thanks for the advice Jojo
I met with the plastic surgeon yesterday and he decided he wanted to take it from my upper arm just above my elbow.
he said better skin to work with and bit bulkier. i'm not fussed about how things will look, so i've given him free reign to take it from wherever. Whatever bit gives him the best chance at giving me chance to speak reasonably normally (hopefully sing normally!) and eat and all that stuff.

was a fair reality-check of a day though i have to say.

anyway, thanks again to all who dropped in with advice/well-wishes....i hope christmas day finds you all eating some tasty food and sharing the day with good friends and family.

peace
jp