In 1980 I was a graduate student extern at a VA hospital as part of my training to become a speech-language pathologist. It was a fantastic experience.

One day a week there was a group of laryngectomee guys who would come in for a group session. I was never in charge of the session, but all the students sat in and got to ask questions and stuff. I was kind of strangely charmed by the guys- crusty old, cancer survivors who'd seen and done more than I'd ever dreamed about, and they got a kick out of all of the sweet young students.

But whenever any of them would cough, and gag, and spit mucus out of his stoma, I could supress a gag reflex, and had to leave the room a few times.

They were nice, and told me I didn't have to leave in order to puke...but still, I work with kids.