BS: More bad news

Subject: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:09 PM

I got some bad news when I did my follow up visit with the throat specialist the other day. A flexible tv scope showed that there is no cancer, but, there is old damage, and, he says I will probably always have bouts of laryngitis from time to time from now on. This means I can no longer accept gigs because I can not count on having a voice when it comes up.Life sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Les from Hull
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:14 PM

That's terrible news, mate. I'm real sorry.

Les

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Morticia
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:16 PM

God Kendall, that sucks big time! I am so sorry and also so grateful that you got stuff down on cd when there was time....lesson for all of us, maybe?

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Mark Clark
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:20 PM

Kendall, that's terrible. Is there anything you can do help manage the bouts such as vitamin mega doses?

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: nutty
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:25 PM

Kendall - this must be really disappointing but please don't give up too soon

Tell me where to go if you think I'm talking out of turn but how about "gig sharing" with someone prepared to do the whole gig if you can't.

There must be any number of young hopefuls waiting in the wings - nurture and support them while they support you.
Also pass on your knowledge through workshops and tutorials

Although they would hate to admit it , the young ones really do need those of us (of more mature years)who have the time to pass on their knowledge

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST,Mary in Boston
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:43 PM

Kendall,

I also had voice damage from an illness (sarcodosis, a lung inflammatory condition) and lost my voice after months of constant coughing. After it was over, I could not sing on pitch and thought for a long time that I was done with music.

The fact that there is no cure for sarcodosis led me to alternative medicine, and I eventually started working with homeopathy. A couple of remedies that I took for another condition - damaged ligaments - helped my voice so much that I'm looking at starting to sing again. (Getting up the courage to go to some of the singer's sessions here in Boston.)

If you would be interested in trying homeopathy, I'll be happy to post the names of the remedies, where to get them, and instructions on how to take them.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:48 PM

So sorry to hear this. Not much else to say except that I do know some of what you're feeling and it's not pleasant. All the best to you, sir.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Hawker
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:51 PM

Thinking of you Kendall, do you play an instrument? perhaps you could develop that aspect?
I can't imagine not singing, I really feel for you! :o(
Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:55 PM

Kendall, I'm also sorry to hear this. Do keep us posted on your plans and activities. I know this is a low point, but there will be other future possibilities that we can't even imagine just now. Hang in there.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:05 PM

I am sorry, too, Kendall, and hope that you can find some alternative treatments and possibilities, but I am damn glad they didn't find any cancer.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:16 PM

Kendall, I am sorry to hear about this. We have a lot of threads and some pretty knowledgeable folks around here with a lot of remedies and things that you can do, homeopathically and otherwise.

Alice has put a lot of work into collecting some of these threads in one place with links. Its in the FAQ and is called "Threads on the Singing Voice." CLICK HERE FOR THREAD

On the other hand, don't take offense here, but you don't have throat cancer. I know you are aggravated, pissed-off, saddened, etc., but it could be one whole helluva' lot worse. For that blessing, I am happy for you.......and I hope you are for yourself.

Check out the threads and check into some of the ideas there and others that may come up here. Sorry to hear, but I'm glad you're gonna' be with us.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:32 PM

I am very sorry to hear about this. I echo Art's sentiments, whole heartedly.

I also must say that for someone who goes by the monicker "nutty", I found his/her post quite profound. One of the wonderful things about music is that there are so many ways to participate. As you seem to be a "man of many parts", I'm sure you will find other ways to share your skills and knowledge.

With wishes for good luck, and with much admiration
Bart

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:42 PM

Kendall,
When I opened this thread, I saw your name and "cancer" and my heart hit the floor. Had to re-read your post twice to recover.
This is terrible news all the same. I'm sorry. Think about some of the advice above. Homeopathic medicine is worth looking into. And I can see you taking Matt in tow and teaching him the ropes...maybe not. Broken furnace, broken guitar, broken throat. You have really had your share. So sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: gnu
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:51 PM

My heart goes out to you Kendall. I'm in almost exactly the same boat from smoking. The difference is that I never could sing worth a darn.

