Kendall's good news, bad news

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 20 Sep 02 - 02:00 AM

Kendall, everyone has his or her own cure; Kat, Mick, Rick made fine suggestions. I swear by crystallized ginger for my throat problems. But I'm not going to recommend it to you, because it cuts thru and clears up phlegm and mucus, and I think you need all the mucus you can get to protect the vocal cords. Patience, young man. Do as McGrath suggests: shut the hell up and start writing down those great stories of yours. There's another book in there, and by the time it's written your voice will be well enough to put it on Books on Tape. All my very best.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: MAG
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 11:31 PM

And keep your throat wrapped.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 01:54 PM

I don't have any good advice, Kendall, except rest and keep your spirits up (and your voice down). Just remember that lots of people find George C. Scott very appealing, so maybe there's a lover out there for you. No comments on the Elmer Fudd thing.

See you at the Getaway!

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 12:45 PM

I saw this thread and thought the worst, what with the heading, so I was quite relieved when I read it. As people have said, three and a half months seems an age, but it's not long, when you think of it. I srained a finger and it took that long to get back to being able to use it properly, and it wasn't perfect even then; and I had an ankle the same.

It's a drag though I'm sure. Could you maybe fill in ther time writing down some of the stories?

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 12:20 PM

Hi Kendall. I know of Mick's product (as do a number of singers) and it works! It may not do a hundred percent, but it should be a reasonable improvement.

Hang tough guy.

Rick (also having had an "interesting" summer!)

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 12:13 PM

Hey, kendall,

I can see how you might feel discouraged & impatient. Just a reminder, though, those of us who have come to know you value you regardless of the present or future quality of your voice. You are spiffy, in & of yourself! Hang in there, friend! I'm saving hugs for Get-Away or NOMAD, whenever I see you first!

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: gnu
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 07:06 AM

I like the sound of Big Mick's remedy, as long as none of the ingrediants are "numbing". Other than that, warm liquids (no acidic fruit juices) and time. As far as tea goes, if you feel worse within an hour of drinking tea, it may be due to the caffine. Try a decaffinated brand. Soup broth is good, especially at the end of a meal. And, my favourite, whiskey, water and honey. Of course, this rememdy combines numbness with the urge to sing, which can really hurt, even if you don't sing.

As long as the checkups are negative.... at risk.... hang in there bud.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 06:58 AM

I'm 68, and, I feel like I don't have any time at all to piss away. Thanks, Mick, I'll try anything. A nurse I know suggested I have my lover put her hand on my throat and think healing loving thoughts.Problem is, I don't have one!

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 01:53 AM

Oh Kendall, it's so hard waiting for these things to heal isn't it... but be patient... it IS healing.

Maybe you should try a vet - he told me 2 weeks ago that the cat I broke won't heal properly for 5-6 months.... and that was just torn ligaments!

Keep on doing what you have been doing, and take care dear.

Liz XX

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 01:22 AM

Kendall, I would like to recommend a product to you. It is called "Clear Voice". Because I play in pubs where there is smoke, festivals where one sings for 3 days at a time, my voice gets pretty scratchy and irritated. This product contains Tylophora, Osha root, Aloe Vera root, Marjoram, Maca Root, purified water and glycerin. Two shots to the back of the throat, and then another of the same dose about an hour later, and it lubes the ole pipes pretty well. I have used it to very good effect several times It runs about $12.00 per bottle (US). I will bring you a bottle to the Getaway. There are about 80 doses (two shots) per bottle.

Works very well for me.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 11:44 PM

Aloe vera juice might be helpful and I find it quite tasty, plus it's just good all round for your bod. If you don't like the taste of it, you can mix it with juice or water. I like it best when it is very chilled, even over ice. When you think of it, aloe put on an outer burn is downright miraculous in its healing attributes.

If I remember rightly, slippery elm (have to look it up first, though!) is another good, esp. for the throat, BUT I think Sandy has it right, just plain rest and no whispering because that's harder on them than speaking.

