BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009

Subject: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 09:52 AM

As some of you may know, Curmudgeon (Tom Hall) has been voiceless -- both speaking and singing -- since the end of May. His doctor had been treating it as an allergy problem -- and at least part of it may be just that. His doctor's office really dragged their feet, though, at getting him in to see a nose & throat guy, which he was finally able to do two weeks ago. He found a lesion on Tom's vocal cord, though doesn't seem to be inordinantly concerned about it. Tom is scheduled to have outpatient surgery tomorrow to biopsy and probably remove the lesion.

I've taken a vacation day, so will deliver him to the hospital, wait during the surgery, etc. and will bring him home later in the day. Then comes the hard part -- he can't so much as utter a word for three days. (I've got to check with his doctor -- I think that means 3 complete days following the day of surgery; Tom thinks it means 72 hours from when he comes out of surgery.)

He says he's not worried, but the strain of his voiceless summer is showing on him. He desperately misses the ability to TALK to friends, not to mention not being able to sing.

His surgeon (whom friends in the local medical community say is "the best") is optimistic that he'll have a voice before the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival the last full weekend in September.

We'd appreciate some of the famous Mudcat healing energy focussed in this direction!

Thanks!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:15 AM

I will give you a call tonight, Linn. This is a three day weekend. If you can use some help. just speak up - you, not Tom.

Tom has been on my healing radar for a while now. We will all hold our brath and wait less than patiently.
Much love,
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:15 AM

Breath not brath.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:20 AM

Hold your brath, too, Mary. Both of them. You don't want to give Tom any ideas while he is under the Spell of Silence.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:34 AM

Alas, I work in retail. I'm taking tomorrow as a vacation day and I actually have Saturday off because it's my regular day off. I HAVE to work Sunday -- a) because it would put my co-worker into overtime and that's Not Allowed, and, b) if I took the day -- even as a vacation day -- I wouldn't get paid for the Monday holiday. (My co-worker has to work Monday -- I worked last year and I worked the Memorial Day holiday as well as Sunday of that weekend.)

It's almost impossible to have two days off in a row -- but this weekend I'll have 3 out of 4 days off!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Neil D
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 11:02 AM

Positive thoughts from this direction.
                            Christina and Neil

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 11:11 AM

Good luck Tom & you too Linn

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 11:18 AM

Thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 11:36 AM

We'll be thinking of you both. Here's to a good resolution to the problem.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 01:47 PM

I'll be thinking of you both.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 01:51 PM

Would all you folks Out East knock this off? First it's Kendall and now it's Curmudgeon. I can only conjure up an infinite amount of get well wishes, you know.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 01:55 PM

Maybe I should resurrect the Where's Micca thread as well.
I think it is safe to say that Kendall is more concerned and sympathetic than just about anyone besides Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 02:00 PM

Lots of positive thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 02:07 PM

((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Tig xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 02:23 PM

little choo choo, coming through to remind Curmudgeon to

     ___    ___    ___    ___  | |_   | |_   | |_   | |_   | |_    
    (_-<   (_-<   (_-<   (_-<  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \   
    /__/_  /__/_  /__/_  /__/_ |_||_| |_||_| |_||_| |_||_| |_||_|  
  _|"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""| 
  "`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-' 

         




best wishes from Tamara

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 02:30 PM

thoughts and prayers from my end also

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 04:20 PM

Linn and Tom-

We're so pleased that there's now a medical strategy being implemented. We've been very worried since May.

Hoping for the best!

Let us know if there is anything else we might do.

Charley Noble and JudyB

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: bfdk
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:13 PM

Best of luck from here, too.

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:24 PM

All the best, Tom.

Are you and Kendall starting a club, or something?

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: ranger1
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:26 PM

Hugs to you both, and good thoughts for Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Micca
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 06:33 PM

Best wishes to my 2 best friends in Portsmouth NH (and Jeri) a candle is lit and my thoughts are with you both.
Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 06:53 PM

I am here for you, giving thanks for the best outcome.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: ClaireBear
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 07:02 PM

Sending support and healing light to both of you. Tell Tom if he eants to yell, he's welcome to use all caps for the next three days.

Affectionately, Claire (who's already sent enough hugs through Facebook -- wouldn't want to embarrass Tom, after all)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: kendall
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 07:18 PM

Yes, Seamus; Tom and I are forming a duet called "The Hoarse Brothers".

Seriously, Tom you have my deepest sympathies. Losing my voice is the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bobert
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 07:54 PM

Yo, C-mud...

Don't listen to Kendall...

(Listen, Boberdz???)

You know what I mean... Just get the lesian off yer back and you'll be back to c-muddin' in no time, ya hear???

Okay, I take back that part about Kenadll... You can read his stuff 'cuase it don't come thru as too horsey on the innernet... Maybe a little horsey... Okay, some nights very horsey...

B;~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: maeve
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 08:12 PM

Thinking of you both, Tom and Linn.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 01:15 AM

Wait a minute here.....Are you sure it needs removed surgically? AS I recall you went with the porcine valve and now the ghost of that pig has crapped on your vocal cords! Maybe all you need is a little Spic and Span.   Check with your doctor........and the janitor.

In any case, I'm thinking about you.....especially if you have pig shit on your vocal cords......YUCH!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 01:50 AM

best wished

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: georgeward
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 01:58 AM

Been there, done that and lucked out. May Tom do the same. One more Mudcatter here pulling for him...for you both.

