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Debra B. and Andy A. live in Texas and have been together for more than 17 years. She and Andy enjoyed a wonderful life together — going out to eat, singing karaoke, and having family over to their house. They also smoked cigarettes together.

After decades of smoking, Andy was diagnosed with smoking-related throat cancer at age 46. His journey through treatment and recovery was complex, and Debra became Andy’s primary caregiver. Debra supported him through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and multiple surgeries.

As Andy’s primary caregiver, Debra took responsibility for providing for his needs. She coordinates his many medical and physical therapy appointments, manages their household, and takes care of their finances. Andy sometimes has difficulty communicating, so he relies on Debra to help him communicate.

Before Andy got sick, Debra owned her own business. She had to close her business to focus on taking care of him. Debra loves Andy, yet this major life change has been difficult. The more she cared for Andy, the more Debra realized she needed to take better care of herself. So, she quit smoking for good with the help of nicotine gum.

Debra thinks about the things they have lost because of Andy’s smoking-related disease. She misses going out to their favorite Mexican restaurant. She misses the sound of Andy’s voice. She and Andy are sad their grandson has never heard Andy’s real voice.

“I hope sharing our story helps encourage others to quit smoking,” Debra says.

Debra B.’s Biography

Debra B. and Andy A. live in Texas and have been together for more than 17 years. She and Andy enjoyed a wonderful life together — going out to eat, singing karaoke, and having family over to their house. They also smoked cigarettes together.

After decades of smoking, Andy was diagnosed with smoking-related throat cancer. His journey through treatment and recovery was complex, and Debra became Andy’s primary caregiver. Debra supported him through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and multiple surgeries.

As Andy’s primary caregiver, Debra took responsibility for providing for his needs – making his meals, helping him dress, and managing and administering his medications. She coordinates his many medical and physical therapy appointments and makes sure that he gets there. She also manages their household and takes care of their finances.

Andy now breathes through a stoma (a surgically created opening) in his throat. He speaks with the help of an electrolarynx, a medical device placed on the neck that makes vibrations to create an electronic voice. Andy relies on Debra to help him communicate when people have difficulty understanding his voice from his electrolarynx.

Before Andy got sick, Debra owned her own business. She had to close the business to focus on taking care of him. Debra loves Andy, yet this major life change has been difficult. “Our entire life is different than what I thought it was going to be. We do the best we can, but every day is hard.”

Debra smoked a few cigarettes a week, even after Andy quit, because she thought smoking could help her cope with her stress. The more she cared for Andy, the more Debra realized she needed to take better care of herself. So, she quit smoking for good with the help of nicotine gum.

She and Andy rely on their family, friends, and church community for support. She is grateful for their continued help, especially through all the difficult moments she and Andy face. Still, Debra thinks about the things they have lost because of Andy’s smoking-related disease. She misses going out to their favorite Mexican restaurant. She misses the sound of Andy’s voice.

“I hope sharing our story helps encourage others to quit smoking,” Debra says.

More About Debra B.