SGK RỐI LOẠN TOAN KIỀM ĐHYHN RẤT HAY VÀ ĐẶC SẮC.pdf
The Voice of PLC (June - July, 2011)
1. The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)
A Charitable Support Group for Plymouth Cancer Laryngectomees
The Voice of PLC
June - July 2011
Address: c/o 80 Warleigh Avenue, PLYMOUTH, PL2 1DH, Devon, UK
Mobile: 07745819828 (text only) Email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://plymouthlc.webs.com
FOREWORD BY THE SECRETARY GREETINGS!
Written by Geoffrey N. Read
Dear Friends & Supporters!
We had a very successful Club Meeting in June with four
guests in attendance; three from the Speak Easy Club in
Cornwall and one of the Vice-presidents from the National
Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) who had
travelled down from Sunderland.
I’ve lost my voice for a while and am awaiting yet another
M ANY Happy Returns to Mr. Peter STOCK for his
th
Birthday on Friday, 24 June 2011. Peter is a new
Member of PLC. Welcome Peter and Happy Birthday!
dilation prior to having a new valve fitted. I can hear you
cheering from here...I’m not deaf you know! But no
eating, drinking or talking for ten weeks or so is beginning
to become a nuisance!
H APPY Birthday to Martin FISHER for his birthday on
th
Saturday, 25 June 1011. All the best Martin!
It was for this reason that I was unable to report
everything at our June 2011 Meeting but I think I’ve
B EST Wishes to the Secretary of PLC, Geoff READ, for
th
his birthday on Sunday, 10 July 2011.
covered most things in this newsletter. If not... then I’m
sure one of you’ll let me know! M ANY Happy Returns to Ms. Rosmarie STEPHENS for
th
her Birthday on Saturday, 16 July 2011. Rosemarie
is a full Member of PLC. Happy Birthday Rosemarie!
Best Wishes
Geoff And finally...
EDITORIAL COMMENT
I NTERNET Links. If you’re reading this on-line and come
across words with blue lettering that are underlined,
then you can click on these links and be taken directly to
another site for more information on that particular topic.
Put your cursor over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl)
H APPY Anniversary to Christine and Jim REID for
th
Sunday, 10 July 2011. Congratulations to you both!
Key and click! Ed.
The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC)
In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support
Registered Charity Number: 273635
Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support
A Member of The Plymouth Third Sector Consortium (PTSC)
Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon,
Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
2. PLC MEETINGS
T HIS is just a reminder that in accordnace with our
Constitution, the Secretary does record and produce
minutes of all meetings held by the PLC. However, these
are not generally distributed and the salient points are
always included in these newsletters. That said, should
any member wish to have sight of any of our minutes
then please contact Geoff.
THE PLC JUNE 2011 MEETING
O UR June 2011 Meeting (pictures on the right) took place
at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center at Derriford
th
Hospital on Monday, 6 June 2011 at 11 a.m. There were 13
individuals in attendance including four guests:
Bert CULLING. Bert is one of the NALC Vice-
presidents who had travelled down from
Sunderland to give a Talk about NALC and its
ongoing Educational Project. Ted presented Bert
with a Thank You Card and a set of Plymouth
Lapel Badges as a small token from PLC.
Ron & Rose WILLS, and Val FROST. Ron is Chair
of the Speak Easy Club in Cornwall. It was a
delight to host these three from over the River
Tamar as our two clubs are beginning to build up
quite a good rapport in trying to help each other.
Val has given Geoff some invaluable information
regarding Goody Bags... a project whereby new
Laryngectommes receive a bag of useful goodies.
The Speak Easy Club had recently donated £100
The above photographs are all by courtesy of Ron WILLS,
to the PLC to help the Club with its postage costs.
Chair of the Speak Easy Club from Cornwall. Taken either
This was extremely welcome and Ted passed on
at the Mustard Tree or at the Jack Rabbit afterwards.
the thanks of all members of PLC.
Thank you, Ron!
