment below this message.
Topic #7
A while back, we shared some wonderful informative resources that we had received from Carolyn Hsu MS CCC-SLP of MEEI. We’d like to share two diagrams again for those who may not have seen them. You will need to click on the links and download them to your device.
The “Dual Doctor” diagrams are patient-created handouts for total laryngectomees to bring with them to the hospital if they require surgery or admission for something else, to help the medical staff understand their needs. One of the diagrams explains a laryngectomee’s anatomy including a TEP and voice prosthesis and the other is the laryngectomee’s anatomy without a TEP. While these links are very similar to the attachments, they are not duplicates.
Topic #8
Itzhak Brook MD, a world renowned doctor and author as well as a total laryngectomee, has a blog that addresses all aspects of head and neck cancer and life as a laryngectomee.
https://dribrook.blogspot.com/
Dr. Brook has also written books on the subject.
Itzhak Brook MD has recently announced the publication of the 6th Edition of his Laryngectomee Guide. He has shared the following information:
“I am happy to announce the publication of the 6 th edition of the Expanded Laryngectomee Guide, now spanning 379 pages. This updated and revised edition offers valuable information to assist laryngectomees and their caregivers with a wide range of concerns, including medical, dental, and psychological issues.
The guide includes comprehensive details on head and neck cancer and its surgical treatments, side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, various speaking methods, and care for the airway, stoma, and voice prosthesis. It also addresses eating and swallowing challenges, and provides guidance on respiration, preventive medicine, urgent care, anesthesia, and traveling. Additionally, the guide offers helpful resources specifically for laryngectomees and head and neck cancer patients.”
The E Book is free for download https://bit.ly/3xvA49f
Paperback and Kindle are available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7SHQN4
We also highly recommend Dr. Brook’s book,
My Voice: A Physician’s Personal Experience With Throat Cancer . Dr. Brook, being a physician as well as a total laryngectomee, brings a very interesting perspective to life as a laryngectomee with attention given to the social emotional effects of such a surgery. This can also be found on Amazon.
My Voice: A Physician’s Personal Experience With Throat Cance Topic #9
The International Association of Laryngectomees (The IAL) Website offers a wealth of information pertaining to laryngectomees. When you go to the website, click on the triple bars on the top left to see all of the available resources…Publications, videos, Facebook groups…just to name a few. It’s definitely an amazing compilation of beneficial resources.
website : https://www.theialvoice.org/ This is definitely a helpful resource.
Topic #10
Shower Stoma Covers
Many people are very happy with a small, plastic clip on to cover their stoma while showering.
Topic #11
Ann Marie Truro has shared information with us regarding free publications which she highly recommends, Living Well After Cancer: Cure and Living Well After Cancer: Heal. To subscribe for this free and very worthwhile publication, visit: curetoday.com/heal-subscribe Thank you, Ann Marie…You are a powerful testimony to ‘living well after cancer’ and with cancer…and we are so grateful to you for all the information, the strength and the positivity you bring to our group.
Topic #12
Len Black, who is marked his 5th anniversary as a laryngectomee in March, shared a fantastic article which he wrote for Lary’s Speakeasy Website. Len, who is an avid skier also teaches children how to ski!
Len, thank you for sharing your positive energy with us and for sharing this beautiful article. Carpe Diem, dear Len!
The link is below, as is Len’s contact info.
https://larysspeakeasy.org/ski-more-talk-less/
Len Black
lenblack@yahoo.com
“Make it a great day”
Topic #13
Tom Olsavicky shared information on a group which meets online every Monday afternoon providing support for those learning and using esophageal speech as well as the electrolarynx. Please see below for more information and the link.
From: The International Association of Laryngectormees <jennifer.malkiewicz-theialvoice.org@shared1.ccsend.com>
Subject: Join our ES AL Support Group Live Zoom
For more information contact:
Topic #14
More on Tony Talmich:
Tony Talmich also recently shared a link to another online laryngectomee support group which he enjoys. See the blue link below.
For more information, Tony can be reached at his email, tony.talmich@gmail.com
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81203977867?pwd=K09PUGZyaHUybUZ1YnBkS1JFZ21jZz09
Pass code 764173
Topic 15
Tom Olsavicky also shared a link to a peer support online group which he leads. He holds several meetings regularly and all are welcome to attend! For more information, Tom can be reached at his email, tolsavicky@cox.net
Topic #16
Enhancing Your Sense of Smell
and
Blowing Your Nose
During a discussion on diminished sense of smell, Ron, who joins us from California, shared this video.
