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02 Sep 10 - 09:49 AM (#2978415) Subject: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Okay, yesterday morning I reported on the Michael Douglas thread Michael Douglas Post that Tom was on his way to Boston to meet with the anesthesiologist at Mass General and then with Dr. Zeitels to set up the first procedure to give Tom some more vocal volume. He survived the day (and Boston without me, not that I would have made any difference -- well, maybe; my voice is a LOT louder than his right now) and is set for a procedure next Tuesday morning, September 7, at Mass General. We should be safely ensconsed at the Holiday Inn Beacon Hill later in the day and home sometime on Wednesday. The anesthesiologist figures Tom's in fine shape -- heck of a lot better than last February when he was still waiting to get his defibrillator's antique battery swapped out, so Dr. Z will start with the preferred first procedure which needs to be done under general anesthesia, but as day surgery. In this procedure, Dr. Z will remove some of Tom's tummy fat and inject it into the area where his right vocal cord used to be -- stuffing in absolutely as much as he can because some will be reabsorbed by the body. He's trying to close the gap between Tom's cords so the intact left vocal cord can work with tissue on the other side and Tom will have a real voice. So today Tom is off having blood work, he's faxed the papers to his cardiologist but needs to follow up on that this afternoon to make sure they get to Dr. Z's in a timely fashion, and needs to make our hotel and train arrangements, etcet etcet. We COULD take a very early train and get to Mass General by 8 a.m., but yesterday's train was 25 minutes late at Durham because of the heat (train, I guess, has to slow down if it's too hot) and 45 minutes late by North Station. Tom has to talk to Amtrak and decide whether we need to go to Boston Monday afternoon after I get out of work (yes, I have to work on Labor Day) and spend another night we can't really afford at the hotel. But it's finally starting! It's been a couple days shy of a year since Tom's biopsy when the surgeon looked at me and said, "Squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cords." I firmly believe that between Tom's determination, Dr. Zeitels' skill, the prayers and good wishes of the Mudcat and local music community and the fact that I DO believe in miracles, Tom will have a voice again. Linn |
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02 Sep 10 - 10:23 AM (#2978430) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: MikeL2 hi Linn I am sending my best regards to Tom and know that the surgery planned will be very successful. As you probably remember I had cancer of the vocal chords some time ago. 15 years in fact !! My how time flies. I know that this type of treatment has come on in leaps and bounds since I was treated. I now have a normal speaking voice ( can even shout !!!) and even a singing voice!! The range of my singing voice is now limited and requires some arrangements to my songs to make the notes. Strange to say it is the lower range that I have most problems with. So if they could do this 15 years ago just think what they will achieve today. You are in good hands. I will rememebr you both in my prayers. Kind Regards MikeL2 |
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02 Sep 10 - 10:30 AM (#2978434) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Ebbie Hoorah! Hard, patient work, no doubt, but so now it begins. The best of good fortune to the both of you. |
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02 Sep 10 - 10:48 AM (#2978450) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Yes! -- Especially Dr. Zeitels, who is regarded as doing the cutting edge (laser edge?!?) research and treatment on voice preservation and restoration. Linn |
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02 Sep 10 - 10:48 AM (#2978451) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: SINSULL Good luck, Tom. Once again, Kendall has been there before you and can probably offer advice and ruminations. SINS |
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02 Sep 10 - 10:51 AM (#2978455) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu Glad to see things are starting to happen. |
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02 Sep 10 - 11:28 AM (#2978481) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Sandra in Sydney hooray. adding my good wishes to the chorus sandra |
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02 Sep 10 - 12:15 PM (#2978527) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: kendall Wonderful news! I'm next! |
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02 Sep 10 - 12:20 PM (#2978528) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Donuel Enjoy some Legal Seafood while you are there. How soon can Tom have anything but milk shakes and such? A new voice is a wonderful gift. |
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02 Sep 10 - 12:39 PM (#2978549) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: katlaughing So between the two of you, does Mudcat own shares in Zeitel's practice, yet?**bg** Congratulations for persevering, believing, doing the hard work, BG and Curmudgeon..you have both been an inspiration, you, too, Kendall, and I am so glad to hear things are going so much better. Last year was tough. I was happy to tell my doc, recently, that I am 100% better than I was last year. May it be so for you, too. luvyakat |
