I don't smoke. Never did.
I don't drink alcohol. Never did in excess, now, it's just never.
I get enough rest, I try to eat good, healthy foods, I stay hydrated. I avoid vocal abuse (hockey games, etc), and position myself out of harms range of my speakers. With all that diligence ... the years, the crowds, the secondhand smoke (maybe), and the passion to please have led me to a small growth at the back of my throat. It doesn't hurt, but it always feels like I'm still swallowing something. I'm seeing an ENT as soon as possible, but my family doctor suggested that it will most likely need to be removed, and biopsied. So, without all the doom and gloom talk, there will most likely be a least "SOME" period of time off to rest my overused pipes. Thus the title of this post. What do you do when your voice is your main instrument?

Here's my plan:
Before I actually have the procedure ("IF" I even need one) - I'm recording some of my best songs WITH live vocals and room for solos. I'll mix these in with DJ tracks of favorite dances, and I'll bring my guitar, uke, sax, flute and clarinet on stage. I'll bump up the instrumentals, and "sprinkle in" a few of my personal tracks to remind the crowd of why they came. I won't lip sync ... I'll merely play along on the horns or strings, while my recorded voice plays digitally. I always loved being in a horn section, so I'll be right at home. It's a part time fix, and not a permanent situation, so I don't see it as slaking off, or cheating in any way. Many of my venues know me as a horn player anyway, so this fresh sound just might be a welcome addition to a sound they already enjoy, and support.

The addition of live players to a DJ rig (mostly drums or percussion, but horn, too) is becoming more, and more mainstream, and it's already pretty common at weddings and larger banquets in my area. It might actually be fun to be an auxiliary player to a track that everyone knows. I get to sweeten the mix. Sprinkle some magic dust onto a tried, and true arrangement. I might just enjoy this. (he said, optimistically)

On a personal note ... the thought of not singing, even for a few weeks (or, GULP, longer) is tearing me up inside. I can't imagine it. Even when I'm tired at work, I find myself singing on breaks ... and the ride home. It's hard for me to SHUT THIS TRAP!

I'm not looking for pity or medical advice - just thought I'd open a dialog about "what if" for the gang. In almost 50 years on stage, I NEVER once missed a night's work due to illness. (I did "fib" once or twice to get a night off) I even remember singing the night I had three wisdom teeth pulled. That was rough, but I made it. I was sucking on cotton balls soaked in scotch on breaks - did the trick.

Anyone have any other creative "Plan B" ideas to share ... just in case?

Peace, and shhhhhhh I'm resting my voice.

I hope it's not serious but yes get it looked at by a ENT specialist and biopsied if necessary this way good or bad you'll catch it early and removed or not and your head & worrying will be relieved. During your recovery just get another singer guy or girl to fill in with you until you heal. I think your over thinking your act too much with all that recording,etc, etc, .....You'll get thru this and before you know it be back to normal singing for your bread...
good luck Dave!

Hope it's benign and if you do need surgery that your recovery is quick and uneventful. Ok, for the second, maybe third, time in the last decade, I actually agree with Donny and his approach to this situation. Sounds very practical and doable. Once in awhile he get's it right .

chas

My schedule is booked solid till October - I hope I can squeeze this in.

Your health comes first......just think of how much time you'll lose if it goes south and you don't get it tested? you can do this buddy...
I'm rootin' for ya all the way!!

Best wishes for a full recovery. Since you never smoked, I would say odds are it's benign.

Dave, one of the smartest things I ever did in my musical career is to visit an ENT guy every year for a checkup both above and below the glottis. About 10 years ago, he found a tiny node, which after removal, proved to be benign. Scary, though. Singers, especially power singers such as yourself, are prone to these nodes and a significant number are malignant, probably about 5 percent. Of course, that puts the odds in your favor that your is not.

Tracy, smoking has little or nothing to do with these nodes, as they are primarily caused by impact and voice strain.

Now, depending on the removal technique, the recovery time can range from a few days to a few weeks. Either way, your health comes first. If you have to get someone to cover for you, there is always Donny or Fran, which are right in your backyard.

Sorry I cannot be of more help, my friend,

Gary

Thanks for the clarification Gary.

15 years ago, my dentist noticed a lump. It was removed and sent off. Cancerous. He removed more of the area around the lump and it came back clean. I smoked a pipe for 30 years. That ended, of course.

I get checked every year and things are fine. Recovery was a couple of days each time.

All the best. I'm thinking you don't have much to worry about.

Russ

Dave since I live in the age of illness --- and lead and attended cancer groups at my church this is what I have learned.

When you begin to worry about something that has not happened yet’ you will pay the price of worrying and planning more than once. It will whatever it is -- and you will have all the fact, I know you will do one great job handling it. You have done a great job so far.

I’ve had to this with my heart, diabetes, my wife’s cancer and a few growths/lumps in my throat. The worrying and imagining was worse than the reality of what happened.

John C.
PS, after having three different growths remove my voice, for my age is great. (smile) All worry is fear based)