1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Trach stoma not closing.

Posted by karlm @karlm, Apr 23 5:32pm

I had a tracheostomy due to stage four larynx cancer. I completed chemoradiation without surgery. The trach was removed in March 2022 but has not closed. I am not able to swallow anything. I have had a feeding tube since 2021. I am concerned about having a procedure to close the stoma. I am extracting mucous via stoma. If it is closed surgically, I fear lung infections. On the other hand, the speech therapist thinks that not having a hole in my neck would improve my swallowing. Has anyone experienced this?

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Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Apr 23 7:22pm

My trach also did not close. Getting soap and water from the shower was really the edge for me. I had mine stitched closed after three months as it would not heal itself. I also worried about the mucus but that was because of the trach. However my swallowing was pretty good at that point.
I would see what your doctor or oncologist says as each case is unique. Speech therapist probably shouldn’t make that call.
Give this post a few days as others might have opinions as well. I hope it all works out eventually.

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1 reply
karlm | @karlm | Apr 23 8:19pm
In reply to @hrhwilliam "My trach also did not close. Getting soap and water from the shower was really the..." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

My trach also did not close. Getting soap and water from the shower was really the edge for me. I had mine stitched closed after three months as it would not heal itself. I also worried about the mucus but that was because of the trach. However my swallowing was pretty good at that point.
I would see what your doctor or oncologist says as each case is unique. Speech therapist probably shouldn’t make that call.
Give this post a few days as others might have opinions as well. I hope it all works out eventually.

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Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it. My ENT thinks it’s time for the procedure. But when I had asked about the mucus, he said it may go to the lungs but it should come out of the mouth. He is not sure if swallowing will improve.

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