A Quick Update

Yesterday I saw a neurosurgeon, Dr. Charles Wolff, to whom I was referred by Dr. Joudeh. It was actually my second visit to his office. On the first visit, I saw the P.A. who works with Dr. Wolff. He consulted with the doctor during that visit to determine the best course of action, and it was decided that a CT scan was warranted. The doctor wanted to get a better view of the spot on my C-7 vertebrae. The purpose of yesterday’s visit was to learn the results of the CT.

The scan confirmed there is a small lesion on my C-7 vertebrae. Dr. Wolff feels that it is not an old lesion; it has not been there long. It is not large enough to be protruding on my spinal cord and causing the pain and numbness in my arms and hands. He said he would discuss the results with Dr. Joudeh and proceed as he advised. As Dr. Wolff said, “If Dr. Joudeh wants me to get a piece of it, I can do that easily.” Knowing Dr. Joudeh’s modus operandi, I suspect he will want a biopsy. On the other hand, he may want to watch it for another month or so and then do another CT scan. We shall see.

“So, what is the likely cause of the pain in my arms and hands?” I asked.

“I believe it’s most likely radiculopathy,” he replied, a condition that is common among people “our age,” he explained. He asked if I had had any injections for pain – I have not – and recommended an injection into my cervical spine to counter the pain and numbness I’ve been experiencing mostly at night. His nurse is supposed to arrange it and call me to schedule.

As you can imagine, I have many questions. If this is a new lesion, does that mean the stem cell transplant didn’t work? How will we treat it? Radiation? Stronger chemo? Do we need to do another CT scan in a month? Maybe on a regular basis after that in order to catch any new lesions before they cause significant damage to my bones?

Hopefully, I will have answers soon, and when I do, I will share them with you. I’m sorry I haven’t written much lately – nothing about my sweet fur babies or John’s new boxer puppy, Cooper. Heaven knows, I have more than ample subject matter, and the thoughts churn in my brain. Eventually they’ll all spill over in the form of new posts to my blog, so please stand by, and as always, thank you for the positive thoughts and prayers!