Vickie's trac was plugged for about 5 min today(the nurse supervised the entire time) to see how she could manage breathing through her mouth and nose on her own..she panicked some, but was able to make it through it ok.The goal is to increase the time each day,twice a day until it can be removed all together. We all will be ready to celebrate the day that bothersome (but very necessary) device is removed. Her female speech doctor said she can see some improvement since the last time she saw her,two weeks ago, as well as all of us can.(Pam=Vic's sister)