We all go through stuff. Thank-you for your kind words. Yes, unless the vocal cords (VC's) decide to start moving, they are frozen in place. It is very weird to understand- I do not understand it--that even with the VC's paralyzed, I can talk (when covering trach opening) and thank God can eat/drink. The ENT showed me that if you hold your fingers open like a peace-sign, that is how the VC's look when open. Mine are almost closed, so if you close those two fingers almost totally together, that is how my VC's look. Not only was breathing difficult before the tracheotomy, but mucus from the radiation treatment was also trapped behind the VC's. For almost an entire year I was on antibiotics, hospitalized several times on dangerous steroids/intravenous antibiotics, and up all night long trying to nebulize the mucus out. The mucus being trapped was causing lung infections and general misery. The tracheotomy has been a real lifesaver. Now, the mucus is suctioned right out, and I take the tube out several times per day to clean it out. I am no doctor, but it sounds like maybe his situation will be temporary. I am wishing you both the best. Take care!