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02 Sep 10 - 12:42 PM (#2978552) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Amos Good luck and the best of vibes to both of you, Batgirl. A |
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02 Sep 10 - 01:46 PM (#2978611) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Lots of love and positive vocalizing from here! |
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02 Sep 10 - 02:04 PM (#2978626) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: bfdk Best of luck with it all! Bente |
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02 Sep 10 - 02:25 PM (#2978639) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: VirginiaTam ohhmmmmm...... ohhhmmmm..... rastid bruck fuster frackin plod meditating over some good |
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02 Sep 10 - 03:13 PM (#2978686) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Nancy King Excellent news! I'm looking forward to HEARING you in a week or so! --Nancy |
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02 Sep 10 - 07:56 PM (#2978900) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Hollowfox Lots of midwestern juju coming your way, and the $#@!-reduction candle series continues apace. (Ha! Bet you thought that series had piddled out didn't 'cha! *g*) |
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02 Sep 10 - 08:14 PM (#2978906) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: maeve Hey there, Tom and Lynn. Thinking of you both daily. Maeve |
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02 Sep 10 - 08:54 PM (#2978933) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bobert I gotta meet this Dr. Z. sometime... Hopefully at a party and not in his office... Tell ya'll what... Between Curmudgeon and the other curmudgeaon seems that ya'll keepin' Dr' Z's boat payments up to date... Hey, Curmudzer... Ya' take it easy... Ol' Bobert growin' ya some pot if ya need it... B~ |
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02 Sep 10 - 09:11 PM (#2978939) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Cool thing about Dr. Z is the only insurance he accepts is government-based insurance...such as Medicare. If you have a different insurance, you see an associate, not the man himself. So I imagine the big names he's helped -- Steven Tyler, Livingston Taylor, Julie Andrews, Richard Chamberlain, Cher, Frederica von Stade, etcet, etcet -- pay full freight. BTW, we WON'T be staying at the Holiday Inn Beacon Hill -- they are no longer giving medical discounts to patients at Mass General. Linn |
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03 Sep 10 - 01:15 AM (#2979018) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Slag God bless, Tom, and best wishes for a safe and COMPLETE recovery. That Bat Goddess, she be keeping (from what I understand!) a nice tankard of margarita in the coolbox! Hang in there amigo! |
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03 Sep 10 - 02:41 AM (#2979051) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: VirginiaTam Holiday Inn Beacon Hill -- no longer giving medical discounts to patients at Mass General. That's disgusting. Should start a facebook page agin them. Get us mudcatters to mail complaints to Holiday Inn HQ, etc. |
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03 Sep 10 - 03:19 AM (#2979065) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Charley Noble Tom and Linn- Good to hear this news. Lord knows it's been a long hard year for you both. But now you're entering a new phase where's there's at least a chance of something better in terms of voice quality. Best of luck with this next set of procedures! Cheerily, Charley Noble and JudyB, away in the UK |
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03 Sep 10 - 08:29 AM (#2979194) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Tom's waiting for a call back from another (much less expensive) hotel close to Mass General. I need to see if there's a friend who can drive us to Boston so Tom can be at the hospital by 8 a.m. Tuesday. Train is too iffy. Then find someone who can pick us up at the train station in Durham on Wednesday when we come home. Logistics! Meanwhile, we've laid in a supply of water and batteries as prophylactic against losing power in the wake of Earl. We're with the NH Electric Co-op -- we lose power when a butterfly rams a pole, let alone a hurricane. When we lose power, we lose water (electric pump) and phone (cable) as well. I made a smart move during last February's power outage and bought a cell phone charger for my car. Not that I can USE the phone within 5 miles of the house... Off to work... Linn |
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03 Sep 10 - 10:16 AM (#2979244) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: kendall The place we stayed in Sommerville is nice and affordable. Can't remember the name, sounds Spanish. They have schuttle buses going to Mass. General. |
