Jones Otolaryngology
Dr. Roger Jones
1602 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25705
Phone 555-3030

March 1, 1997

Jennifer Hatfield
Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center
Huntington, WV 25701

Dear Jennifer Hatfield

RE: Barbara Smith
Date of Birth 9-23-50

This letter introduces Barbara Smith. She has been under my care since January of 1997. Barbara is 47 years old, lives alone, and is the owner of a small busines. Ms. Smith was referred to me by Dr. Eve Russell, her medical doctor. She complained of hoarseness, ear pain, and was coughing up blood (The Voice Center, n.d.).

A laryngoscopy was performed immediately and revealed a cancerous mass. Because a large amount of the larynx is involved, a total laryngectomy has been ordered for April 1, 1997.

Ms. Smith is being referred to you for counseling before and after the laryngectomy and speech therapy following the procedure. Barbara has been told that she has laryngeal cancer that will require a total laryngectomy. Barbara is concerned about her quality of life after the laryngectomy. She has many questions about communication methods after the procedure, the laryngectomy in general, and going back to work after the procedure (Mathieson, Stam, & Scott, 1990). She also has concerns about trying to communicate in emergency situations, since she does live alone.

After your consultation with Ms. Smith and the development of a therapy plan, please provide me with the following information: planned method of communication after the procedure and therapy goals.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger Jones