I was diagnosed one year ago (June 11) and almost have a year behind me with the obturator. I couldn't sing before my surgery, so I can't answer the question regarding how it has effected my singing. I am not sure that it has made it any worse. I do talk for a living though and have not had to miss any work, even with going through radiation. There are some inconveniences, I definately eat differetly. You can learn to live with it, but the key is you are living.