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03 Sep 10 - 03:52 PM (#2979461) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: jacqui.c It's called La Quinta and it is easy to get to by car, with good parking available. They give Mass Gen discount and that is where we will be staying if necessary. They also have a good buffet breakfast in with the price, unlike the Holiday Inn. |
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03 Sep 10 - 06:54 PM (#2979554) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Stilly River Sage Sounds like a plan! Best wishes to Tom and here's hoping that at this time next year he'll be singing, with gusto! SRS |
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03 Sep 10 - 07:34 PM (#2979579) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu Who's gusto? But, who care's... if Tom can get some voice back, I am sure all and sundry will be overjoyed. Especially one Bat who is definitely a goddess. Youse both keep the faith and the hard work up. T&PS g |
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03 Sep 10 - 09:55 PM (#2979646) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess A friend is driving us to Boston early Tuesday morning and we're booked into a MGH affiliate, the Beacon House on Myrtle St. They say it's a 10 minute walk from Mass General, but, since it's UPHILL, we'll prolly take a cab. The shuttle only runs morning and evening. We'll come home via the Downeaster on Wednesday -- not sure when, or whether Dr. Z needs to see Tom before we head north. Linn |
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04 Sep 10 - 10:59 AM (#2979914) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: katlaughing BG, my Rog, a native of NH, said to tell you Harbor Freight had generators on sale for about $89, recently.:-) Best to you, both. Glad to hear you have the ride and place to stay sorted out. luvyakat |
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04 Sep 10 - 01:40 PM (#2979984) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Thanks, Kat, but we'd rather not deal with generators - too many problems with them. (And, while I work for a licensed business, I get a Sears discount.) And I REALLY hate how they make our neighborhood so incredibly noisy at a time that could be incredibly peaceful. Linn |
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04 Sep 10 - 07:52 PM (#2980128) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: kendall A good quality generator makes very little sound. |
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04 Sep 10 - 08:00 PM (#2980131) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu Honda with an Eco-throttle or a like genie is the way to go. Honda is pricey, but good equip. |
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04 Sep 10 - 09:04 PM (#2980157) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: catspaw49 Haven't had a chance to say how happy I am that even with the problems, Tom is finally getting the op.......Sorry for all the logistics problems but............I'll be checking in even if I don't post. May it all go as planned!!!! Spaw |
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05 Sep 10 - 02:58 AM (#2980238) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Kendall -- not the ones in our neighborhood! No logistics problems, 'Spaw, Beacon House is sooooooo much cheaper than the Holiday Inn, 'tho it's a 10 minute walk from Mass General -- UPHILL. (That's what cabs are for -- Tom can't walk it.) Linn |
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05 Sep 10 - 07:02 PM (#2980630) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Packed (travelling light) -- and I've got to schlep the bag with me all day at the hospital before Tom's released and we go to the hotel. Linn |
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05 Sep 10 - 07:11 PM (#2980635) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: ClaireBear Best wishes for a smooth procedure and fast recovery, Tom -- with no unexpected adventures for either of you two! |
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06 Sep 10 - 08:20 PM (#2981238) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: GUEST,citterngirl Best of good luck with the operation! We want to hear you singing again soon. We know you will. They'll take good care of you there, too. A whole new lease on life is coming your way! |
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06 Sep 10 - 08:44 PM (#2981256) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: GUEST,Bob Frost All the best white light be with you, Tom, and Dr Zeitels, and you, too, Linn. I'll be thinking of you all. See you Friday, I hope. |
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07 Sep 10 - 05:20 AM (#2981424) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess We're off... Linn |
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07 Sep 10 - 11:23 AM (#2981594) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: John MacKenzie Good luck Tom |
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07 Sep 10 - 04:51 PM (#2981801) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu Ditto. |
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07 Sep 10 - 06:31 PM (#2981864) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Big Mick Get ye on about it, lad. We have songs to sing and evil left wing anarchistic views to spread. Love to the both of you. Mick |