I wish you all the best.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Luke
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:52 PM

I am very sorry for you Kendall. I do not know you personally but I do know the drag of being without a voice. It's like one is not quite alive for a time. I had my tonsils out at a very old age and the Dr told me that if I went to singing on the voice I had that I would pay later in life. When I asked what he meant. He said that my voice would change radically as I aged. Well, that has been my experiance. i have had to change my style a coupla times changeing ranges and what not. Maybe you can do some of the same. A little change in reperatoire can really put a cool spin on the alternative. I have also found that singing alot daily makes the voice stronger and less subject to the winds of outragous fortune. Please forgive me if I'm out of place. I wish you all my best.

Luke

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Amos
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 02:59 PM

Kendall:

Life does indeed suck. But before you reject the "alternative therapies" above advice out of hand you might want to collect some more information about it. From your description what you need is a way to mediate the risk for one particular date at a time. Against laryngitis. It is just possible that there are herbal, or other therapeutic, modalities that could give you the maount of control you needed.

Don't quit looking yet!

A

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 03:18 PM

Ken,

I know what you are talking about, the disaapointment can be awful. But consider this....

I'd drive across the state at the drop of a hat to enjoy an evening of Capt. Kendall Morse, storyteller and raccoontour. An evening being regaled of gales and Americain history and humour in an authentic Down East raspy voice would be setting stage perfectly. I'd also consider it a bonus if he was able to surprise us all with a song now and then.

Regards

Don

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 03:41 PM

Kendall,

My sympathy goes out to you. I truly enjoyed sitting next to you at Barry's house, both your music and your conversation. It is hard to imagine the loss. Recently I pondered (for no known reason) what choice I would make if I had to choose between my music and my wife. My wife came out first (finally), but I knew I would be unhappy camper without my music. It nourishes many parts of my spirit.

In your shoes, I would be trying to think of alternatives. One that comes to mind is to gig at festivals where there are multiple acts contracting for the possibility that you may be unable to perform. Much like the "dual gig" mentioned above, it allows the show to go on even if you are not up to your part.

I wish you the best however this all turns out.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 03:51 PM

You are all just great. I would indeed like to hear about homeopathy. And, I AM thankful that it is not cancer. That would be the last straw. When I was at Old Songs last year I could hardly speak, but, went anyway. This year I will go again, and, if I cant sing..I'll listen. Some of my favorite performers will be there.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: LR Mole
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 04:07 PM

Wisdom writes its own tune, and goes from heart to heart.Hang in.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Bert
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 04:14 PM

Here's hoping that your doctor is being over cautious and that in a short while you'll be able to prove him wrong.

Here's a suggestion which may or may not work for you, but which I would try if I was in your position.

Get closer to the microphone and sing quieter. You'd have to practice some with the change in style. But it's a technique that works for some. Get yourself some recordings of Adam Faith to hear what I'm talking about. He couldn't sing worth a damn, but had a few good hits.

Keep your spirits up, we're all pulling for you.

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 04:16 PM

Lots of good advice above. I don't know that much about homeopathy, but whatever works is worth a try. I especially agree with nutty's and Hawker's suggestions and, by all means, check out Alice's threads. She has done a great service with those, bless her heart!

That's a real tough one, Kendall, and I can definitely empathize. A lifetime of walking with forearm crutches (every step, a push-up) has done in my shoulder joints, and I have range-of-motion problems with my left shoulder. This throws my left hand out of position and makes playing the guitar (one of my stronger suits) extremely difficult. I'm currently checking out smaller guitars or alternate instruments. Bummer! The voice is still okay, though, thank God!

