BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:42 AM

Come on Tom. We are just talking nonsense until you show up to give us an update.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:54 AM

No citrus -- Don't know why Tom doesn't join this conversation. Hands on a keyboard have no trouble being heard.

He's found a coffee substitute that "will do" and some time today he'll be going on a quest to see if Radio Shack or something has a personal amplifier that might make him heard (if everyone will be quiet for a moment) at The Press Room.

I've got to head to work momentarily and need to get some stuff done first.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 11:29 AM

Dr Gourmet and reflux.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 08:19 PM

Nonsense can be nice, too. First, let me thank all of my friends herein for the avalanche of well-wishes, healing thoughts, prayers, white light,beneficial advisories, and other good intentions.

One week since the ordeal, and I'm starting to feel much better - minimal sore throat and no other real discomfort, aside from lack of gustatory satisfaction. In addition to avoiding anything that might cause stomach acid, I must also avoid taking in anything already acidic and esp. carbonated. However, healing will take place in due time, and I will be able to ingest such delights as has been my custom.

The voice is another story. After initial surgery is complete, the vocal cords need repair work, some of which may have to wait for FDA approval, now in the works.

Thanks again!

More as it happens - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: gnu
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 08:59 PM

Thanks Tom. Keep the faith eh!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: bbc
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 09:34 PM

Good to hear from yourself, Tom, as much as I like Linn.

love to both,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:15 PM

...and more healing vibes are coming from us here in Peru!

Art & Carol Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: CET
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:41 PM

It's great to hear from you Tom. I look forward to our next visit.

Linn, I entirely agree about the therapeutic value of an intrusive tomcat.

Edmund

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 10:58 AM

Good to hear from you, Tom. You can borrow Alice if you like.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 11:11 AM

Vocal amplification devices listed here Tom

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Nancy King
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 11:29 AM

Good thoughts coming to you from here! Keep mending!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:47 PM

Good to hear from you Tom. We've been thinking about you.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 07:23 PM

If it isn't one thing, it's another. Tom made a WONDERFUL chicken soup with egg noodles tonight (Springer Mountain chicken) and baked a loaf of bread, but for some reason was having swallowing problems (there's currently quite a gap in his vocal cords) so wasn't enjoying it as much as he should have, spending a lot of time coughing to expel a drop that went the wrong way.

I've got to make two calls tomorrow morning to set up an appointment at the same time Tom has a follow-up in a couple weeks -- I've had a roving dry spot down in my throat since June, plus, I think, more feeling of needing to clear my throat than I should. (In the middle of selling a pair of glasses, the voice goes south and tears come down from one or more eyes -- and I have to reassure my customer that they're not making me cry...and then get a sip of water, throat lozenge or something.) I don't think I'm absorbing Tom's symptoms. Hope it IS just allergies, but will feel better if I check it out ASAP.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 07:29 PM

Geeziz Linn......Y'all need to catch a break on something! I'll be here waiting and sending good vibes for you too...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 08:31 PM

keep healing, both of you!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 11:41 PM

Linn, sounds like allergies...try not to fret, darlin'...lots of good thoughts and thanks givings coming for you from Colorado. Love you both!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 10:42 AM

Re: Allergies

I know that's what it sounds like and that's how I've been treating it, but it's been going on since spring (well, ya know what the weather's been like here in New Hampshire), but the throat clearing, etc. has been waking me up at night and the last time I saw my doctor, she mentioned seeing a nose and throat guy.

Well, ya know what? After the supposed best in the area telling Tom his cancer was very early stage, I don't think I want to see him or can trust anyone around here.

So...won't hurt to be scoped. If Tom had done it a few years ago, he'd be in a lot better shape vocally than he now has hope of.

Granted, I've never smoked, never so much as TRIED smoking, but I've been around second hand smoke since I was born -- both my parents smoked. And New Hampshire didn't ban smoking in public places (like our venues) until two years ago.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 11:03 AM

Good for you, for being aggressive about getting it checked out by someone you trust then and good luck!{{{hugs}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 11:23 AM

Sorry Linn but I have this picture of you and Tom having an argument in sign language.

Get it checked, girl, ASAP.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 11:33 AM

How are your sinus' Linn. Fluid draining from them into the back of your throat, can cause irritation, and coughing.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 06:08 PM

Geeze, I don't feel as if I'm checking in often enough. Hope all continues to improve with Tom, and glad you are checking things out thoroughly Linn, My thoughts are with you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: bobad
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 08:33 PM

You may also want to consider reflux, that could be a cause of the symptoms you have.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 02:39 PM

Looking forward to seeing you both.

