Willie is now having radiation to spine

Mary here,

The MRI done on the weekend showed that Willies spinal cord is starting to get compressed and they are very concerned that he could become paralyzed if it isn't treated immediately.

He will be having 5 radiation treatments, had one this evening thru Friday.

The radiologist was very good but had some very bad news for us.

The foot drop and increased urinary incontinence are affected by nerves lower than the compression.

She is treating the L2, 3 area but he has no symptoms of compression there, just in the sacrum.

Because the prostate bed has already been radiated, if they find more tumor in the sacral spine it will be considered untreatable and he'll still be at risk of vertebral collapse.

They will probably do another MRI to view the sacral area but she was most upset to see foot drop, weakness and hear of his increased bladder problem.

Willie was really down in the dumps, thankfully he went to lay down and that gave me some privacy/time to have a good cry.

Why does this darned disease have major issues that are symptom free???

Willie has never had symptoms of half his problems, they just get 'found' on tests, including his original diagnosis.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm glad that he's not in agony and that he can still use his arms!!!

But to have what we thought was a weak ankle sort of thing turn out to be painless but deadly, untreatable tumor??!?!?!?

As she said, she should order the MRI but she already knows somethings very wrong when she checked his legs.

Because his chemo and radiation are only a week apart, he may be in for a double dose of side effects but she says to just keep him comfortable throughout it all, til his doctor gets back.

Again, I am broken hearted, he's really quite down about this whole mess and more than a bit frightened (I think) about what lays ahead ie he doesn't want to be paralyzed.

I guess the only good thing is that they found the spinal compression before it paralyzed him but it's not a sure thing due to her certainty that there is something going on lower down, the part that didn't show well on the scan.

We're trying to not despair but it's getting harder and harder.

Please send positive thoughts to Willie.

Thankyou

Mary

Mary, My heart goes out to you and Willie. I know this is a very difficult time for both of you. Know that we are thinking so very much of you guys.

Cajun Jeff

Mary,

Whatever I could say would be at best ...

Please know that my best wises are with you always.

Dear Willie and Mary. I wish that there was anything I could do or say to make life a bit easier for you, but all I can do is send my best wishes to you. Some times miracles happen and I wish one of them would come your way.

Don't give up hope. At least Willie is not in pain.

Mag

Dear Mary and Willie,

Please know that I am sending all good thoughts and energy and prayer your way.

Hello Mary and Willie,

I'm very new to this great Forum but feel compelled to reply to your most heartfelt post.

I do hope Willie remains comfortable and send you both my positive thoughts.

Kind regards,

Chris.

Dear Mary,
My heart goes out to you and your dear husband. I am so sorry to hear of the recent complications. It seems that your journey has been long and difficult, and you have still part of the marathon yet to run.
I am very new to this forum, but the postings have really helped me to work through some of my emotions and concerns regarding my husband's recent diagnosis. Unfortunetly, his was caught at the metastasized stage, with fractures along the spine. He has lost over 2 inches in height and was temporarily paralyzed in his left arm with the fracture of the C4. But within 2 months of that, he was able to play his guitar at church. So last week was a thankful day!
Thank you to all who are posting! I read and find it informative as I learn about such things as possible migranes, weight gain, and other possible difficulties. But I really love the encouragement that I read. It is very uplifting to see such a kindness amongst sojourners.
Thank you,
Audreyjoan