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08 Sep 10 - 08:18 AM (#2982250) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: SINSULL Any news? |
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08 Sep 10 - 08:53 AM (#2982267) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: maeve Listening and waiting... Maeve |
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08 Sep 10 - 09:51 AM (#2982298) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Nancy King ...and hoping... |
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08 Sep 10 - 10:23 AM (#2982318) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Sandra in Sydney me too |
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08 Sep 10 - 11:51 AM (#2982379) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: catspaw49 Waiting around here too.......................... Spaw |
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08 Sep 10 - 03:48 PM (#2982587) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: ClaireBear Helplessly hoping, her harlequin hovers nearby, awaiting a word... |
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08 Sep 10 - 04:50 PM (#2982650) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess We arrived home (via Downeaster) around 1 p.m., me with a raging headache, the skin rubbed off between two toes (from what? a previously benign orthotic?!?), and very, very tired. I think Tom's throat is still numb from this morning's scoping and pictures -- he was having problems swallowing water. Good thing he ate a good breakfast at Eat Street at the hospital. Why is two days of mostly constant waiting (just in different waiting areas) so exhausting? Besides, I'm feeling definitely over-populated -- hanging out at Mass General makes even Fox Run Mall seem like a deserted glade in an unpopulated forest. I don't want to talk to anyone or see anyone until I become one with the universe again. Anywho, I'll be a bit brief now, cuz the headache is still a bit of a bother and fill in more later. Tom came through the procedure and the anesthesia with flying colors. Dr. Zeitels was very pleased. The surgery itself took about an hour and a half and Dr. Z stuffed a lot of body fat into his throat. We left the hospital for Beacon House around 4 p.m. -- took a cab because, though only a 10 minute walk, it's straight up Beacon Hill. Last night Tom's major discomfort was in his navel, from where they procured the fat. He was under orders yesterday for pretty much complete voice rest for awhile. This morning we grabbed the shuttle back to Mass General for breakfast, then over to see Dr. Z early. Besides the usual scoping and pictures through the nose, they numbed him up some more and got more photos through the mouth. Things look good, but his throat has been beat up a bit and he's feeling it today. He needs to heal for about 6 weeks -- and he's back on the no alcohol, no carbination, no caffeine, no chocolate, no tomato sauce, onions, etcet etcet diet for awhile, too. And right now mostly soft stuff because his throat is still tender. Some of the fat will be reabsorbed by the body -- usually 35% to 75%. We hope most of Tom's will "stick". After Dr. Z sees how he's doing, he'll schedule another procedure either in December or January to fine tune what's there. Tom will be awake during that procedure so that Dr. Z can "tune it like a guitar string". We'll have to stay in Boston about a week for that one. So...right now don't expect a lot more voice. There's more there, but he's not supposed to exercise it much. Plus he'll be a bit on the, uh, "grumpy" side -- remember, no Guinness, scotch, COFFEE, etcet etcet. So this is what happens when I'm going to be brief, eh? Later! Linn |
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08 Sep 10 - 04:56 PM (#2982655) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu "no alcohol" Well that sucks. >;-) Hang in there both. |
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08 Sep 10 - 04:56 PM (#2982657) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: maeve Thank you for the good update, Linn. Love to you both. Maeve |
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08 Sep 10 - 05:09 PM (#2982662) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: ClaireBear You're an angel to share so much when you need to rest, which is what I hope you're doing now. Love and healing strength to both of you. |
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08 Sep 10 - 05:38 PM (#2982679) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Jeri Good to hear from you, and good there's progress. Did you say "Hell for 6 weeks" or "heal for 6 weeks"? (Undoubtedly, "yes") My sympathy to you both, but there's hope up ahead. |
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08 Sep 10 - 05:52 PM (#2982688) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: GUEST Glad to hear you are making progress with the restoration! Rominy |
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08 Sep 10 - 11:21 PM (#2982871) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: GUEST,Bob Frost Good news. I'm glad things went well. |
