Chuck, I don't necessarily agree with Margaret's assessment of your post-TX trumpet playing future. Margaret, if you have direct experience of this I will yield to your superior knowledge.

I used to be a professional flute player, and while I don't really play anymore I did take the flute out a few months ago - this was maybe a year after RT - and, although I sounded awful, I was indeed able to play. I do realize that there's a difference between the instruments (my brother is a professional trumpet player so I know the instrument well) I wouldn't assume that radiation damage would necessarily doom your chops. That said, we all must of course acknowledge that treatment is different for each of us. An absolute prediction is impossible.

If you wanted to try and learn more you might try posting to one of the online trumpet forums, see if anyone out there has gone through neck radiation. I know my brother posts to them regularly, and if you don't know the names of any, or can't easily find them, please send me a note and I'll get the name from him.

I know you're facing a tough, tough decision, but you're getting some great advice here!

Please keep us posted.
David 2