In June I had surgery to remove 7 tumours within a couple of months I felt another lump and was readmitted for more surgery where they removed a further 3 and my lymph nodes.<br />The biopsy showed a very aggressive tumor and nodules all over the neck area. Radiotherapy is the next step.<br />We hoped this could be avoided as I am a singer and the chances of me being able to sing again are quite slim. This is a major upset to me, crazy tho it seems the fact that I have these tumours or that I have a large scar doesn't seem as important as my voice.<br />I have no idea what to expect with radiotherapy as at the moment I am numb, can't take it in, just does't seem real that I will be going through this as I do not feel ill.<br />Has any one had any problems with their voice after radiotherapy and if so is it ongoing or short term.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

I regret that I know very little about this. But I did find some info for you. I hope it helps.

Oh.. and welcome!

I found this site and took this snipet from it for you:

quote:

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If your voicebox (larynx) is being treated, it may become sore. If this happens, try and rest your voice as much as possible. Your voice may go altogether but should gradually return. If not, you can be referred to a speech therapist to help you regain your voice.

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Thanx for the reply, surgeon has told me that they cannot avoid the voice box and it will be damaged but they do not know to what extent.

Tracey, I know exactly how you feel. It is a great deal to absorb isn't it. Yet the words just flow right out their mouths as if they were talking about a picnic in the meadow. There we are just trying to catch the breath that we know we had when we walked in. I have thought a hundred times about the way I was told about all the procedures that I have had done. I suppose that there is no other way to say it or to do it. But DAMM sure ought to be. I wonder how they would react if this were us saying those words to them. All of a sudden the shoe was on there foot. I still think back about all that I have had done to me and am amazed that I made it thru it all. My voice was not halterd at all with radaiton. Tho I have known those who's voices were. FIRST things FIRST---we need to get you BETTER!!! Your voice won't do you any good at all if you aren't thinking about YOU, ALL OF YOU. OKAY? Pray and then pray some more.....That is what we will do.....Tracey when does your treatments start? How many do you have to take? Until we talk again....Vicki Lynn

Vicki Lynn
My treatment was to start this week but as I have alot of work commitments, especially 31st Dec, (which in Scotland is a very big event!) I told the surgeon I would not start treatment till January.
I know it is hard for other people to understand why I would put off having therapy but I keep coming back to the fact that at the moment it does not seem real and I don't feel ill, but if I do lose my voice I want to go out with a BANG on the 31st!
I agree with what you say about being given the news, I know they probably do this many times during a day but to us it is the biggest piece of info we will ever be told and to have 6 people in the room all trying to talk to you or give you leaflets when all you want to do is get out of there as quick as possible and then be faced with an hours driving is just too much to take in.
I still don't know how I got home!

Tracey, you don't have to explain this to me. Not at all. If it will keep, let it. When I had my first byopsy and surgery, I wanted to die. It was on my 32 birthday, the very day, that I had the surgery. That was in the month of OCt. so I missed all the Hoildays that year. I love Christmas and I missed it. Let me tell you it isn't any fun at all to watch the entire world enjoy something that means so much to everyone. That was a very very hard time for me. So you enjoy your holidays, have the time of your life. In Jan you can take care of business. Always Vicki Lynn

Hi Tracey

What songs do you sing? Vicky probably sings country & western! Lydia is our disc jockey at ClubAgoraphobic in London. Perhaps we could start a RDOC music club!

Best wishes for a Great Hogamanay (i know its a bit early )
Vinod :geek: (getting in the mood)

Great balls of fire - TOP SCOTTISH 60s & 70s TRIBUTE BAND :yikes:

Hi Tracy, I am not going into any details on Radiotherapy.
Just remember EVERYONE is different and have different side efects
I wish you all the best and keep us posted
Perhaps we can help you through it
Which Maxiollfacial Clinic you go to?

Paul

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Paul,

Thanx Paul

Everyone has been very supportive and the advice has been very helpful, at least I have a sort of idea what to expect with the radiotherapy.I see Dr Joshi has found my web-site hope you all managed to check it out. Unfortunately all my gigs I have for next year will have to be cancelled! and there are alot!

My husband John is being positive he said just to cancel 6mths and see how I feel, who knows how my voice will be after treatment?
It is just SO unfair that we have to go through this.
I had a gig last night,I managed ok, but I know my voice isn't what it used to be since surgery. John says I am too hard on myself and to remember it has only been 8weeks since surgery, anyway thanx to you all.

Tracey

Hello Tracey

Don't be hard on yourself, you are doing your best. Take care and good luck.

Best wishes
Vinod

p.s. Tracey's website, rock on!

Thanx

I had a panic yesterday as I discovered another lump on the other side of my neck, I didn't sleep last night.
But today was my appointment with my consultant so luckily I didn't have too long to worry. Needn't have worried tho, because the lump he reckons is my other submandibular salivary gland which has become inflamed. could this have any connection with the singing I have been doing since surgery?Maybe compensating for the other one being removed/or because I have had this cold for about 3 weeks now! I forgot to ask when I was at the hospital, just so relieved it wasn't another tumor.

Best wishes
Tracey

Hello Tracey, I had two op's just one year ago, plus radiotherapy etc, I was told that I would not be able to speak, I looked as though I had a stroke; talking has been quite difficult, I have spent ages by myself making faces in the looking glass and re-educating my mouth and tongue; I had a large hole and there was a great wooshing sound; but I as almost back to talking as before. I never could sing, so not a problem. You just have to remember it takes time to heal, and re-educate to a new way of doing things. Best of Luck with the Radiotherapy, and drink loads all the time as the saliva is a bit of a problem.

Thanx for the reply Garance,I have seen a speach therapist and I have had exercises to do to try and get my bottom lip moving again. The numbness that was there has gone but movement hasn't returned yet. I am sorry to say I have given up with the exercises as it was depressing me as I could see no improvement, but maybe the singing will do just as good.
Has your voice came back completely? Maybe if my tone changes I could still work with it, I will just have to wait and see.
The radiotherapy is looming now. Today was my last appointment with my consultant till after treatment,so that was a bit scary. Mould appointment is on 23rd.
I am becoming used to drinking more as I find eating a problem even now before radiotherapy, my god what is it going to be like then!
Better go now as thats the paranoia setting in again!!!!

Best wishes
Tracey

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TRACEY,

for what its worth, I had seven weeks of radiation on my mouth and neck for tumors on my tonsil and lymph node. During treatment, my voice was very raspy, and then it took about four months to get back to normal.