Geoff and Jean hosted all four at the Jack Rabbit Inn You can view the slide show at: Photobucket.com
afterwards. Other members were too busy to attend!
C OMMITTEE Meetings. We are well overdue a meeting
but this is because Geoff is currently unable to talk!
Hopefully Geoff will recover his voice soon as a lot of items
have had to be shelved! The more items that the
Commitee can resolve means less time spent on them at
our normal monthly Club Meetings!
F UNDING. PLC has been fortunate in receiving a grant
from MacMillan Cancer Support and a donation from the
Speak Easy Club. However, we need to firm up our spending
C OMMITTEE Member. Organising our meetings and
social events is taking up more and more of Geoff’s time
and he does have other commitments! Members agreed
policy and assess whether our Club needs to bid for further
funding. Does any Member have any suggestions on how we
should be using our funds or do you have any suggestions for
therefore that the Committee should have a fourth member: why we need further funds? Please speak to Geoff!
An Entertainments Member to organise the Club’s social
diary. Although Members were in favour not one
volunteered! Interested? Then do please contact Geoff!
F UNDRAISING for Macmillan Cancer Support. Geoff
was in the process of setting up meetings with South &
West of England Macmillan Involvement Coordinator and
E XETER Head & Neck Cancer Support Group. Geoff is in
contact with Mac M. who’s setting up a new support
club at Exeter and it was thought that it might be a good
the North Devon, Plymouth & Tamar Valley Fundraising
Office of Macmillan Cancer Support at Launceston to
ascertain how best PLC can best get involved with
idea if our two clubs became affiliated. However, our Macmillan. Unfortunately Geoff’s voice has let him down
discussions have had to be postponed until such time as and discussion will continue just as soon as the miracle
Geoff has regained his voice... soon we hope! workers restore it!
Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
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3. M ACMILLAN Grant. A question was raised at the
May 2011 Meeting asking what restrictions had
been placed on the expenditure of the Macmillan Grant
R AFFLE. £11.50 was raised on the Raffle. Eileen won
one the first prize and proceeded to win the next prize
but put it back! Bert and Rose also won but both very
and whether the funds were to be considered as kindly donated their prizes to the next month’s raffle!
Restricted or Unrestricted funding. In other words, did Maggie won some chocolates when she was out of the
PLC have any degree of flexibility on how the grant could room! As the winner, Eileen will be running the raffle at
be expended? PLC has since received official advice: the July 2011 Meeting.
We do require groups to spend the grant based on the
breakdown confirmed in the Award Letter.
recognised that circumstances often change
However it is
and there is a
S UBSCRIPTIONS. We took a comparison between the
Speak Easy Club and PLC. Members then agreed at the
May 2010 Meeting that our subscriptions should remain as
procedure for requesting an amendment to the grant they are now until after our AGM in September 2011. Our
breakdown. current subs are:
Joining Fee. A mandatory one-time payment of £5 per
G UEST Speakers. A further question was raised (by a
visitor to our Club) concerning the legality of paying
for gifts or fees to Guest Speakers by PLC from money Monthly.
Member.
A voluntary subscription of £1 per month
awarded by a charitable institution such as Macmillan. per attending Member.
We have since received the following advice:
It’s fine for the group to spend the grant award on speaker THE PLC FORECAST OF EVENTS
fees or a small gift as long as this is what part of the grant
J
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was awarded for. If you were awarded funds for ULY 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 4 July 2011: The
something else and have now decided to attribute these PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree Cancer
funds to speaker fees / gifts, you will need to fill out a Support Centre at 11 a.m. After the meeting there’ll be a
grant amendment request form. Talk by Ulla ROHRBECK from Heimomed UK.
A
st
UGUST 2011 PLC Meeting. Monday, 1 August 2011:
M EMBERSHIP Status. Our current Membership Status
is shown in the table below:
The PLC Club Meeting starts at the Mustard Tree
Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m.. After the meeting
POSTAL EMAIL TOTAL there’ll be a Talk by Miles WILLIAMS from Platon Medical.
