Schwannoma on thoracic spine

[suzannec]

Hi there all

Over the past eight years I have been hoping to handle this but have had some things that for in the way of handling (a baby) and a change in health insurance. I now have Kaiser and feel like they are not being very honest with me. And would like some opinions...

In October 2008 two schwannomas were found on the t6 and t4 of my spine - one was 1cm and the other 2cm. My recent visit for an MRI has shown growth in both tumors (now 3.2cm and 2.0cm) as well as four new ones into the lumbar area. I have very little use of my left leg now. Constant pain and severe cold and numbness moving all the way from my left foot, into my left shoulder.

My trouble is this - kaiser believes that there is no need for surgery or biopsy right now and just tough it out through physical therapy and see if it gets better. I ended up speaking to a doctor outside of kaiser and she said it is likely because thy do not have a specialist in the field and that growth is typically a sign of malignancy and should get a biopsy before they proceed with anything, even PT. I had contacted kaiser about this response and was told I could do a walk out surgery? From everything I have read, removed of nerve root schwannomas are not walk out surgery and sometimes require radiation therapy...so I am getting a bit confused on what is the best route for me. I have had a hard time with kaiser over the past two years with handling this and just want to get some really answers about what I should expect, especially with a one year old baby.

If anyone could help me understand what I should be prepared for and what sort of treatments I should seek out, I would be so grateful.

[samuridude]

I would vouch for these doctors at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento,CA,  Indro Chakrabarti, MD -
Paul Akins, MD. IMO, they did mine and I received excellent care. 

[peace and love]

I am wondering How someone suggest a physiotherapy for spinal cord tumor. How come!!! Does tumor will disappear.

I lost 3 month on physiotherapy 5 years back with not 1% even improvement. I didn't understand well about SCT by that time.

Suzan be careful about who is advising you, go for the best and most expert doctors, search hard to find them, don't deal with silly people.



I wish you all the luck.

[lw]

Hi Suzanne & Peace,

I've never heard of physiotherapy being used to treat a SCT either. I thought the idea of physio was to help with regaining motor skills post surgery and to aid with the recovery process. To be honest I cannot imagine how a SCT could just improve on its own without surgical intervention given that these masses will continue to grow (albeit slowly) and further encroach on nerves and tissues. I would definitely get a second opinion and even a third, if necessary in order to find out as much info as possible on your prognosis.

The symptoms you are experiencing sound really unpleasant and you shouldn't have to live in constant pain. The operation can be an huge ordeal both physically and mentally, but there are many successful outcomes where people do regain a lot of function back eventually. If you look in the schwannoma section on here you will find many positive stories and I hope this will give you some encouragement. Good luck!