Thyroid surgery and singing?

Subject: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 05:46 AM

Even though it's a medical question, I haven't put this in BS because it's a music question as well.
A good friend and one of my chorus members, who "discovered" her voice through my group, is scheduled for thyroid surgery to remove a nodule that has a small chance of being cancerous. She's been told that the surgery may affect her ability to sing. Does anyone have any experience with this, could anyone give advice?

Allison

Subject: RE: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 08:35 AM

My wife had thyroid cancer and surgery at 17. Her surgeon was fantastic, but an egomaniac. "No patient of mine needs voice rehab," said he, and as a result she has one vocal cord paralyzed.

As quickly as possible, she should be in rehab. With a GOOD voice coach, one who specializes in such rehabilitation.

Of course, a lot depends upon the extent of the surgery. But a good voice rehab person will help immensely.

And, as my wife says, considering the alternative....

Subject: RE: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 08:33 AM

Thanks, Rapaire
I'll pass the word along to my friend.
Allison

Subject: RE: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: Barb'ry
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 04:15 PM

The surgery could affect your friend's voice, but there is also a chance that it will be ok, depending on which nerves, if any, get damaged. Let's hope the surgeons find an easy route to a completely benign lump! Please give her my best wishes
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:36 PM

Rehab before and after the surgery. The voice coach should know everything there is to know about this friend of yours. It is also reassuring from the patients point of view.

Don

Subject: RE: Thyroid surgery and singing?
From: GUEST,Sonya
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 12:02 PM

I've had my thyroid surgery back in April it is now October and it is still hard for me to sing. I'm singing but I'm singing in the tenor section. I've always been a alto. What should I do at this point.