Confirmed Members: 9 9 18
S
th
EPTEMBER 2011. Sunday, 4 September 2011: This will
Prospective Members: 2 1 3
be held at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith in Cumbria on
Confirmed Friends: 5 21 26
and will cost £15 per head. A response is needed by Friday,
TOTALS: 16 31 47 th
5 August 2011 so if you wish to attend this function do
please let Geoff know by the time of our July 2010 Meeting.
C ONTACT Details. Of the 16 Members and Friends who
are not on email Geoff has only telephone numbers for
S
th
EPTEMBER 2011. Monday, 5 September 2011: The
four! This makes it difficult if ever we need to get in touch PLC Club Annual General Meeting starts at the Mustard
with them urgently for the cancellation of a meeting for Tree Cancer Support Centre at 11 a.m. followed by Lunch
instance. Geoff sent out a Form with the previous Newsletter at the Jack Rabbit. After the meeting there’ll be a Talk by
for all those Members who are not on line to complete giving Charles HANDLEY from Countrywide Supplies Ltd.
their full contact details... including their telephone numbers.
S
th
Thank you to the one reply received so far! EPTEMBER 2011. Wednesday, 14 September2011:
The Speak Easy Club in Cornwall has made a provisional
R eview of Club Membership. It has been noticed that
several Laryngectomy Clubs throughout the UK have
broadened their membership to include Head & Neck Cancer
booking at Devoran for a soup and sandwich lunch, if the PLC
are able to accept their invitation for a joint meeting. The
Speak Easy Club could arrange to meet anyone coming by
patients rather than just Laryngectomees. We have train or bus at Truro. Geoff will require names of those
ascertained from the Secretary of the National Association of wishing to attend by the time of the July 2011 Meeting.
Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) that this is all perfectly
acceptable to them. Our Members agreed to this in principle
at their April 2011 Meeting. Any actual change would first
need an amendment to our Club’s Constitution and this could
C ALENDAR of Events. A copy of the Club’s Calendar of
Events, including Future Entertainments for the next
12months or so, is available on our Club’s website. Please
be done at our AGM in September 2011. Before considering keep yourselves up-to-date by taking an occasional peek!
further action however it might be prudent to take advice
from our medical specialists. It is hoped to discuss this
matter at our July 2011 Meeting.
C OACH Trip. A trip was proposed at the May 2011
Meeting but there were no suggestions about dates,
themes or destination! Any thoughts? Please contact Geoff!
N OTES Made by the Late Professor David MOREBY.
David was a laryngectomee and a prominent member
of Plymouth society. His notes concerning his illness are
E DEN Project. The consensus at the May 2011 Meeting
was that most Members had already visited the Eden
Project at one time or another but this will be discussed
available for viewing on application to Geoff.
again if anyone shows interest. Just contact Geoff!
Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
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4. J ACK Rabbit Inn. Geoff has cancelled all bookings due to
the lack of support by Club Members.
Julia recently advised us that one of her patients asked her to
let PLC Members know that he received a good deal on his
travel insurance from Barclays Premier Life Travel Insurance.
T ALK on Non-Patients: Partners & Carers. At the May
2011 Meeting it was proposed that it would be good if
our Club could have a talk from non-patients such as partners
The contact telephone number is 0800 158 2267. This
company agreed to include Laryngeal Cancer cover in the
policy.
and / or carers so as to give a different perspective on what
they have had to experience. No decision was made and we
are looking for someone to organise this? Interested? Please AN ARTICLE IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
contact Geoff! By ITZHAK BROOK
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
LARYNGECTOMEE CLUBS (NALC)
M Y TURN: Touched By Another Human's Touch.
A doctor diagnosed with cancer discovers the power
a hug can have on an ailing patient.
A
th
NNUAL General Meeting: Monday, 16 May 2011. Itzhak BROOK is a paediatric infectious disease physician at
Geoff READ represented the PLC at the meeting held Georgetown University.
at The Hallam Conference Centre in London. This picture I was deeply shaken to learn I had hypo-pharyngeal cancer.
shows Geoff (left) meeting other delegates. As a physician, I had access to my
hospital's laboratory results, so I took a
shortcut: Rather than wait for my surgeon
to call me, I looked for my name in my
hospital's pathology laboratory log book.
