It has been over 6 weeks since the removal of my tumor. My sternum is feeling pretty good today. My left obliques are slowly improving as well. I'm able to drive once again and my lifting restrictions have been lifted. I started getting massages on my upper back to help with the pain associated with muscle atrophy. I also started physical therapy initially focusing on stretching during the first week and have now begun focusing on using my muscles with those rubber band exercises. Already, I've noticed a lot of my back and neck pains have dissipated. So, there has been a LOT of progress and, though I anxiously looked forward to these days after week 6, it feels like it got here pretty quick. Other than a scar, soon, no one would be able to tell I had any sort of health scare. I am blessed and thankful for so much.
Now, onto the next chapter of this healing process, my voice. As I shared several weeks ago, with the removal of my Left Vagus nerve, my left vocal cord is permanently paralyzed. Much like my increased knowledge of paragangliomas, I feel like my increasing knowledge of how vocal cords work should somehow be used to make a living for myself after this is all done. I'm joking, of course. In all seriousness, every step of the way seems to have a touch of divine intervention. Having prayerfully considered where to get treatment and who was going to be involved, there are stories that I'd love to share with anyone who asks. These small assurances give Melanie and I comfort in feeling that we are definitely in the right place and God seemingly agrees. That story continues with my laryngologist here in St. Louis.
I had my first visit scheduled for 7/19. After dropping off my files and CDs of procedural care in Houston, TX, I asked if there were any cancellations. I got scheduled for this past Thursday, June 27. While at my first meeting, my laryngologist offered a temporary procedure to restore some sort of voice for a short time (6 +/- weeks), so I said, "YES," without hesitation! It wasn't a walk in the park, unless that park is nestled in the suburbs of hell... talk about pain. But, it's done. I had immediate improvement with breathiness reduced to none and vocal cord contact, giving me a firm voice for the first time in over 6 weeks. Modern medicine is unbelievably amazing. Now, I have a few days of healing after that procedure, but hope to have a loud and clear voice within a week.
Another piece of news I learned during my meeting with my new doctor is the likelihood of me being able to sing like I once did is close to nil. There are physiological limitations that I can be trained to reduce its impact, but those same limitations can only be treated so far. My complete vocal cord paralysis fits that shoe. Controlling tonality is done by the thickening or stretching of both vocal cords. Having control of only one, it's unlikely I'll be belting out songs like I once enjoyed doing. Now, this mention here doesn't mean that I won't try, because I sure as heck plan on giving it my best. But, it's out of my hands. It's just another small thing to pray for along this entire journey.
That is all for now. As time moves forward, I'll put up some videos with audio comparing and contrasting progress made over the past several weeks. It's neat to reflect upon. Thank you all for continued prayers. I know that I'm here today and this far in my progress because of them all.
For the greater glory of God!
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