Cancer tumor growth out of Mets on spine

[karlsiller]

Checked myself into ER for weakness in right leg when walking and pain right lower back below kidney that radiated around to front right side around liver. MRI revealed 3cm tumor growth pressing nerve on spine causing the pain and weakness. Brain trust deciding weather to do surgery or radiation. Anyone’s input, suggestions or past similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. My history is in my first introduction post to this site.

[karlsiller]

Thanks Ssamo. Radiation seemed to be a no brainer but since my PSA only rose from undetectable to 0.05, they want to take a small biopsy to see if it might be something else, or kill two birds with one stone by cutting it out and getting a big enough specimen to be sure of what it is, since only getting a small sample might not be enough to get conclusive identification.

[softwaremom00]

I am far from an expert. I just want to add the factor regarding radiation. Consider whether or not you have worked in a field using radiation or with higher than normal exposure to radiation. My Dad got radiation treatment for his prostate cancer and it ended up giving him a cancer much worse than prostate cancer at/near the site of the radiation treatments.. He worked in the nuclear industry. We never really factored this into our decision. Just something to consider.

Hugs and prayers. Good luck with the decision.

Softwaremom

[karlsiller in reply to softwaremom00]

Thank you so much, softwaremom00. Very important information to factor into my decision.

[JamesAtlanta]

I had met at T-8 vertebra that was causing terrible pain and spinal compression. Radiation worked wonders.

Awareness of possible risks is a good call out and something to discuss with your doctor. I ended up with some heart issues - they think due to the radiation. My heart rate will not go up over 115bpm.

But I’d still do radiation all over again. It worked so well. Good luck with your decision ... keep us posted.

Best,

James

[karlsiller in reply to JamesAtlanta]

Thanks so much, JamesAtlanta. Will keep everyone posted.

[karlsiller]

Looks like they’ll have to cut, since they can’t tell by the CT scan or the MRI what sort of tumor it is. Radiologist won’t even radiate unless they are certain of what they are dealing with. If the PSA was higher than there would be no question on using radiation.

[karlsiller]

Surgery scheduled for tomorrow mid morning. Cutting out tumor next L1 spine to relieve pressure on nerve causing weakness in right leg and obtaining biopsy.

[Hidden in reply to karlsiller]

May God bless you with great results from this surgery and beyond.... hang in there dear Sir...

[Cheerr in reply to karlsiller]

I hope it went well and you’re doing better ?

Best,

Cher

[Hidden]

How is it going ?