Patients who regained lost capability to talk celebrates Independence Day by Singing National Anthem
Larynx cancer in few patients requires removal of total larynx (voice box) and renders them speechless and disabled. Due to recent technological advancements and therapies, it is now possible to bring certain solace to these patients thus enabling them to lead near normal life.
With an intent of bringing the laryngectomy patients into the mainstream and help them to lead an independent, confident and constructive life with self esteem a Self help group for the laryngectomy patients was started in team lead by Dr Chandra Sekhar Rao, Sr Consultant, Head & Neck division of Surgical Oncology Department of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and research institute.
As part of the program, Patients facing the problem has been identified and were invited to be part of this endeavor. A team consisting of Onco-Surgeons, Speech Therapists, Physicians and other technologists has provided required guidance and set of protocols that needs to be followed and practiced. Depending upon the requirement, they were further suggested to take assitance of few devises that can be beneficial in bringing back their voice.
As this entire process requires a strong support from family and friends, they were also roped in to be part of the self help group of these patients along with medical, non medical staff. After undergoing several sessions that involves them to follow various procedures and exercises, we are happy to notice that most of these patients are leading a satisfied life with many of them resuming routine activities including occupational and family responsibilities. It is also observed that in due course of activity not only patients, their caregivers (family members, friends) immensely benefited from this endeavor.
As team started growing in numbers, old patients were involved as volunteers in the group thus allowing them to guide the new patients through the trauma of cancer detection and treatment.
In order to build confidence and to create further awareness on the benefits of the program, the survivors could not find a better occasion than the Independence Day to showcase their triumph over the disability of speech by performing the national anthem.
It is not easy for larynx cancer survivors to sing, but the patriotic fervor instilled the grit and determination in them to accomplish this feat. Probably, this is the first time in India that so many laryngectomy survivors are singing in unison along with the nation celebrating the occasion of Independence Day and making it memorable. More than 50 patients from different parts of the country are participating in this unique program.
A practice session was held today in the premises of the hospital in which these patients have practiced national anthem. Further the doctors advised them certain precautions that these patients need to be taken.
Interacting with media, the patients expressed hapiness in participating such a unique program on Independence Day. They are confident that they can sing along with others like any other individual. They thanked the doctors of the hospital, who are helping them to regain normal life that was an illusion after loosing their larynx that removed their ability to speak.
Speaking on this occasion Dr Chandra Sekhar Rao, Senior Consultant, Head & Neck wing of Surgical Oncology Department, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute has explained that the program has been visualized mainly to showcase that through sheer hard work that one can over come any disability and also to give confidence to the people who are forced to remain silent due to loss of their larynx. He urged those suffering with such disability to take queue from the others thus enabling them also to lead life. He also appealed to community to take such activity at various places so that more number of patients can benefit and assured that the team BIACH&RI is ready to extend all possible help in doing so.
The practice session was attended by Dr TS Rao, Medical Director, BIACH&RI; Dr Kalpana Raghunath, Medical Superientendent, BIACH&RI; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Rao, Sr Consultant Surgeon, Head & Neck Surgical Wing, BIACH&RI; Dr. Hemant, Dr Jonathan, Dr Rukmangal of Head & Neck Surgical Wing of BIACH&RI along with patients, patient family members and others.