Try to take five minutes of every hour throughout the day to sit still and quiet, letting all thoughts flow out of your mind. It's easier for our body to heal when we are still and not constantly barraging it with thoughts, questions, fears, anger, doubts, regrets etc. If you can do that for a few minutes as often as possible throughout the day, it will help. And, if you happen to fall alseep while doing so, don't struggle to stay awake...it will be a deep and healing sleep, the best kind!

Sorry, but I think we must invoke the "P" word, Kendalldarlin'....Patience!:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 11:29 PM

Hey, Kendall, I had knee surgery in July, and the surgeon said that by 6 weeks I should be all healed. I wondered why my leg still feels like spaghetti with a headache, so I asked my best friend who also happens to be an orthopedist (a spine specialist) and he said it could take 6 months before my knee feels like it's normal again. Just to be sure, I asked the same question of one of the orthopods at my new hospital (where they all make rounds wearing camouflage fatigues and combat boots!), and the Colonel said, sure, 6 months for minor orthopedic surgery and 12-18 months for major. So I know a bit of what you're going through, buddy. Hang in there. Acupuncture sounds like a good idea, and so do Amos' suggestions. And I don't think there's any way of knowing if you would have been better off having had surgery (with its attendant risks)...so there's probably not much point in dwelling on the question. Be of good cheer.

Aloha,
Mark

P.S., You might want to see if Joe can move these last few posts into another thread. The old stuff has nostalgic interest, to be sure, but after a few dozen "Hang in there, Kendall!"s some might give up.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 11:21 PM

Hi Kendall...don't have any specific info, but 3-1/2 mo. doesn't seem like a very long time in view of what your poor vocal chords have had to go thru. Think of other serious burns, wounds, etc. Healing, especially when no longer a kid, can take an unconscionably long time. Hang in there, think positive and try to be patient.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 10:19 PM

Rotten news, Kendall. I wish I could suggest some miracle substance, but I can't. Amos may be steering you in the right direction. Complete rest would probably be a good idea, hard though it might be to enforce. I'm still hoping we can swap a few songs at Nomad this October. You have about six weeks to get well. Hop to it!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 10:07 PM

I started an acupuncture series last week.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Amos
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 10:06 PM

Sure you are. I would be too under the circumstances. I would consult a good naturalist and see if there are teas or herbal compounds which will speed the lubrication and healing process. At theveyr least it will be better than doing nothing!

A

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 09:58 PM

Well folks, it's been 3 and 1/2 months since the radiation treatments were finished, and I still sound like George C. Scott imitating Elmer Fudd. Had a follow up exam today, and I get the same story: Red, inflamed vocal cords, caused by the radiation. He says this kind of treatment always results in great damage to the cells by reducing their ability to heal. There is also a dryness due to the killing of mucous membranes on the vocal cords. He doesn't think 3 and 1/2 months is a long time for this. Now, tell you what, If I had known it would be this much hassle, I might well have gone with surgery. What say, folks? many of you have had some experience with this, or you know someone who has. Am I being impatient?

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:25 PM

Wishing you all the best, Kendall. Hang in there.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: CapriUni
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:09 PM

I found a chuckle for Kendall (and all of us) here.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,Joan
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:04 PM

You've actually been in my thoughts, Ken, after pushing the contents of your last e-mail to one side. Just spoke to Kathy on the phone who is armed with the best of medical info for you. Think happy thoughts--there are lots of caring folks cheering you on!

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 08:27 PM

Just my luck to sign onto a sinking ship! If gwi screws me over, I'll go elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:34 PM

Still waiting and still keeping everything crossed...*BG*

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:48 PM

Hell, InOBU probably sounds better than he did before!

Get better for us, and then get stuck into yoiur namesake, the Kendall Mint Cake, which is meant for you people who have to climb mountains (as recommended on this page about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: DougR
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:27 PM

Mark: Thanks for the explantion. That makes sense to me.

DougR

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Cappuccino
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:22 PM

Still watching out from England. All the best, mate.