Topic #17
In a discussion on keeping active, Ann Marie Turo shared the benefits of Urban Poling. A link for purchase as well as an article outlining 8 Benefits of Urban Poling follows:
A link for purchase
8 Benefits of Urban Poling
Topic #18
David Blevins, who had his laryngectomy 27 years ago, shared some great information at our January meeting. Many years ago, in conjunction with the International Association of Laryngectomees, (the IAL), David co-authored a guide for those new to living as a laryngectomee. First Steps is available as a free download by clicking this link.
David also recommended a book entitledSelf Help for the Laryngectomeeby Edmund Lauder which is available for purchase and/or download from the Lauder Electrolarynx website. Scroll down on the home page to find the book information. This company also provides a number of other helpful resources.
Topic #19
At our January 2025 meeting, Len Black shared the very sad news of the recent passing of Itzhak Brook MD. We had the pleasure and the honor of meeting Dr. Brook in person when he was a guest speaker at one of our meetings at MEEI. He also was our guest speaker at one of our first online Zoom meetings in the spring of 2020. To say he was an extraordinary man is an understatement. Dr. Brook made immense contributions to the laryngectomee community. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
We are including the message Len received from the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance as well as a link to Dr. Brook’s obituary.
Dear Alliance Ambassadors,
It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Alliance Board Member and Ambassador Itzhak Brook, M.D.
For decades, Dr. Brook served as a dedicated advocate and key opinion leader, traveling both nationally and internationally to attend meetings, provide guidance, and champion the head and neck cancer community. His wisdom and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Alliance’s mission and programs, leaving an enduring legacy. Dr. Brook took immense pride in his work and was honored to have positively impacted so many lives.
His contributions extended far beyond his role with the Alliance. Dr. Brook was the author of two invaluable resources for the head and neck cancer community: My Voice: A Physician’s Personal Experience with Throat Cancer and The Laryngectomee Guide. The latter, translated into 29 languages, has become a vital tool for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals worldwide. These works reflect his unwavering commitment to improving lives and empowering those affected by cancer.
You can read more about Dr. Brook’s remarkable life and accomplishments in this
heartfelt obituary prepared by his family. Additional details about his contributions to the Alliance and the head and neck cancer community can be found
here.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Brook for the past eight years. As one of the inaugural Ambassadors, he was always available to provide advice and support, particularly when it came to addressing patient concerns. His generosity, compassion, and dedication will be deeply missed.
Warm regards,
Eileen
Eileen Sexton
Program Director
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
PO Box 21688
Charleston, SC 29413
eileen@headandneck.org
Here is the direct link to Dr. Brook’s obituary.
Topic #20:
Ann and Bob Greene recently shared a children’s book written to assist little ones in acclimating to their loved one’s new voice post surgery.
These sweet books, Papaw’s New Voice and Mamaw’s New Voice are written by Ernest Mills and can be ordered from Luminaud Inc. Email at info@luminaud.com or call 800-255-3408
https://www.luminaud.com/books
Resources for Laryngectomees
The Business and Websites listed below are not endorsements. They are listed to help Laryngectomees find supplies and information.
Selecting links that follow may take you to the website of the Business and Website mentioned:
Laryngectomy Supplies:
Lauder – The ElectroLarynx Company
Atos Medical
InHealth
Bruce Medical Supply
Luminaud Inc
Informational Websites:
WebWhispers
International Association of Laryngectomees
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA)
Dr. Brook’s blog
Video on Regaining Speech After Laryngectomy(You Tube)
Information and Videos For Laryngectomees by Atos Medical
Informational Articles:
Article on Use and Maintenance of Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis in Laryngectomees
Book : The Laryngectomee Guide; Expanded Edtion 6th edition (pdf version)
You may purchase a paperback copy of the book : The Laryngectomee Guide; Expanded Edtion 6th Edition Click here. You will go to another site
Informational Websites on rescue breathing for the laryngectomee:
Dr. Itzhak Brook, a medical doctor and laryngectomee
Dr. Brook’s blog
