Since I first posted this question, I have set a date for getting a trach - next Wednesday. Thanks, @colleenyoung, for your queries. I have been living around thyroid cancer for 17 years now. I had a temporary trach in 2005, for about six weeks after a tracheal resection, and have had a dread of it ever since. However, my wonderful doctors are alarmed by the narrow aperture they see when they scope me, between the one long-frozen vocal cord and the one that works. I have some symptoms of low oxygen intake, even though I am pretty active for a 72-year old grandmother. Getting a tracheostomy now is a measure to prevent prevent breathing emergencies. I hope to keep on being able to ride my e-bike, take walks, and help my daughter in her garden. Thank you, @jeffk and @thomason and others for sharing your experiences.