Head and neck cancer is a story of failed interactions and isolation.
Communicating without a tongue, a broken jaw and limited mouth movement means conversation becomes fraught. Words do not come out in the way you want them to and speaking becomes hard work because articulation is physically challenging. My voice is weak and my words are sometimes unclear. I can always tell when someone hasn’t understood me - there’s often a confused glance, an awkward smile, a polite nod. I have to ration language now and choose words carefully. I plan ahead for situations most people enter without a second thought. But conversation is usually spontaneous, and that’s where I struggle most. Getting the words out is difficult, even though my head is still full of ideas, observations, humour and fluency.
And that’s the thing: in my mind, I am still fully fluent. I can hear myself speaking like I used to - with power, punch and wit. The voice inside my head has not changed but head and neck cancer pushes you to the edges of interaction - a lot of the time it is easier not to speak at all, not because I have nothing say but because saying it has become stressful and immensely frustrating. Please continue to support me at https://t.co/BiMh6IMlWH
Happy 30th birthday, @KyleHerbert2! Your mom and I are so proud of the wonderful and kind person you are and the beautiful life you have created with Michelle! We love you very much and wish you the very best on your special day!
Thank you for making the trek from Florida to Iowa @JonGordon11, especially on the coldest night of the year! As always, I really enjoyed your message!
Google cooked so hard. Not gonna lie, this feels like the future is here.
Now develop Google Glasses with enough battery power, a good chip, and a look like Ray-Bans, and you'll have an instant hit. 100%.
Happy Veterans Day to all those who sacrificed for our country, including @TH___3, @KyleHerbert2, and our many other family members who served. Thank you and god bless. - with @ShariHerbert
@ShariHerbert and I enjoyed a wonderful week with friends in @KeystoneMtn! Did my best to capture the amazing natural beauty of Colorado in this short video.
Happy birthday @ShariHerbert! We are excited to celebrate you on your special day! Thanks for being a remarkable wife, mom, aunt, sister and friend. We are blessed to have you in our lives and thankful for your kind and giving heart!
Today is a major milestone as @ShariHerbert and I celebrate our 35-year wedding anniversary. I am incredibly blessed to be married to such a kind and giving person who is as beautiful on the inside and she is on the outside. Thank you for your unconditional love, grace & support!
@keithmurphy My deepest condolences, Keith. He sounds like an amazing person and an even better friend. Prayers to you and all those who knew and loved Bryce.
How to be a better critical thinker:
1. Be 10% more skeptical of people you agree with—and 10% more charitable to people you disagree with
2. Look for flaws in ideas you like—and strengths in arguments you dislike
3. Learn from sources that engage with competing ideas
Congratulations to the @DSMpartnership team on another fantastic Annual Dinner last night. Always one of my favorite events of the year. Thanks to Dan Heath for his phenomenal keynote and taking time to sign his new book!
Time flies…34 years and it feels like yesterday! Happy anniversary, @ShariHerbert ! Thank you for always loving me and for being the kindest person I know! I love you.