- Ian B

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 04:09 PM

Awww, Cap'n; We just ditched GWI! they were pretty good to begin with and were OK for several years, but the past few months we have been getting reularly disconnected in the middle of posting to Mudcat, sending E-mail etc., and their Tech Support could take hours to return a call for help. They kept blaming the phone Co. (Verison) who in turn kept blaming GWI... in the meantime slow opening of web pages turned into a crawl or lockup; many just "timed out" and became inaccessable.

We've held off going cable for a long time, since I'm chronicly suspicious of anything with "AOL" associated with it. But the PUC seems to have assigned monopoly feifdoms to the cable Lords, and we just happen to live in the exclusive Shire of Time-Warner/AOL "RoadRunner".

At last having had as much as we could take from GWI, bit the bullet and hooked up to cable; E-Dress now and so far it's working pretty good. I hope you have better luck with GWI than we had!

We've another friend - in his 40's - going in to Portland Monday to have a foot or so of colon removed and the ends sewn back together, as there seems to be some cancerous activity going on in there... so both of you will be on the old Prayer Roster for a while, if ye don't mind.

May a tough old salt of a Sea-Angel stand watch over ye, Captain, and help ye hang tight ter th' riggin'!

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 03:47 PM

Still waiting for the biopsy. The more time they take, the better it sounds. Seems like thry would get right on it if it were cancer.

BTW I have a new e mail addy: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: MMario
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 01:34 PM

goes without saying.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: jeffp
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 01:17 PM

Still praying and hoping for the best. Hang in there, Cap'n!

jeffp

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From:
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:51 PM

Dear Sinsull and Kendall---

You're in our prayers. Good luck.

V

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: CapriUni
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:46 PM

Peter --

True. But are they wimps?

To put a little music into this thread:

Much of my time spent growing up meant lots of time going back and forth to doctors and apointments with physical therapists.

Mother and I would get through it by singing a lusty duet in the car (both coming and going), singing:

"Clowns to the left of us,
Jokers to the right!
Here I am, stuck in the middle with y-o-o-ou!"

Kendell, sounds like you got clowns and jokers on all sides yourself... but take heart. You also have lots of people in the middle!

Count me, in too!

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Midchuck
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:33 PM

Sharon, some of the best doctors I know are ball-less.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:32 PM

Prayer chain is on board, Sinsull.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: SharonA
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:11 PM

So... shall we all send letters of complaint to the hospital? ("Dear Dr. No-Bedside-Manner: People around the world think you're a ball-less wimp. Sincerely...") *evil G*

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: KathWestra
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 11:39 AM

Sinsull and Kendall -- just sent you both PMs. Pls. check soonest. Thanks, Sinsull, for taking care of our buddy. Kendall, you know I'm with you in spirit. Love, Kathy

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 11:28 AM

Thanks, Sins!!S ure am glad you are there!

Lots of healing light focussed in his throat area from Wyoming.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: gnu
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 11:14 AM

Sins... Just sent you another PM. Please check it out at your earliest convenience. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:59 AM

Hi guys. Sorry I wasn't a font of information but getting the Captain home and settled was first priority. His daughter arrived and there was no way to send an email.

First - I will never forgive that wimp of a doctor for lacking the balls to tell Kendall himself. It was like telling a child that his dog had died. But Kendall decided that there was a reason for this and it would all turn out for the best - after he castrated the doctor. "He was awake and lucid after the surgery. There was no excuse for not telling him" - that came from the nurse in charge.
For the record, Captain Morse has not lost his sense of humor and took great glee in following me around a supermarket (we had to pick up a prescription) clapping his hands for attention like some arrogant sultan. I WILL GET EVEN! People , especially women, watched in wonder as I jumped to attention at my master's summons.
Thursday I flew to NYC for the closing - I no longer own a home in NY - and back in the evening. When I called from the airport Kendall's line was busy - not part of the plan. I took a cab to his place to find his daughter and son-in-law also worried about why his line was busy. He was sitting in front of the TV oblivious to the grey hairs he was creating. Turned out his ISP service ended at noon. His phone line was connected to the computer - no service. Sigh! I am too old for this.
Today he should get the biopsy results. Believe it or not, cancer would not be the worst case scenario. It could be stopped and shrunk with radiation.
So...I hope all of you will join me in focusing healing thoughts on Kendall's vocal chords. For those of you who doubt the efficacy of prayer in whatever form, do it anyway - it can't hurt.
SINS