After my name, the log book stated in no
uncertain terms: "mildly differentiated
squamous cell carcinoma."
I could not believe my eyes. Was this
possible? Could it be a mistake? In spite
of the hopeful questions that permeated my mind, I knew it
was not a mistake: Right here, in front of me, in black and
white... my own death sentence. Still, to be convinced that
the diagnosis was real, I had to view the biopsy specimens
under the microscope myself... and there it was.
In that very instant, my whole world changed. I had always
had a sense of invulnerability. Now I was left with uncertainty
about my prognosis and future.
I was in a state of desperation and disbelief when I left the
Photograph courtesy of Ian HONEYSETT, CLAN Magazine pathology laboratory and walked into my internist's office to
View the slideshow at Photobucket.com. break the news to him. He slowly rose out of his chair without
uttering a word and gave me a big, supportive hug.
A NNUAL Report for 2010. Geoff has one copy of the
Annual Report and if any Member wishes to have sight
of it they should contact Geoff. Surprisingly this wasn’t sent
It felt so good to know that he deeply cared for me beyond
our professional relationship. His embrace moved me... made
me feel that I was surrounded by those who truly appreciated
to us by email nor is it available on the NALC website!
my pain and distress, and who shared my personal tragedy. It
C LAN Magazine. Copies of the June 2011 edition have
been received and issued to PLC Members. If you’re a
PLC Member and you already receive a copy direct from
meant much more at that moment than a thousand words of
support or elaborate explanations.
It was the power of a caring, human touch. I knew that I was
NALC then do please let Geoff know so that he can give not alone in my future struggles, that he would be beside me
your copy to someone else! It’s good to see that our Club all the way.
received a mention here and there! I had never been hugged by a medical caregiver. Nor had I
given a hug to a patient: I always believed in maintaining a
T RAVEL Insurance for Laryngectomees. Good advice can
be obtained from:
professional distance between them and me. Yet at that
moment, I learned there may be situations in medical
The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre leaflet practice where the power of a hug eclipses everything else
The Macmillan Cancer Support Website one can offer.
In the realm of modern medicine, where machines and tests
Important: The companies listed in the above outlets have often substitute for close patient-physician contact, this
been recommended by at least one person with cancer for fundamental art is often forgotten. Even a simple pat on the
giving them a reasonable deal on their travel insurance. shoulder or a warm handshake conveys genuine care and
Inclusion of a company or broker below does not mean that concern.
the or PLC recommends them.
Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
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5. In fact, there is scientific evidence that human touch can
AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
generate oxytocin and endorphins, which ameliorate pain
and create a feeling of well-being.
Unfortunately, I had to undergo a total laryngectomy to have
my cancer removed. The period after my surgery was very
B RITISH Red Cross in Plymouth. Whilst undergoing a
Pre-operation Medical Assessment at Erme Ward the
other day, the Sister-in-Charge asked if I had heard about
physically and emotionally trying, as I battled numerous the Transport Service that the Red Cross offer to in-
medical problems and also struggled to regain my ability to patients in certain circumstances. Apparently, all you have
speak. What eased those difficult months was the knowledge to do is to telephone them on (01752) 788791 and tell
that my otolaryngologist's door was always open to me and them times that you need to be at the hospital for your
that he would act immediately to assist me in any way he operation and they come and pick you up. This apparently
could. His dedication, emotional support, sincere care and also only applies to the Plymouth area. I could find
friendliness helped me overcome many of the difficulties and nothing on the internet about this but will test it out as
problems I encountered. They were indispensable on my soon as I know the date for my next op! Watch this space!
road to recovery. Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
I sometimes went to his office several times a week... often
just to talk with him and tell him how I was doing. I always felt
welcomed. He greeted me with a big smile and hugged me NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
every time I left. This simple act created a bond of intimacy
between us and made me feel that I had a friend. DISCLAIMER
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are
My personal experiences changed my attitude toward my not necessarily those held by the PLC Committee nor its Members.
own patients. I am less concerned now about maintaining a
professional distance or avoiding a caring touch or hug when
appropriate. I have learned that such gestures can
significantly deepen the healing relationship between patient
C th
ITY 'Ahead of the Game' on Healthcare Reforms. This
article was published in the Plymouth Herald on Tuesday,
14 June 2011:
and physician.
