here is a picture of dr ryu, my oncologist, me, and dr seok, a surgical intern i think (he likes to examine stitching in various places).
dr ryu was talking with me this morning. he said to peter, “he talks.” he was refering to the fact that if i cover my tracheotomy hole i can make these breathy poorly articulated phrases.
in answer to his observation i said, breathy but understandable, “한국말도” [korean too].
dr ryu grinned broadly. “youre going to be just fine.”
Hey Jared,
Last night Mark and Amy stayed at my house overnight on a trip to visit Martin in Madison. Mark and Amy and Sarah and I read your most recent posts together and drank a toast to your recovery! Glad to hear that your surgery was successful and that your recovery is proceeding apace. Apropos your tracheotomy hole, Amy told a hilarious story about her worst patient ever. This guy was already in the hospital for some other reason when a friend snuck in some chewing tabacco for him, which he promptly aspirated, requiring an emergency tracheotomy. After many days during which he couldn’t talk at all–a blessing to all his nurses because he did nothing but complain and swear at them–Amy was on duty when it was time to show him how to cover his tracheotomy hole and speak. The first thing he said after weeks of silence was a prolonged “F*** youuuuu!” to Amy. We were glad to read that your first words to your doctor were more cheerful, and in Korean, no less. It was great to see the picture of you smiling with doctors Ryu and Suh. Keep up the good work and we are all wishing you a speedy recovery!
Much love from Bob, Sarah, Mark, and Amy