My two-bits worth:-- Don't give up on the voice. In the early Sixties, I was using my voice constantly: giving guitar lessons during the day, teaching guitar classes in the evenings, and singing in clubs and coffeehouses every weekend. One winter I sang over a really bad, long-lasting cold, and afterward, I sounded real husky had trouble staying on pitch. I went to an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with acute chronic laryngitis. He sprayed my throat with something that rendered me unable to talk, and told me not to use my voice at all for six weeks! Not even whisper! At the end of the six weeks, he sent me to a voice teacher who was well acquainted with vocal problems. Over a period of a couple months, the voice teacher brought the voice out again, and taught me a lot about keeping the throat relaxed and using good breath-support and, in general, how to take care of my voice -- including how to keep singing without damaging my voice even when I have a cold. I'd had lots of voice lessons before, but this experience really underlined the importance of treating my voice with respect. I lost a lot of business (lessons, classes, and gigs) over that period, but the end result was well worth it.

I don't know how you feel about this, but I know a lot of folksingers avoid voice teachers like the plague, afraid that they'll make them sound like opera singers. Doesn't work that way. A good voice teacher or voice coach, especially one who knows a lot about vocal problems and how to avoid them, might just be a great help. Check with your doctor on this and see what he thinks.

Don't give up yet. And good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Megan L
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 04:35 PM

Kendall careful old chap or your begining to sound like my beloved boss, he climbs on the ceiling every time he gets some news, it's not a computer we need in the office it's a long handled walpaper scraper, running out of money to redecorate.

Seriously though my mum had an argument with a bus many years ago, her lower leg looked like it had been through a mincer one of the doctors told her she would never walk again, she did, oh there were bad days when the pain of even putting on her shoes was almost unbearable but she never gave up.

You still have a voice, you don't have cancer and you have lots of folk who love you, relax and heal, you will sing again.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: annamill
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 05:15 PM

Kendall, I'm sure your doctor is very reliable, but he is human. Please consider getting a second opinion from another, unrelated doctor. Another doctor may know of a treatment to help you.

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 01:53 AM

Oh dear Kendall ... that is good and bad news that your doctor gave you but please PLEASE read and read again every word that Don Firth has written to you! A (good) vocal coach can help. There are techniques that can save your voice from any furthar damage. Oh how I wish you could come live with me ... I'd take real good care of you and the best coach in the world lives just down the street! All the best Kendall.
Barb

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: alison
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 01:58 AM

oh Kendall I am sorry.... but don't give up until you've checked out all the alternatives......... there are a lot of alternatives therapies out there that might help

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST,Roger the Skiffler
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 04:31 AM

Well, Cap'n you've had lots of medical-type advice. I can only say, don't give up, even if you have to reduce your sessions. And if you really have to give up the live work, get more down on paper and CD.
I'm glad it wasn't more serious, a friend and neighbour has just lost his larynx to cancer and is awaiting an artificial voice box so I can imagine how it felt until you got the all clear.
Best wishes from
RtS(who wishes he could tell really funny stories rather than lame old jokes!)

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: wdyat12
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 04:39 AM

Hang in there Kendall. we are all with you. You can't stop now. Find a way.

wdyat12

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: bbc
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 05:42 AM

Hi, Kendall,

The others have hit most of the high points, but I just want to add my word of sympathy & support. I hope you *will* be able to continue singing, but you are more than just your voice & we value you. I'm, unexpectedly, having surgery next week after 5 weeks of troublesome symptoms & it's making me feel old at 48. The doctor says it's a piece of cake, but it sounds a little scary to me! Anyway, I'm glad I have your music & stories on cd & cassette & I'll have a big hug for you at Old Songs.

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST,Patrish
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 06:47 AM

Sorry to hear your news. You have been given lots of useful advice by people who care. I have no advice but I do care and hope that your voice will safe.
Patrish x

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:35 AM

Barb, thats the best offer I've had in some time! Where do you live? may I bring my dog? BBC, I'll hold you to your promise at Old Songs!

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:57 AM

Ken- Life, indeed, sucks. Like our system of government, though, it beats the hell out of the alternatives. I'll see you at Old Songs (do you prefer dark or light beer?)