- George

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 06:31 AM

'Spaw -- "wire brush and Dettol!"

Just about ready to head to the hospital.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 08:47 AM

Good luck both!

Kendall... what about a Trio? Nah, if let me join, you'd have to rename it The Hoarseshit...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Tinker
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:33 AM

SEnding you on your way with healing light, fair winds and blessings all around.

(Oh and a few really good hugs for Linn to get through the next few days...)

tinker

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:35 AM

Good thoughts from Maine right now and for the next few days. We know how this goes.......

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:51 AM

Beat it, Tom. Just beat it.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:53 AM

I thought I posted here last night but I guess it didn't take or I forgot to hit 'submit message'. I spoke to Tom last evening and he was really looking past the surgery to when he has his voice back and had a plan to keep quiet for three days. Anybody who knows Tom and Linn knows that he can do that. ;-x

HEAL!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 10:15 AM

Lots of positive thoughts from here too!
Hil x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 01:30 PM

He must be home by now...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 01:37 PM

Depends, SINS.... sometimes, the sched skids... could be any kind of delay. When I had my first cord biopsy, the 11AM surgery time ended up being 3:30PM because of one traffic accident.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 02:25 PM

I know, gnu. But here in the states they do surgery in hospitals not on freeways. Things are different in Canada. At least that's what we're being told by the anti-socialists.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 02:31 PM

Just got home from the hospital a bit ago and stowed the groceries. Tom and I made lunch together -- he made the toast and I made the scrambled eggs with cream cheese. His throat is a little sore after the procedure so soft food is planned -- he's making fish pie tonight.

It actually went pretty much by schedule, though with a lot of waiting scheduled in. 7:30 to the hospital. 9:00 surgery. I think it was about 9:30 or so that the surgeon met me in the conference room and about a half hour after that, they let me into the room assigned to him. (Before he actually got there.) They turned us loose about noon or 12:30, I think.

Anywho, cut to the chase. It's cancer of the vocal cord -- Dr. O'Day said he knew the minute he got in there and looked at it, well before the biopsy report was done. Tom's already set up with appointments for chemo and radiation and won't be seeing Dr. O'Day for a couple weeks.

But Dr. O'Day was pretty upbeat and says Tom should come through this healthy and with a voice -- it may be a bit lower than it was, but it should be okay.

I'll let you know more when we know more. He's already getting frustrated trying to communicate. He can't talk at all for three days and his handwriting (not great to start out with) is very very difficult to read right now. I think it's worse than usual because he's a bit dragged out and drugged out from the anesthesia, etc.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 02:41 PM

PErsonally, I still think its pigshit but I understand that radiation and chemo will get rid of that too so I feel pretty good about the whole thing. Plus, a lower voice sounds far more curmudgeonly so there's that side benefit as well!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 02:55 PM

Hang in there youse guys... as Red Green says, "I'm pullin for ya. We're all in this together." And there's a lotta Mudcatters pullin for youse.

Again, thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Nancy King
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 03:20 PM

Not the best news, to be sure! But there's lots of positive Mudcat energy flowing your way! Hoping all goes well --

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 03:25 PM

Best wishes Tom and Linn!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 03:49 PM

Fact is, it is quite managable nowadays. A very high percentage of even "bad" cases can be looked after with a speaking voice returned. Singing voice, well, usually some limited range can be attained, but, one step at a time, eh?

Tom... I'd say chin up, but I've been there and sometimes, that hurts!

I like the orange and grape popsicles best... cleaned out the post surgery ward in less than a day when I had the last slice and dice! Had to get my buddy to go get more for me and all my new friends. >;-)

Just saw in the grocery adverts, Superstore has 2 litre ice cream on this week for $2.79... I shall stock up. Screw popsicles!

More thoughts and prayers.

Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 04:04 PM

I guess I will be the first to say it - THIS SUCKS! Rest for now, Tom.
Much love.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 04:06 PM

F**k!

Kendall will be posting or PMing.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 04:07 PM

Double damn. PM to follow

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 06:49 PM

I wish doctors would realize that when you're speaking with them right after a biopsy procedure, you might not yet be right up to speed on the particular flavor cancer. Tom didn't ask and I didn't volunteer any info when I finally got to see him after the surgery. He was still pretty groggy. Just before Tom was set to come home, I asked the nurse at the desk for verification of some key words so I could get some general information online when I got home. She led me away from the desk saying, "Let's talk over here" -- and led me back in to Tom's room where she jumped right in about vocal cord cancer.

It was the first Tom had actually HEARD of it or the results of the biopsy. (The doctor had spoken to me before the biopsy -- but he said he knew as soon as he saw it that it was squamous cell carcinoma.)

Anywho, now I've got questions -- and so does Tom -- and it's a holiday weekend and we can't quiz his doctors, etc. until Tuesday. I'm even sort of guessing at specifics, because nothing was actually spelled out. I THINK it's relatively early glottal (true cord) (not supraglottal or the rare subglottal) squamous cell cancer -- but nobody's actually called it by name.

Arghhhh! And he's still got the chest congestion and cough -- how is THAT affecting his healing from the biopsy? Is it encouraging scar tissue -- that's why he's under orders not to TALK for three days.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Surgery 9-4-2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 07:03 PM

Linn... that sucks. BUT, fact is, until you can get the answers, conjecture or anything else is OUT. OUT!!! Just be assured that things will be the best they can be.

In the mean time, do the best youse can do... love each other... that is all that matters, now, and in the future.