In 1990, Dr. Robert “Bob” Segalman introduced Speech-to-Speech (STS) as a service that would allow individuals with speech difficulties the opportunity to fully participate in telephone conversations.

Many laryngectomees— “Larys”—express confusion or concern about TransEsophageal Prosthesis (TEP). In this article, I discuss the pros and cons of this procedure

Yesterday was a banner day in the world of telephone communications! Earlier this week on a Zoom meeting there was a big discussion on the horror story that is trying to use and be understood on a telephone, especially when computer systems are engaged.

A few days ago, I went with a good friend to a Kintsugi class at a local Art Center. It was described as a workshop of healing and exploration. We have both been trying to get ourselves out of winter funk and try our hands and minds at some new challenges. Both of us are Cancer survivors and while I have a more obvious result of mine, we do struggle not to fixate on our experiences but to more forward with joy and thanks at life.

I’m riding up the lift with several of my 5-to-9- year-old students. One boy asks the question I’ve been expecting: “Coach Len, why do you talk with a speaker?” Another chimes in: “Why does your voice sound funny?” I replied that I no longer have a voice box due to cancer. “Oh,” they said, accepting the explanation. After all, they were there to ski and have fun.