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 11:59 AM

kendall,

I'll be good to my promise. If you haven't lost your memory yet ;), my hugs are *at least* as good as they were at Chocolate Church!

best till then,

bbc OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Mrrzy
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 12:16 PM

kendall, my sincere condolences, that bites, truly it does. I hope that amongst all the helpful advice that the more knowledgeable members are sending your way will be something that works for you. Wish I had any to give...

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: bet
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 02:45 PM

Kendall, Glad to hear there was no cancer. Really sorry about the other news. Hope you can find an alternate treatment. bet

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:13 PM

BBC I do well remember the Chocolate Church meeting!

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:20 PM

Dick, I like any kind of beer except American.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 01:48 AM

Kendall ... I live on the gulf Islands in Beautiful BC and of course you can bring your dog ... the more the merrier ... hope your dog likes cats!
LL

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: DougR
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 01:57 AM

Kendall, sorry friend. That is bad news indeed. DougR

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: georgeward
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 03:07 AM

Kendall,

When docs start saying "probably", there's usually room to beat the odds. And there's a tremendous amount of wisdom in so many posts above. If one thing doesn't work, try another. The voice is a complex thing. I wonder if any one person knows everything worthwhile that there is to know about it. For what it is worth (and in this rare case, at least, it is worth something ' cause I've been there) I think you've maybe got a career project, not a career death sentence.

Meanwhile Cap'n, stay hydrated. (And coffee don't count, durn it!) -George ::-.--O

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 09:31 AM

I hate it when people dont have a profile in the resources! I've always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest before they turn the last redwood into plywood. George, I understand that you will be at Old Songs? I'll see you there.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 10:57 AM

Kendall - what George said. The docs make predictions about your future based on what they know. You get a "one size fits most" prognosis.

I'd also bet that, unless docs specializes in voice as it applies to singers, there's a lot they can be unaware of. I agree with annamill about a second opinion. It's possible that although the second doc would see the same damage your current doc sees, they may have more ideas about what to do about it than "live with it." A vocal coach is a good idea as well.

I will see/hear/hug you at Old Songs too!

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 11:47 AM

kendall, you've obviously done some recording, from the comments above. Perhaps you can do some more on 'good days', so that others can still hear and enjoy your voice. I've just lost my voice for a couple of weeks, and know only too well the panic that brings on, so good luck to you- lots of good advice to try.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 07:39 PM

les are you from hull as in Kingston upon in england? dorrie xxx

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 07:40 PM

yeah bad news mate i'm feeling for you

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: DancingMom
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 10:50 PM

How does the saying go, "When a door closes, another one opens"? Don't give up.

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Deckman
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 12:29 AM

Hi Kendall, I don't really know you but I certainly have noticed your reputation on mudcat and I have enjoyed your postings. I really agree with Don Firths posting and I would suggest something. As Don says, a GOOD professional vocal coach might be the answer. I don't know where you live, but I would consider contacting a local theatre group for advice on a good vocal coach. A real pro might help you get through this. Best of luck. CHEERS.... Bob (deckman) Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 12:40 AM

Kendall, I've been playing your CD in the car this week. One story was so funny, I almost had an accident. The health stuff is tough, but I sure hope you find a way to keep singing your songs and telling your stories. Your fans depend on you, ya know.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: bbc
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 08:33 AM

Just another thought, deah--I read something recently that I liked--"Success means that you get up one more time than you fall down." Life does throw some nasty things our way, but just keep getting up, Kendall; your Mainer blood will help, I'm sure!

love,

bbc (hugging in NY) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Subject: RE: BS: More bad news
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 08:41 AM

I saw my good friend Gordon in concert last night. When I first met him over 40 years ago, he wasn't always on key and his range was somewhat limited. Now, after years of work and coaching by a good voice teacher, I am amazed at how far he has come. He is always on key, and, his range has increased from bass to high baritone. He and his wife, Carol, put on a kick ass performance last night. Anyone who has not seen them perform, you dont know what you are missing!