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: technission
Date: 01 Mar 02 - 12:38 AM

Damn, dude - hang in there. If other medication doesn't conflict with it, try my mother's old-tyme recipe for easing the throat: mix a little lemon juice with a dollop of warm honey, stir that into 3 oz. bourbon, take internally.

good luck to ya. If you ever come to medical center in Houston I can chauffeur.

michael , who doesn't know you and is thinking about you anyway

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 08:55 PM

DougR, you asked for my opinion on why did the guy operate at all if it was worse than he had thought it was, and something he couldn't handle? Obviously, without knowing exactly what happened it's very hard to say what happened and why. But I understand your question, and can give a general sort of answer.

It's common for a surgeon to do an operation not knowing precisely what he or she will find: X-rays and CT scans and MRI scans can only go so far. It's also common for an unexpected finding or complication not to show itself immediately--for example, not until the superficial layers of tissue are removed or moved aside. It's quite possible that it was only after getting partway through the procedure that the surgeon realized it was more complicated than he originally thought, and felt the most prudent option was to stop right there. In general, the surgeon explains to the patient before the surgery that this is one possible outcome. Again, without knowing the specifics of Kendall's case it's difficult for me to say more, but maybe that will help to clarify things.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Helen
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 04:50 PM

You're in my thoughts too, Kendall.

And I agree that a doctor who knows his own limitations is a rare and precious breed. The fact that he is taking extra care because of your singing voice is a plus too, in my estimation.

Helen

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: KathWestra
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 04:19 PM

Waiting and wondering what the news will be is the hardest part of biopsies. Knowing what you're facing and coming up with a plan for dealing with it may be (believe it or not) easier than the "waiting for the other shoe to drop" feeling of waiting for the results of an important test and spinning out all the scenarios of a worst-case diagnosis. Been there.... All of my biopsies have turned out negative, thankfully, but the waiting was pure hell.

Know that you've got lots of support, from me and from everybody else around here, whatever you learn. We need to help you find a really great doctor who understands the delicacies of working on rare instruments like the Voice of the Cap'n. Art & everyone who has urged second and third opinions are absolutely right. (I'm sure I'll hear from Dr. Coyne tomorrow, and will PM you when I do. I have asked him for recommendations of people for you to call who specialize in vocal cord surgery for singers.)

In the meantime, you're held lovingly in my thoughts.
Kathy

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: UB Ed
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 02:15 PM

Kendall, hang tough. If it is cancer...YOU'LL BEAT THE HELL OUT OF IT!

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: kendall
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 01:33 PM

You folks are so great! I will have the results of the biopsy by tomorrow. If it is cancer...

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: KathWestra
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 01:06 PM

Much love to you, friend. You have been -- and will continue to be -- much on my mind. I will call today to talk with my ENT Dr here in DC (Dr. Patrick Coyne. He's a wonder -- specializes in treating singers, is the consultant to the Washington Opera and has been called in to treat both Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. The opera is taking him along on their tour to Japan in July.) I suspect he will have some ideas of who you might call.
Love to you, Kathy

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: Kim C
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 12:26 PM

Much hope & good thoughts ------- KFC

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: JenEllen
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 12:14 PM

Echos of all that's said before, and all my best.
~J

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 12:06 PM

Good Luck and Best Wishes. JohnB.

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,Dan Schatz
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 12:02 PM

And the really frustrating thing is, you can't shout about it! So the rest of us are doing it for you - ARGH!

I guess the silver lining - sort of - is that at least now you have a really good idea of what you're dealing with. I was thinking about you much of yesterday, and I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts. But, yowch. How much can a man take, even a cap'n such as yerself?

Courage, friend.

Dan

Subject: RE: Kendall's good news, bad news
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 11:57 AM

So sorry to hear that this isn't resolved yet! I hope that knowing so many of us care about you gives you the strength to follow this through to a good conclusion.

hugs & prayers from NY,

bbc