Tony, are you physically fit and able to do the work you want to do? i.e.- is loss of voice your only detriment to doing what you used to do pre-cancer? If you were able to perform your job [voice or no voice] as an employer I would have no problem hiring you. In fact, right now, we have a subcontractor who cannot read well, cannot speak well and is on disability. But he is swamped with work because he is good at what he does. Those people who are "wincing in pain" when
you talk to them either have not been prepared for what you are dealing with or are stupid. And if your friends are shying away, then you need to find new friends. You agotta deal with whatever the "new you' is. I know it is hard stuff- but you are a strong guy-right? Amy

Tony, Feel so bad hearing about your problems. First the voice, why don't you want to go to therapy? Is it about the financial status your in? Second, this cancer can really humble us. I am on disability right now from work. Didn't want to do it, but there was no way I could perform my job while healing. So I thought of my health instead of pride. Glad I did. I'm hoping to go back to work in a month or so depending on upcoming test. This is so unlike me to sit around. So please go out there and get the help that you need. One more question, I think you had the cancer on the vocal chord, did the dr. inform you that your voice may or may not come back? or don't they know? Stay strong!

Thanks for the time, I guess I have to look elsewhere for my answers. Bless all of you, Tony

Thanks for the time, I guess I have to look elsewhere for my answers. Bless all of you, Tony

Tony, Sorry you didn't get a concrete answer, but it is probably because no one KNOWS for sure, and they don't want to mislead or give false hope or false scares. If you do find the answer, please check back in and let us know, because we are all interested, too!

Andrea

Tony,
If I were you, I wouldn't be waiting any 7 weeks to see if my voice came back. In the 5+ years I've been on this board, I don't remember anyone having that problem for more than a few days and msopt did not have it at all.

Voice change is one of the few symptoms that oral cancers sometimes exhibit. That said, I'd get thy butt down to Sloan Kettering for a CT & PET scans and scoping as fast as I could get an appointment. Hoping this problem is going away is not going to solve it and may make it permanent. It's only a couple hours drive.

Take care,
Eileen

Tony,
My father is taking therapy right now to help with his voice and swallowing........check into it, you don't know if it will help or not until you try it. My father was reluctant but he is giving it a shot. Keep your chin up and don't give up hope, Amy is right - I have seen from your previous posts - you are a strong guy! Keep posting so we can try and help.......Kim

Hey Tony??? I havent read anything new on you lately! How is your voice doing? How are you doing? Would love to hear from you, let us know...

Hello Everyone! Well alot has happened since my last post. I went back to work I went to a new ENT and now I am down south and I went on an interview today. My ENT said that my false vocal chords are all swollen and I am still cancer free. He also told me that it could be months for the swelling to go down and he put me on antibiotics and predisone and said I can't talk for 2 weeks. Well, of course thats when I get the call to go back to work. I havent had the chance to stop talking. So my voice is still bad. So I will go back to the ENT and he is going to make me do it. Then I will put a message on my answering machine and voice mail. Then I will try to make it for 2 weeks but it is nearly impossible. Wish me luck, that for the support, Tony

Good news, Tony. If your ENT really makes you quit talking, can I send my 15 yr. old grandson down, I can't get him to be quiet either. Amy in the Ozarks