I’m having a day case ‘procedure’ done on Wednesday. It’s an injection of bioplastique into my vocal chord which has been damaged by pressure from tumours in my neck.
The aim is to try to restore some of my voice. The surgeon says the operation is unlikely to fail completely and should strengthen my voice so I can be heard with background noise. I should regain control over the volume (there is none right now) though not necessarily over pitch. My voice will probably sound like the old ‘me’ but no guarantees on this.
Right now I’m fretting about the general (always think I’ll never wake up not to mention my veins…apparently anaesthetist will ‘prefer not to’ use Hickman for anaesthetic).
Anyone know anyone who’s had this procedure??? The symptom is unusual from breast cancer but not unknown. I also have horner’s* syndrome…(droopy eye caused by tumour pressure on eye nerves but this isn’t too noticeable as I wear glasses.)
It would be good if BCC could keep a dossier of unusual cases…everything about my 'regional ha ha,not spread to 'another part of your body, ha ha not really secondaries…just terminal…cancer is totally undocumented in any literature from BCC. I know I’m not the only one with unusual or different presentations, but I guess the feeling of isolation can be the same.
In the meantime keep your fingers crossed for me waking up and being able to speak on Wednesday.
Jane
*chemo brain hits…it’s horner’sydrome I have, not mondor’s syndrome which is something else…
Hi Jane
Good Luck on Wednesday. I would welcome the idea of unusual cases - mine is similar to yours except it was regional from outset so I sort of missed out the first bit you went through, but I fully understand the isolation feeling as you don’t quite fit the normal category but still get the grotty prognosis.
Hi Jane
Want to wish you all the best with your latest procedure. I so hope it restores some of your voice . It must be so frustrating not having your usual voice. I will be thinking of you on Wednesday.
I agree that it would be good for BCC to keep a dossier of unusual cases. I have never heard of a case like yours and certainly have done more than my share of research. My chemo induced deafness is evidently rare as no one on the forums has responded to my queries as to fellow sufferers and you have to search for information, certainly no leaflets etc are available.
I will look forward to your news on Wednesday, or whenever you are able to post. My fingers are crossed.
Must say how much I enjoy your website, it is brilliant. I hope you may at some time get your essays published. I read widely anything bc and among much rubbish have found a few true gems and yours would certainly be among them.
Best wishes
Linda
Recently there have been a few posts on bcmets about vocal chord paralysis. I don’t know how relevant or not they may be to your case - but I’m sure you will have seen them anyway!
Obviously hope your particular procedure goes well - expect to be deafened by the results.
Hi Jane,
I’m so glad there’s something they can try, to improve your voice. Really hoping it works. Of course you’ll wake up you daft bat! But I know exactly how you feel. It’s a very vulnerable thing being ‘put under’ - your life is literally in someone else’s hands for that time. It’s a bit like flying in an aeroplane (or giving birth, for that matter) - you just have to think of all the millions of people who go through it without a hitch.
Will be thinking of you on Wednesday,
lots of love
Jacquie
Glad to hear the medics are optimistic they can improve your voice. I know what you mean about general anaesthetic, probably best not to think about it too much. I hope you will wake up chatting!
Hi Jane, I am sorry I have no direct experience to share, but wanted to add my best wishes to the others. You are so supportive of everyone else and help out with answering us when we’re scared and upset, respect to you for that.
It must be really hard to have such an unusual form of this, it’s hard enough having a ‘normal’ set of symptoms and developments, even then it seems quite lonely. Hope the op is a complete success and your voice is back to as close to normal as possible