PLYMOUTH is already "ahead of the game" on NHS reforms,
As a laryngectomee, I have found that speaking is often
says a city doctor as a report of recommendations was
difficult and challenging. So I am fortunate to have discovered
released.
that the "power of a hug" can convey so much more than the
The Future Forum yesterday unveiled its findings after
spoken word.
carrying out consultations in the progress of the controversial
Itzhak BROOK is the author of the 2010 book "My Voice: A Physician's Health & Social Care Bill which would see the planned
Personal Experience With Throat Cancer."
abolition of primary care trusts (PCT).
He is also a registered Friend of PLC! The wide-ranging report called for a requirement for
More at dribrook.blogspot.com; consortia to consult other health professionals during
contact Brook at ib6@georgetown.edu. commissioning. It also said plans to increase competition in
My Turn is a forum for readers to recount an experience related to the NHS must be scaled back.
health or fitness. Submissions should be 500 words or fewer, are subject In Plymouth, Sentinel... which is run and owned by 44 GP
to editing and condensation and become property of The Times.
practices... was last year chosen as the body to take over the
Email health@latimes.com. Read more at latimes.com/myturn.
city's health budget after the planned abolition of the PCTs.
Dr. John PICKARD, who is the Chair of the local medical
HUMOUR IN MEDICINE committee, said: "Sentinel was started from grass roots GPs
and will emerge as the commissioning group for Plymouth.
T WO Doctors.
Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and
Sentinel's commissioning board is already very inclusive... we
have two consultants and medical directors as well as a chief
decided that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a nurse and a lay member.
practice together to share office space and personnel.
Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist and Dr. Jones was the proctologist; they To read the full article click on this link.
put up a sign reading:
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors".
The town council was livid and insisted they change it.
So, the doctors changed it to read: "Schizoids and Haemorrhoids".
C OUNTRYWIDE Supplies Ltd. Geoff has received a hard
copy of the latest 2011 Product Catalogue listing all
available Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy Prescription
This was also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign.
"Catatonics and High Colonics"; again, no go! Supplies. You can obtain a copy by telephoning 0800-783-
Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives"; 1659 or by visiting www.countrywidesupplies.co.uk/stoma.
thumbs down again. Alternatively contact Geoff.
Then came "Minds and Behinds"; still no good.
Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes";
unacceptable again!
So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts"; not a chance.
"Nuts and Butts"; no way. "Freaks and Cheeks"; still no good.
H OSPITAL Pharmacy Opens. This article was published
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in the Plymouth Herald on Saturday, 4 June 2011.
"Loons and Moons"; forget it. A NEW outpatient pharmacy has opened at Derriford
Almost at their wits end, the docs finally came up with: Hospital. The service is next to the Outpatient Department,
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones - Odds and Ends". formerly the site of the Charity Coffee Shop run by the WRVS,
Everyone loved it!
which is finalising with the hospital a new location on site.
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
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6. The pharmacy, run by Lloydspharmacy, will eventually Free NaturalReader 10.0
provide prescriptions to all patients attending outpatient Microsoft Voice included.
All functions to read aloud any text in your computer.
clinics.
Change speed and speaker.
Gemma TAMBLYN, Senior Pharmacy Technician, said: "It will Mini-board to read any text in other applications.
make the collecting of prescriptions easier for our patients What is NaturalReader?
attending outpatient appointments. NaturalReader is a Text-to-Speech software
"The location on Level-6 was chosen specifically to allow the with natural sounding voices. This easy to use
pharmacy to have external access and for it to be located at software can convert any written text such as
MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into
the heart of the outpatient department." spoken words. NaturalReader can also
The service does not replace the Hospital Pharmacy on Level- convert any written text into audio files such
5, which will still be responsible for dispensing all in-patient as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
and clinical trials prescriptions. What Can NaturalReader do for you?
