VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Bruce · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 6:43 am Post subject: A Bump in the Road...

....And a bump in the neck.

Here’s an interesting development for me…I’m heading in for some surgery in the next several days. A growing lump on my neck just above one of my collarbones turned out to be an enlarged thyroid and an ultrasound shows a “mass” growing in the middle of it all. So they’re going to skip doing a biopsy and hop in and take out the affected portion (about 60% of the thyroid), run it down the hall to a pathologist, and while I’m still on the table make a decision on what’s wrong (3 or 4 likely causes) and then decide whether to remove the rest.

The surgeon I’ve been referred to is highly regarded and does 4 or 5 of these operations in a day some days, so I believe I’m in good hands. He thinks the chances of it being cancer are low. Whew.

Of course the tricky part is that the two major nerves to each vocal chord are in the vicinity since the thyroid is basically wrapped around the trachea right there, so I’m just a bit apprehensive….OK, a lot apprehensive…but there are no alternatives.

Actually, the thing's been pressing on my throat like a light choke hold lately so I'll be glad to be rid of it.

Surgery is scheduled for January 8, but I’m on the list for cancellations so I may get a one-day warning call any time between now and then. If all goes well I’ll be vocally “off duty” for two weeks by the doc’s estimation (the chords get all inflamed from the nearby activity).

If anyone’s breezed through this surgery, I wouldn’t mind hearing your story.

I'll file an update or two as things move along.

Bruce
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

bobsouer · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 6:46 am Post subject:

Bruce,

My prayers are with you for a safe and complete recovery. Thanks for letting us know.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
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Audiogal · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:05 am Post subject:

Bruce, my mom had most of her thyroid removed back in 1963. She just takes a thyroid pill every day to compensate. Other than having a scar, it was no big deal. I believe it's a pretty common type of surgery.

Wishing you a good medical report & a speedy recovery.
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Mary

Philip Banks · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:34 am Post subject:

It goes without saying so I'll write it instead. My hope and wish for you is the best possible outcome and a multi-million dollar contract but the latter can wait for a month or so.

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Here's to a speedy recovery, Bruce. And when that multi-million dollar contract comes in, you can fly us all out to Vegas and we'll have a grand time.

tackerman · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:57 am Post subject:

I'll be praying for you too.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:00 am Post subject:

And just when the snow went away!!

Bruce, I'm crossing my fingers that all goes without incident and you'll actually enjoy a couple of weeks' break from the VO routine. Kiss

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sitting at #8, though not as present as I'd like to be. Hello!

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Deirdre · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:12 am Post subject:

I can only imagine the apprehension! Freakin' yipes.

Send up a flare when you come up for air.
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Jowillie · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:31 am Post subject:

It's easy for us to tell you that "hey, no problem" but it's not us. Any unexpected medical situation sort of rattles the nerves. But I can tell you that there is plenty of reason to be positive and optimistic and expect the best results. Over the years, I have had several good friends who made their living with their voices go through similiar experiences and they did great. When they made sure their medical team knew about the voice thing, the doctors understood exactly what precautions to take and that put everyone at ease.
The other part is to ask about and do any recommended vocal rehab. In some cases, insurance may cover some of it when the doctor prescribes it. Believe me, doctors' insurance companies do not want anything to happen to your voice.
I grew up with a fellow who was the lead singer in a popular band and he did not listen to the recommended therapy and rehab and he never got back to top form.
Just remember to go into this with a positive attitude that you are coming out of it even better than before, (think of the rest you'll get) We are all with you all of the way.
WE
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Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:44 am Post subject:

Bruce, I'll keep you in my thoughts.
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Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

dscott · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:46 am Post subject:

For your well being I pray.
Dave

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:09 am Post subject:

Yikes - what a way to start the New Year! Thinking of you and sending good vibes to your chords...
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DaveChristi · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:32 am Post subject:

Bruce,

All the best. It's amazing what doctors can do these days.
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Dave "Christi" Felton
The Character Voice Actor

Doc · Guest

Bruce,

Ya know, I truly believe there's a reason for everything. Problem is - I never can figure out exactly what those reasons are.

I'm just down the road a piece from ya. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call on me.

Oh yeah - I'm convinced that it's nothing too serious and that you'll be back to vocal excellence in a couple of weeks. After all... I'm not a doctor, but I play one on the radio! Wink

bobsouer · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:33 am Post subject:

Bruce,

As I've been praying for you this morning, I've been remembering a time 16 years ago when my daughter had very similar surgery and for much the same reason. She'd developed a lump inside her thyroid. It had become large enough that we noticed it bulging out from her throat. She was 9 at the time, so it looked pretty strange to see a little girl with what looked like a Adam's Apple.

Like your situation, the surgeon had told us there was very little risk of cancer; but her Mom (my first wife) had died of cancer a few years before this, so we didn't want to take any chances.

Today, Karen has a small scar at the base of her throat and can speak perfectly. In fact, I've used her voice a number of times in voiceover projects. So, there's at least one success story for you.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express