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09 Sep 10 - 04:42 AM (#2982939) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: John MacKenzie Remember Tom, it's all in a good cause. Heal quickly. J |
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09 Sep 10 - 04:59 AM (#2982945) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Micca I am sending such healing energy as I have,I hope to spend a few days with you both in mid-October!!! Micca |
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09 Sep 10 - 05:08 AM (#2982947) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Sandra in Sydney a good report rest well, both of you sandra |
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09 Sep 10 - 07:44 AM (#2983018) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: SINSULL Hell of a way to get a tummy tuck, Tom. I remember when Kendall had his done - that hurt worse than the throat. Now it's back to waiting. Get some rest. Mary |
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09 Sep 10 - 07:55 AM (#2983021) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: jacqui.c I'm glad it went well - I remember those times all too clearly! |
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09 Sep 10 - 11:33 AM (#2983150) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: catspaw49 Hey.....Good news!!! And if you run out of fat, I'd be happy to help. Matter of fact, if the pictures of this bunch around the 'Cat mean anything, there is probably enough fat to rebuild the vocal cords of everyone on earth 279 times apiece! Spaw |
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09 Sep 10 - 11:36 AM (#2983153) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: John MacKenzie You've been peeking Spaw. |
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09 Sep 10 - 02:44 PM (#2983329) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: SINSULL SIGH! |
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09 Sep 10 - 08:44 PM (#2983575) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: curmudgeon Many thanks to all for the many good thoughts and well-wishes; they were greatly appreciated. And I am quite certain that their efficacy will continue in completing the healing process so that I may once again indulge in coffee, stout and whisky in order to prepare for the completion of the restoration. Thanks again - Tom |
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09 Sep 10 - 09:09 PM (#2983586) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: maeve It's good to see your post, Tom. Thanks. Maeve |
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09 Sep 10 - 09:09 PM (#2983587) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Nancy King Woo hoo! Word from the man himself! Good to hear from you, Tom, and glad the news is good. Hope to see you soon! Nancy |
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09 Sep 10 - 09:26 PM (#2983596) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: SINSULL Good to see posting, Tom. Welcome back to the land of the living. Mary |
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09 Sep 10 - 11:00 PM (#2983635) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: jacqui.c Good to hear from you Tom. Rest and heal. |
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09 Sep 10 - 11:04 PM (#2983639) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: katlaughing Ditto that, Tom. REALLY good to *hear* from you, again! Good news, too. Spaw can't help it...besides being the evil twin, he's also a Peeping Spawn! |
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10 Sep 10 - 05:55 AM (#2983788) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu Agreed. Warms the heart. |
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10 Sep 10 - 11:35 AM (#2983967) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: ClaireBear I've never been happier to see someone's name in the list of posters. Welcome back, Tom; it's been way too long, and I'm very glad the healing has begun. Claire |
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18 Sep 10 - 01:34 PM (#2989278) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Bat Goddess Here are a couple YouTube videos of Tom recorded by Joe Stead on March 14, 2009 at Sinsull's. Tom's voice had gone away entirely by June. Battle of Bull Run Bound Away for Australia I'm REALLY glad Joe posted these! Thanks, Joe! Linn |
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18 Sep 10 - 03:41 PM (#2989337) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: kendall Hey Tom, let's hear from you more often. |
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18 Sep 10 - 03:51 PM (#2989339) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: gnu I'll second that, K. |
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18 Sep 10 - 08:44 PM (#2989454) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: CET And I'll third it - best wishes to you Tom. Edmund |
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19 Sep 10 - 12:31 AM (#2989511) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: katlaughing Me, too, me, too!! |
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19 Sep 10 - 01:04 AM (#2989521) Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon: Starting Voice Restoration From: Sandra in Sydney thanks for posting the links looking forward to hearing more in due course. sandra |