Brother Newly Diagnosed...Afraid!!!!

[showdogs]

Hi Everyone & Anyone,

My 53 year old brother has just recieved the results of his MRI and it shows a spinal cord tumor between his mid back and base of his neck. I am so scared and of course so is he!! He has an appointment with a neurosurgeon tommorrow. Would appreciate any information, support or questions to ask the Dr. I was so happy to find this. As a BC survivor I know how important a group like this can be!!

Thank you in advance!!!!

[tc]

My advice is to start looking for a neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal cord tumors. Let this group know what part of the country you are in and ask us for recommendations. Get more than one opinion. Don't rush into anything.
Teresa

p.s. - Here's advice quoted from Dr. George Jallo in the library section under "Common Questions and Concerns":

Since the majority of these tumors are slow growing or benign, treatment is not urgent for the majority of cases. One should research a center or surgeon who specializes or performs frequent operations (on SCTs). A cause for urgency is when the symptoms such as motor weakness or pain are rapidly worsening.

[showdogs]

Thank you Theresa. We are in Orange County, in Southern California. Thanks to reading some post on this list I have already sent an email to Dr. Jallo and recieved a reply this morning that he would look over my brothers case once I send him the information. Does anyone know what the cost of that may run?

The neuorsurgeon we see today is associated with Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. His Dr's name is William Dobkin. The website says he specializes in Degenerative Spine/Spinal Deformity/Trauma and Tumor-Infected. It also mentions that he is in association with Dr. John C Brown for imaging...does this all mean anything?

Thanks again!
Dorothy

[cindylee]

Dorothy, Glad to meet a fellow BC survivor. I also had a spinal cord tumor. I am sure some of the California folks will chime in about doctors. Jallo is the best according to some who have had him for a surgeon. One question that is important, what are your brother's symptoms, how long has he had them and are they getting to the point where it is hard to function. Loss of function would lead me to make a quicker decision. If the symptoms are only progressing at a slow pace, then you have time to weigh your options. You are in the right place. Hugs, Cindy

[tony]

Dorthy, I agree with cindy. If symptoms are progressing rapidly don't wait to long. I also live in S. California, I went to see Dr. Thomas Chen at USC.

Department of Neurological Surgery

Clinical Office:
Healthcare Consultation Center
1520 San Pablo St.,
Suite 3800
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

One last note: Just because you live in southern california doesn't mean you should limit your self to this area. There are some great neurosurgeons like Dr. Jallo in different parts of the country.

[hairchik]

Dorothy,
Dr. Jallo is great! If you send him the MRI and what's been going on with your brother he will tell you what he thinks as far as surgery, treatment etc. He does this at no charge. If there were anyway your brother could see him I would highly recommend it. Angie