Coco's story

Coco was born in the Congo in 1980 and moved to Belgium with her parents and three sisters at the age of eleven. She already had some voice problems in the Congo but did not visit the doctor until she came to Belgium. After an unsuccessful antibiotics treatment it was clear that her problem was not a simple angina. On advice she visited an ENT-doctor. After visiting several ENT-doctors she was referred to St. Luc hospital in Brussels. There they found out she had cancer and needed a total laryngectomy.

Of course this came as a big shock, especially at an age of only twelve years.

- At first there was the big why-question and the whole family was in shock, Coco explains. But I had to accept the fact and went through the necessary surgery.

Studied to become a nurse

Only three months after the surgery, her speech language therapist told her she could speak very well and did not need any more therapy. As the surgery was in-between primary and secondary school, and since Coco could speak very well, she could re-integrate into society fairly easily.

Her family gave her all the support she needed and she finished school and finally became a nurse. Having the laryngectomy actually helped her during her studies; she already had a lot of knowledge of anatomy. Now, when she is 28 years old and working as a nurse, her personal experiences help her to deal with patients.

- I know how they feel and that life is not always easy, Coco says. But after you hit rock bottom, life can only get better!

Getting the best out of life

Her family, her faith in God and the fact that she beat the cancer give her a lot of strength. She knows what is important in life and focuses on that: Living a happy life, good health, and her family.

Coco is a very lively person who among other things enjoys music and traveling. During one of her travels around the world she met her boyfriend. He lives in the USA and that is why she has also taken English courses in the U.K. Speaking with her Provox FreeHands* you hardly notice she is not English! Coco is a good example for a lot of people; she is determined to get the best out of life.

*The Provox® FreeHands HME® is a heat and moisture exchanger with an automatic speech valve.

Disclaimer: This story relates to how one individual has experienced the use of the product and not every person will get the same results. The opinions expressed are the personal opinions of that individual. Atos Medical AB does not suggest, imply or make any claims other than those detailed in the product manual. For further product information please see the manual or consult your physician/SLP.