All the best,

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 02:11 PM

It's not acid reflux, but could very well BE allergies. It's just that since Tom's cancer has been around for several years unrecognized, I'm a little on the twitchy side. And since his local nose & throat guy -- who is thought to be really good by the local medical establishment -- thought it was "early" stage (no way, no how), I certainly don't trust him. If I can get my throat checked at the Voice Center when Tom has his follow-up, fine. Otherwise, I have another recommendation for a local doctor.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 11:07 AM

Been realizing I've been keeping a pretty tight lid on my emotions for the past couple months. I ended up snapping at my boss (and his attempt at humor) on Friday. I apologised right afterwards, of course, and he, in retrospect, understood that his timing wasn't particularly well thought out. (All three of us at work happen to be under a lot of personal stress lately.)

Fact of it is, I think I need to let myself mourn the loss of Tom's voice as we have known it, and the loss of his ability to discuss the fine points of musical and folkloric information, especially in a loud venue such as The Press Room. I desperately miss singing with him RIGHT NOW.

I never was good at deferred gratification.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 11:11 AM

Is Tom taking Prilosec or the generic equivalent? It cures acid reflux instantly.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: maeve
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 11:12 AM

Do what you need to do to process and mourn, Linn. The struggle each day must be beastly. It is a hard time for you both. Times like this I hate being so far away from friends in need.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: gnu
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 01:35 PM

Kind words, maeve. Echoed by many, I am sure. Even cyberspace friends like me.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: bbc
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 03:48 PM

Oh, Linn. Yes, it certainly *is* a loss for you, too. You can't always be strong; you'll break if you try. I agree w/ maeve. Wish we could be there for hugs & chat!

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: GUEST,sing4peace
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 07:16 PM

I'm not married to Tom and I feel sad about the changes he (and you) are going through...
a good boo hoo is good for you...
Joyce

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 08:02 PM

Or maybe just a few blasphemous words to sort of clear the air. Whatever works!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 09 - 08:54 AM

Yes, Tom has been prescribed and is taking the generic version of Prilosec, but still has to adhere to a diet that doesn't cause acid reflux.

At times I really wish I COULD cry, but it's something I had trouble doing even as a kid. Easier, perhaps, when I'm angry and frustrated than other reasons. Sigh. Except during menopause when I'd tear up inappropriately at the damnedest things.

Right now fighting to get full pay for the time I had to take off work the week of Tom's surgery. I have the hours available, but there seem to be some rules on the increments in which they may be used. Don't know yet, but this could lead to suitable frustration to release tears.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 04:22 AM

I assume THEY are saying that if they bent the rules for you, EVERYONE would expect the same ...

more hugs wending their way from this side of the world

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: maeve
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 05:13 AM

Good morning, Tom and Linn.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 07:55 AM

What's new on the hot beverage front? Inquiring minds want to know.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 08:29 AM

Ya' know, I knew this couple who were truly in love and after they'd been together about 15 or so years, he became ill with several potentially fatal problems.   She was his rock and his support through it all and one day she looked him square in the eye and said that even though she knew he really didn't mean for this to happen, although his earlier life had led to much of it, she was really angry at him. She said she knew it was an unreasonable anger but it was there nonetheless and she had to say it.....

So she let it all out and told him how she felt cheated, that the person she so loved, her best friend, had probably cut short much of their life together and ........... well ........ she just felt cheated and was mad about it and had to get it out! The guy wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he understood this all too well. He could do no more than offer a worthless apology along with his sincerest testament of his love for her that any man ever spoke. When it was all over their love was not diminished but was stronger than ever!   They became even closer if that was indeed possible.

I think they're up to about 25 years now and no matter what has come along, they hold on tight and know there is only what is........and that's enough for them.

If I hear anything else about them, I'll let you know. Just thought you might enjoy the story.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 10:19 AM

Spaw, tell Karen she is even more of a saint than I knew.:-)

{{{{{{{{{Linn & Tom}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 10:31 AM

Nicely done, Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: gnu
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 03:35 AM

sniff

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 01:07 PM

Spaw, if we all draw into our lives what we deserve, you are a lucky man indeed. *g*

(No, no, that is not what I mean to say.)