There will be a phased roll-out for outpatients to collect their Allows students to listen to class notes, text books. etc.
prescription from the new pharmacy. Facilitates education
Avoids eyestrain from too much reading
After full roll-out the Level-5 pharmacy will remain open for Learn English or other languages
the other medications. Make proofreading effective
The new pharmacy is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. And so much more!
but is not available for use by the public for GP prescriptions. For further information please visit: naturalreaders.com
T HE OLDER Persons Voluntary & Community Network
(OPVCN) has been refreshed and is open for membership.
The network covers a range of issues affecting older persons
Welcome to ModelTalker.com!
and the organisations and groups working with older people.
We’ve just released beta version 1.0.0.46! Visit the Project News page
The network meets approximately six times a year with for important information about this minor update and how you can
invited speakers and guests from public and private sector obtain it.
organisations. The network is used for information sharing, The ModelTalker System is a revolutionary speech synthesis software
promoting best practice and updates on the latest changes package designed to benefit people who are losing or who have
already lost their ability to speak. It allows people with Amyotrophic
affecting the sector and services. Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or other conditions to use a synthetic version of
th
The next meeting is taking place on Thursday, 30 June at: their own voice for communication, or to choose a voice best suited to
represent them.
Plymouth Guild, The system uses representative segments of recorded speech (either
Ernest English House, from an individual who is losing the ability to speak or from a person
Buckwell Street chosen by someone who can no longer speak) to create a unique
Plymouth synthetic voice. This synthetic voice is virtually unlimited, meaning it
can be used to express almost anything, including words and phrases
from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. not previously recorded.
The voice "banking" process is guided by the ModelTalker Voice
The main topic for discussion is Mental Health Services for Recorder, our computer-assisted voice recording software. Once this
Older People. It will include changes in service provision for process is finished, an individual will be able to create a synthetic voice
older people and the increasing demand for support in the by uploading their recordings to a voice generation site. The voice,
community. The meeting will also explore concerns over the when combined with our ModelTalker Text-to-Speech system, can then
be used with any communication system that is Speech Application
present services on offer and how those in need can access Programming Interface (SAPI) 5.0 compatible.
them. Representatives from Mental Health Services for older Currently, the complete ModelTalker System is in the early stages of
people have been invited to this meeting to discuss the commercial development and we’re actively seeking beta testers.
needs, gaps and present situation of service provision. For further information please visit: modeltalker.com
There will also be a general update from the members of the
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
network and the work of groups across the city.
If you would like to find out more about the network, attend The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)
the meeting or discuss joining please contact Carole HICKLING is a Charitable Support Group. PLC aims to offer support and care to
at befriendingpcbc@btconnect.com or telephone (01752) the laryngectomees and their carers and families.
221933. For more information please click on this link. PLC also encourages understanding and support by the public.
And, just for those who may not be aware...
Many thanks Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway
PTSC Team from the mouth, nose and oesophagus. The Laryngectomee breaths
through the neck, a stoma. It is done in the cases of laryngeal cancer.
S PEECH Synthesis Software Packages. We all know
what it can be like to lose your voice when you need it
most! As Secretary of the PLC it falls upon me to make verbal
However, many laryngeal cancer cases are now treated only with
radiation and chemotherapy, or other laser procedures, and
Laryngectomy is performed when those treatments fail to conserve the
larynx.
reports about this and that at our monthly meetings so as to
If you’re a Laryngectomee you would be most welcome to come
keep all our Members up-to-date. I recently lost my voice along on your own or with your partner and / or Carer.
and either had to have someone read out my reports or
shelve them for a later date. In future I may use one of the Come join us!
following software packages which are free to download: Our Members and Friends meet on the first Monday of every month.
Do please see our website for further details.
Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
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