Laryngectomy patient, Margaret, is paying it forward to support other Darling Downs Health patients undergoing this life-changing procedure.
When Margaret learned she needed a laryngectomy to treat her cancer, she was understandably frightened. Still, she recognised it was her best hope for survival.
“They know what they're doing, and I knew what had to happen to get rid of the cancer, and I accepted it. This is what I can do to stay alive.”
Margaret explained the fear and isolation of waking up for the first time post-laryngectomy and how this experience brought her to want to support other patients during this difficult time.
“You feel like you’re the only one, and you’re not”.
Throughout her journey, Margaret was supported by a team of clinicians who helped her navigate the challenges of life after a laryngectomy, including Speech Pathologist Grace Miller.
Grace has worked alongside many patients adjusting to their new way of speaking, breathing and communicating, and understands the challenges that can come with such a life-changing operation.
Grace has worked alongside many patients adjusting to their new way of speaking, breathing and communicating, and understands the challenges that can come with such a life-changing operation.
“Because it's such a life-changing operation, the adjustment post surgery and building a new routine is probably one of the biggest things that I've seen from multiple different patients.”
She describes the importance of a patient’s support network during these adjustments and how Darling Downs Health staff help to provide this support.
“Some people want to meet other patients that have gone through it, some patients find more comfort in their family and familiar faces, but also, we see patients pre and post-operatively, so they do have that familiar face. The doctors are very familiar and are also a great support network.”
With Darling Downs Health offering Laryngectomy surgery in the region, patients can keep their support network nearby and feel that little bit closer to home.
The Laryngectomy Care Packs that Margaret and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation have designed are to help a patient adjust to, as Grace describes, “a new normal life."
The contents of each care pack have been carefully considered, drawing on Margaret's own experiences and the advice of clinicians who support patients through their recovery.
Oral health is an important part of that journey, which is why support from local partners like Toowoomba Dental has helped ensure the packs include practical items patients can use from the very beginning.
The contents of each care pack have been carefully considered, drawing on Margaret's own experiences and the advice of clinicians who support patients through their recovery.
Oral health is an important part of that journey, which is why support from local partners like Toowoomba Dental has helped ensure the packs include practical items patients can use from the very beginning.
Dr Michael Baker and Mrs Chelsea Baker are passionate about giving back to the Toowoomba community and raising awareness for oral cancer.
We are extremely grateful to Toowoomba Dental for their generous donation of dental packs to help support cancer care in the region.
Although Margaret has faced unimaginable hardship battling cancer, her optimism and attitude towards life remain instilled in her. She hopes to bring comfort and shine a light at the end of the tunnel for those undergoing this procedure.
“It's a massive change, but that's cancer. I could have died, but I chose not to. It is a choice; everything in life is a choice.”
The Laryngectomy Care Packs are now being shared with Darling Downs Health facilities.
The Laryngectomy Care Packs are now being shared with Darling Downs Health facilities.