Spwa, if we all draw into our lives what we deserve, your Karen is a grand testament to your character.

{{{{hug}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Hollowfox
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 02:38 PM

Sorry I haven't posted much. The @#$!-reduction candle series continues for you (both) apace.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 02:57 PM

Very worrying Linn. Please see your doc and if you are not happy with outcome ask for second opinion and be upfront about why.

Please keep us informed.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 04:54 PM

VT, I'm not finding it particularly worrying, just that the symptoms are annoying and not going away...and, at this point, they are ONE MORE THING adding to the general stress level.

Just found out (a couple minutes ago) that I won't be scoped on the day Tom has his follow-up with Dr. Z. cuz I just couldn't be scheduled on that day. (I can't see Dr. Z. because he doesn't take my insurance.) So it'll happen on another day I'm in Boston with Tom. Or I could see a local woman nose & throat doctor that a friend has recommended. I know I DON'T trust the nose & throat guy who did Tom's biopsy and said it was early stage cancer.

I was able to vent at lunch today about all kinds of feelings & issues I've been trying sort out lately. Really need to start writing all this down, but part of the keeping a lid on everything has made that difficult to do. Oh, yeah, and talked to Tom about some of it, too -- and getting him to talk to ME about what HE'S feeling, etc.

Gotta go escape right now into a couple episodes (on DVD) of Rosemary & Thyme.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bupkes
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 05:29 PM

Linn, my 2 cents: Call and ask the "local woman nose & throat doctor that a friend has recommended" if she can somehow record the laryngoscopy digitally. If so, go see her, get a first look, and take from her a copy of the video or the multiple snapshots, in case you want to show another doctor for another opinion. I bet even Dr. Z would take a quick look at your images and tell you if there's anything suspicious. In other words, get some specialist to take a look soon. After all, even the local doc whom you don't trust anymore knew that Tom had a cancer, despite being wrong about how far advanced it was. Start the process, and you may get a load of stress relieved if you find it's a benign condition.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 06:35 PM

A) of all -- I'm not worried, just, in light of Tom's diagnosis and early symptoms, more aware of those symptoms so want it checked out. And, B) of all, it WILL be -- by an associate of Dr. Zeitels when Tom and I are in Boston. It's just not going to be on Nov. 18th. Tom (and I) will have to be in Boston at The Voice Center MANY times over the next year or so. If it looks as if getting my throat checked out might be delayed too long, I'll make an appointment with Dr. Azar (the local ENT recommended by my friend).

Thanks, Marty (and all), for being concerned, but compared to everything else going on right now, this is a fairly minor issue.

By the way, I don't know why Tom hasn't commented on the hot brown stuff in a cup that he now (temporarily) drinks in the morning.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: maeve
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 08:53 PM

Nosy friends want to know exactly what Tom is drinking in these noncaffinatedcarbonatedacidic days.

TOM??

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Micca
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 05:15 AM

Yeah, Linn, what is this warm brown stuff??? I think we should be told!!! I am , of course thinking about you guys and burning candles(large and Green this week) and stuff with all the "reducing" stuff added (whether it is for "things in the throat" or stress I leave to you to decide)and my thoughts are often turn to the woods of New Hampshire,watching the rain and leaves through the window of your home in the silence, It is very soothing for me
Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 06:14 AM

And from this side of the state, the loving thoughts are pouring forth~

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 07:53 AM

I got him some stuff with mate and chickory, I think, and roasted dandelion root from a long time friend and herbalist, but Tom hasn't tasted it because it would have to be put in a defuser or brewed in a tea pot and he can't deal with that first thing in the morning.

The brown coffee-looking like stuff (I find it tasteless -- not bad, just mostly harmless) is Pero.

I'll let him tell you about it.

Oil change, etc. on car this morning before I go to work -- argh. ONE MORE THING!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Vocal Cord Cancer, Oct. 2009
From: curmudgeon
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 09:42 AM

The hot brown liquid drunk with cream from a cup in the morning is just that; not much taste, pleasant hint if bitter, and capable of fooling brain and taste buds before they're fully awake - mostly harmless, but no substitute for real coffee.

However, it's now less than two weeks till my check-up, at which time I hope to be declared healed, at least enough so as to return, if briefly, to a more civilised life of food and drink.

Thoughts, sentiments, well wishes, etc., still greatly appreciated - Tom