It's when I read threads like this I realise how lucky I am to still be in good health (reasonable for late 50's). I can't ever imagine not being able to play and sing and I would hope if the nasties ever got to me I would have the strength of character to battle through, just as many of the posters on this thread have done.

I was lucky enough, some years ago, to meet a wonderful man (violinist) who had suffered several severe strokes. He had spent his life encouraging and training youngsters in the joys of music making. As he was recovering from his malady, far from giving up, he went a luthier and ordered a new violin, how's that for determination.