Obligatory post on 2nd year anniversary...

[Tod]

...of the end of surgery.

If the rule of thumb I heard once is true (that for every hour of general anesthesia you need one month of recovery), after 32 hours of surgery for the removal of 90% of the tumor, three separate laryngoplasties under a general (we'll that 4 hours), I still have another 12 months to go for full recovery.

So, apart from lingering effects from 28 days of FSR completed last week (still some stomach upset and now some minor headaches), life is pretty darn good. There is very little I can't do as normally before. I still have some synkesis and a collapsed nostril, but my voice is better and better. I can sing a short bit, and even modulate my voice.

Again, life is good. Darn good.

-Tod

[spgreenfield]

Good for you Tod!  It's those whining like me that need to hear from you!  About the singing....can you sing in large groups and hear your own voice?  I'm only 1 month post surgery and tried on Sunday to sing in church but wasn't sure I was hearing my own voice or where it was....I used to love to sing but now I'm not so sure.....does the BAHA help at all?

Pam

[Tod]

Pam, give yourself plenty of time to heal. One month post is a very short time. In my case, I had a paralyzed vocal cord and could hardly speak above a whisper. Fortunately, the audiences I had to speak to as part of my job were very understanding and patient as it was months before I could count beyond seven without stopping for breath. Now though, I am gaining volume and modulation. Also, and maybe this is an unforeseen gift, I am much more aware of when I am off-key. (Definitely a good thing.)

I think the BAHA does help with hearing my own voice. I think.

If you are in church, singing, at one month post, I have no doubt you are going to be just fine. Just be good to yourself and be patient.

-tod

[jaylogs]

Tod, you are definitely an inspiration to all those who have issues post-op...to go through all that you have gone through and still say life is good is just awesome.  Congrats on the 2nd! May the coming year be better for you!
Jay

[leapyrtwins]

Congratulations, Tod.

You've been through a lot.

Jan

[Suu]

  G'day Tod - Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary.  Have loved reading your posts since coming here Oct 16th 2010.

I have a vocal cord that isn't working after the surgery last week (12/7) and my doc is going to have another look in May. I'm hoping like crazy that it switches itself back on before then.  I miss singing along to the radio of CD but I do it just as well in my head and have probably saved many a person telling me to shhhhhh LOL

I think I'll throw a cyber party here for my 2nd anniversary on the 18th August and everyone will be invited!

Bye for now and well done mate.

Cheers, Suu xxoo

[Chances3]

Congrats Tod,

You have been inspiration to me many times.

God Bless you man !