Hello Joseph,

Thank you for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. I would recommend you submit your resume to our Resume Review Service for a better sense of how to articulate what you need. We have a section on our website called Exploring Your Options that may help to spark some ideas and approaches to work, post-surgery.

Additionally, the Job Accommodation Network (www.askjan.org) could be a great resource for you to identify any reasonable accommodations that may work in your situation. There will certainly be a good deal of adjustment for you, so I'd recommend you connect with a supportive organization that can help walk you through some things to expect and maybe share some approaches to work that have worked for them. A quick google search brough up www.WebWhispers.org which sounds to be the largest support group for individual laryngectomee survivors. There is also www.laryngectomy.info that has a great deal of information and guidance on what to expect and how to handle the changes. 

While I can't say exactly what your career will look like, I can say that I don't think it is over. You may have to step back from certain responsibilities, but if you want to keep working, you can get creative about solutions to some of the obstacles.

If you would like to speak further, please feel free to send an email to cancerandcareers@cew.org. 

Warm regards,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers