The experiment with the plugged trach continued today. It was kept closed most of the day. Vickie is still unable to completely relax while trying to breathe in a normal fashion. When she has a bout with congestion she seems to panic a little.
Occasionally she will whisper words, she's still not able to control her breathing enough to speak.
Things are going so well now we've nearly forgotten how dismal the situation appeared just a week ago.