Gene,August 8, 2000 must have been a really good day for SD surgery! For those of you who don't already know,I was the other surgery patient observed by Dr. Goldstone on that day. Like Gene, I am very pleased with my voice after Dr. Berke's surgery. Don't think I have as much volume as Gene but no one asks about my voice anymore and I find myself forgetting about it more all the time and feel like my old self again after almost nine long years. It was good to meet you, Gene, at UCLA and I am so happy for you even if you did get to go first. (Just kidding). Like you, I wish everyone could have good results and I feel very fortunate. So glad to hear about other doctors learning the procedure and more can take advantage of the surgery if they choose to do so. For me, it was a "GOOD thing!!" I was also glad to hear about Dr. Blumin moving to Philadelphia. That's much closer for me if I need help in the future with my voice. He was a great help at UCLA and so quick at answering all my questions after surgery by email. My former ENT in Indianapolis, IN is thinking about learning the procedure also. That would be great too. I have a friend who is interested in the surgery if he chooses to learn and perform the SLAD-R surgery. Not having the expense of traveling so far would be a big plus. Barb