Suspicions Confirmed ...

Dr. M called me at 9 a.m. this morning. It's not usually good news when the doctor himself calls you, and it is certainly not a good omen when he calls you first thing in the morning, before he begins his daily appointment schedule.

The cancer is back in my spine. This time, instead of an extradural tumor (sitting on the outer part of the spinal cord), it appears to be an intravertebral tumor (inside the bone). It has already shattered the bone in that area, and that's probably the source of my recent terrible pain.

What does this mean? In the short term, it means no more PT and no "excessive" or "forceful" physical activity. Beyond that, the possibilities range from excruciating pain to total paralysis from the point of the tumor (thoracic spine). Dr. M asked me if I have any decreased strength in my lower limbs, but so far, my feeling / strength is fine.

Radiation is out, and chemo does not generally work on spinal metastases (cannot cross the "cord barrier"), so we have to determine is surgery is an option. I will be seeing seeing the surgeon who did my previous spinal surgery (3/06) as soon as the appointment can be arranged.

I'm at a loss for words right now. Please pray with us and for us.

Sharon