The good news is that, after 4 months of speech and language therapy, 5 weeks off work and loads and loads of exercises, I am now allowed to sing 8 mid range notes - no words, just the vowel sounds. At this rate I will be able to sing again by the summer, as long as I am careful. So, do what the doctor or therapist says, take your time and if you need to rest your voice, do so. It's better not to sing for a few months than never to sing again at all.