New Jersey Stage December 2014 | Page 108

Don first noticed a problem during the summer. He’s had vocal strains in the past and recalls throat infections that lasted up to a month, but this felt different. There was a strangeness in which he was unable to hit notes that should have been easy to hit. But every time he thought it was bad enough that he had to see a doctor, the voice would improve a bit. He wound up having the voice feel bad, get better, and then feel bad again enough times that by the end of the summer he decided to have it checked out. He was referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat specialist) who discovered that Don had a polyp on his right vocal chord. The ENT was concerned enough to schedule an appointment for Don with NYU Voice Center in Manhattan. After consulting with them, he decided to have the polyp removed by laser, which took place on October 7. “The first thing you’re thinking Watch Don Lee Perform “Brand New Star” New Jersey Stage December 2014 pg 108