Thank you julesdeck. I don't post very often, but look now and then.

You look lovely and happy in your new pictures.

Had surgery 6/11 but there were serios complications. Had a bowel nick so have big surgical wound and daily wound care for many weeks. Have lost 40 lbs thogh.

Hi Felice;
I am not an opera singer but am an amateur clarinetists (BA in Music History, Florida State Univ. School of Music)

My biggest concern with surgery is making sure to let the surgeon know how important your vocal chords are. There are breathing tubes that are smaller (for children) and if possible I would want the surgeon to intubate me with a smaller tube (so as not to damage the vocal chords).

I would also inquire as to how large the incisions would be and if they would in any way interfere with the function of the diaphragm. My guess is that they cut from the underside of the belly (below the belly button) but I could be mistaken... I'm thinking that you could still, during the first week, do your basic scales but very softly because of the pain.

I haven't had the procedure yet but recently found out that my insurance does cover it (but of course I probably have to jump through hoops as you did for 6 months.)

Good luck to you and 'break a leg'!

Wendy Powell, BA, MA, MIT, Educ. Specialist
(now in the computer teaching field)