metastatic spinal cord collapse

bluepearl

Has anyone had this and how are you doing?

pajim

Hi bluepearl, do you mean compression fractures/collapse of the vertebrae? Or the spinal cord itself (the nerves that go through the vertebrae)?

I had the former. They put in a bunch of screws and fused the spine. 6 months of rehab and I'm fine. I have no pain or anything like that.

If you're referring to the latter, do a search here on the site. If I remember correctly there was someone else who posted with this problem. My shot memory doesn't recall what the outcome was.

bluepearl

My sister's is just like yours. She is doing fine as well and just using an AI which has done wonders keeping the cancer at bay. Thank you for answering. Just lost a cousin from metastatic breast cancer Sunday. UGH. Anyway, she hasn't even needed chemo yet and just went through pancreatitis because of gallbladder (and had that removed) and is doing great.

pajim

I'm so sorry about your cousin. My cousin died of MBC two months after I as diagnosed with it. It's hard not to compare but I've already lived longer than she did and I've barely begun with treatments.

Glad to hear your sister is doing OK. The good news with the fusion is that they took out all the cancer they could find. Letrozole kept mine away for 3+ years. Tell her from me to do the rehab. I didn't do enough of it and I'm stiff to this day. Of course if I'd just quit work I'd have time to stretch and spend in the gym.

bluepearl

My sister spend four months in rehab.....they didn't think she would ever walk again as she presented paralyzed.....but she walked out of rehab and although she needs a cane and walker from time to time, she still gardens. She is 3.5 years out....still stable. I am glad you are doing well and also sorry about your cousin too. Cancer sucks.