Tumour Back again

[leofwen]

hi everyone, I'm back again. 

Had L5 schwannoma removed last July in the UK, but it has returned.  I had symptoms 2 months after the surgery and found it had returned by January.  I also had a massive flank denervation hernia following the surgery which required a 6 hour op.



I now have DDD and disc bulges at L4 and L 5 and have been told they will need surgery.  Has anyone had experience of residual tumour regrowth.  I was very surprised as the surgeon was sure they had rejected the tumour 100% .  Within 4 months it was 27mm by 19 mm, which us rather rapid.  

I now now live in France and have had sublime healthcare. Will be seeing spinal surgeon in the new year to consider options.  I am ok at moment, although night pain wakes me up and I only have to undertake very moderate activity to trigger aching pain in my back.  I thought it had all gone away but it hasn't. 

I guess there here are no guarantees

s 

[pringleman]

Hi Leofwen,

Sorry to hear that your tumour regrew. Mine did but it was an ependymoma. It too grew back quicker than people say these things grow. One of my surgeons said it is not really possible to know whether all the tumour has been removed as they only need to leave a few cells and it can grow back. That is why with aggressive tumours they radiate the area in an attempt to mop up the remaining tumours.

Hopefully a second operation will remove it for good.

PG

[leofwen]

Thanks pringleman

i am hoping that the surgeons here in France are able to operate using minimally invasive techniques.  I am not rushing into anything though. I am pretty laid back about it all now as worrying only makes you feel unwell. 

I will  keep posting as I know more about how the tumour and disc bulges will be managed.