"Free at last. God almighty, free at last!" were Walt Crowley's inspirational- though written- words after 18 days at Virginia Mason recuperating from cancer of the larynx (voicebox) and a Feb. 9 larynectomy.
He's now ensconced in his home at Phinney Ridge, doing well- he's even had a beer.
But he's still totally mute.
"I should be able to start learning how to use the talking dildo when my throat heals in a month or so." (The 'talking dildo' is what he calls the vibrating electrolarynx that will eventually give him voice.)
"I’m working here at home. I hope to feel strong enough to drive and start venturing out next week."
Walt had the unique experience of getting as near as anybody still breathing gets to attending their own funeral- the night before his voice removal surgery, His wife Marie and a core of close friends threw a "Walt's Famous Last Words" party packing their house with people who love Walt and included Seattle media and politicos who span Walt's 40 years in Seattle public life.
Walt gives an- er- shoutout to thank BlatherWatch readers for their big and affectionate response: "It's rare when lefties are nice to lefties," he said.
Walt's lively historical Website, HistoryLink.org, which has become an invaluable resource to so many, was manned by volunteers and trustees of the non-profit during his absence.
His illness came at a time of growth and increased energy for the groundbreaking and nationally emulated historical site. (check out the cool picture of the Aurora Bridge as it was dedicated 75 years ago this week).
The cancer is gone, but Crowley's operation and recovery were complicated by a post-op infection and slow healing because of tissue damage from his radiation therapy.
He'll start hyperbaric treatment Thursday at Virginia Mason, which he describes thus: "This entails sitting in a giant diving bell (like a space station pod) for 2 hours day over the next month breathing pressurized oxygen to accelerate growth of blood supply to tissues damaged by radiation. Good time to get in some reading. "
Welcome home Walt and a speedy recovery; I'm sure you will not miss a beat...even w/out your voice you'd probably still defeat John Carlson in debate!
Posted by: Duffman | February 28, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Thanks for this, Bla'M....Walt will always be the voice of Seattle. Take good care of him....
Posted by: Fremont | February 28, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Best wishes to Walt Crowley. That cancer is a real beast and your brave fight is inspiring. AND I love your website. Very cool.
Posted by: Pugetsound | February 28, 2007 at 07:43 PM