Hi,Its been such a long time since I have posted as I have just been getting on with things.Some of you may remember my story. Those of you who don't, I am a professional singer, who after being told I wouldn't sing again proved them wrong. I have had 12 tumours removed in 2 neck dissections and 36 radiotherapy treatments, tongue and lip poralysis and 8 weeks speach therapy. I successfully continued with my singing career and to begin with my voice was stronger than ever, I was so happy at the improvement ( I hadn't noticed my voice deteriorating).But I had been warned that my SINGING voice would eventually go, because of the surgery and radiotherapy.
Over the last couple of months I have noticed my voice become weaker,I can't seem to reach LOW notes and yet I can reach HIGH notes and songs that I need to belt out (Scottish saying!)are no problem.
I have been on holiday for 2 weeks and came back to a booking for the MOD on Friday and a Holiday camp on Saturday. I felt fine but as soon as the first song was done I knew I was in trouble,I couldn't reach the low parts and when I tried to speak to the audience I could only croak.
I FELT SOOOO HUMILIATED AND EMBARRASSED
Of course I carried on and Luckily my husband John deals with my sound and he could cover alot of it but at my break I was in tears...Is this the end??
I don't have any pain, I don't even know when my voice will disappear, It just goes...I could be singing a song and then nothing.....
John tells me its because I have not used my voice for 2 wks,and the scar tissue has just 'ceased' what do you think??
Or is this the end of my career? I can't bear that thought. Should I bow out now? I can't go on embarrassing myself (well thats what I feel,John says the audience didn't notice) but I know my voice has been so much better.
Please give me some advice

Tracey

Hello Tracey

Nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear about the voice problem. You are not the only singer who has suffered this embarrassment; it's an occupational hazard! The fact that your voice has been strong enough for all this time points to it not necessarily being a radiotherapy side effect. It is possible that your voice just needs constant 'toning'.

I would suggest that you don't loose hope but work at regaining your voice and keep exercising it (gently) every day even if not scheduled for a singing event. You know what to do. So dry up your tears and start to sing again as I need you to sing for us at the Mouth Cancer Voice Awards that are being scheduled in November!

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks for replying, I hope you're right.John suggested me singing every day (not for long) just to keep the vocal chords moving.
I would feel honoured to sing at your awards....If my voice is up to it!

Tracey

Hello Tracey

On this note,

a little more information ......

This year, in addition to the MOUTH CANCER WALK we are organising a new event to raise awareness of this ‘Cinderella’ disease.

The MOUTH CANCER VOICE AWARDS in London will be a novel way to increase awareness of mouth cancers amongst university students.

The MOUTH CANCER VOICE AWARDS will be looking for the newest, most talented, bright young stars for a unique talent show for University students that aims to raise their awareness of the risk factors (smoking, drinking and bad diet) as well as the symptoms of mouth cancer by making them appreciate their voice, which can be lost through mouth cancer. University students from all across the country will be invited to perform a two minute demo for one of four categories and upload their demo. These demos will be turned into video clips which will be voted for, by the general public, on the MOUTH CANCER VOICE AWARDS 2007 website (still in development). Voting will close at midnight on Wednesday 14th November 2007.

Three acts per category will be short listed to attend the grand final at a central London venue where they will perform live in mid-November 2007 in front of a panel of judges and be in with the chance of winning the prize of a lifetime.

So it would be great to have you sing for us at the event. So, keep training and let's hope for the best.

Best wishes
Vinod

The MOUTH CANCER VOICE AWARDS 2007 website is ready!