Voice Update

As most of you know, I had surgery a few months ago to remove a growth on one of my vocal cords. The surgery was quick and easy, and within a week or so I was able to speak - even shout - like normal. About two months after the surgery I noticed my voice getting a little scratchy again, and that I wasn't able to speak up quite as well in a noisy setting. Now, for the past two or three weeks, my voice has sounded about as bad as before my surgery.

So, yesterday I went back to see my ENT Doctor for my post-op check up, and he confirmed what I suspected, that the growth is back. He did say it didn't look quite as bad as before, but I would have to guess it is pretty close, based on my ability to speak (or lack of).

During my last surgery, the Doctor removed as much of the growth as he felt he could, without risking damage to my vocal cords. Without knowing for sure, he feels he probably removed about 90% of it. In order to remove 100% (or as close as possible), some special tools and lasers would need to be used by a vocal specialist, which of course there are none in Idaho. Since I am going to be in Seattle in two weeks, we are going to see if I can get in with a specialist there.

So, the bad news is that I have to live like this a while longer, but the good news is hopefully we will be able to get it done right.