paper
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by paper on Aug 31, 2016 20:52:33 GMT -6
Realllllly long story short...I had a Grade II Intramedullary Ependymoma from C2-C7 that was identified May 31st. I had a spinal laminectomy June 17th with a laminoplasty on C3-5. Originally, May 31st, the tumor was 1.5x1x2mm, it was ~the size of a walnut when removed ~3/4in diameter after cauterization. _
It's been a bit of a crazy ride, I turned 32 in July, this all came about in a great big hurry. I have a wife of 5 years and a 3 yr old son... I am leaving a lot out but just wanting to do a brief introduction.
I have had 14 MRI's to date and one spinal tap post-op. They did find ependymoma cells in my CSF but want to do another spinal tap in Nov. to see where we stand before doing whole brain/spinal cord radiation... I know I am leaving a lot out but please ask away or share any and all insights you have. Honestly, right now the most difficult thing is not knowing what the next plan of action is and waiting until Nov...
Aaaaannnnddd...because I'm a smart ass...
Oh, post-op, I can't feel the left side of my body or from my right knee down but everything works for the most part. I can't really use my middle, ring, or pinky finger on my left hand and have some incontinence issues...lots of fun...but I am grateful for the functionality I have retained!
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New Member
Sept 1, 2016 12:15:20 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by tumorsarebad on Sept 1, 2016 12:15:20 GMT -6
I got a lot of feeling and functionality back up to three years after my surgery. So it should be getting better. You can only affect things under your control, I know is hard to not stress about it. Every day that passes gets the medical community closer to repairing nerve damage.
Stay positive bro
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paper
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by paper on Sept 4, 2016 3:31:56 GMT -6
Thank you. I am up unable to sleep right now, trying to refocus my thoughts so I can go back to sleep.
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Post by tumorsarebad on Sept 4, 2016 7:21:46 GMT -6
I've had worse luck there, exhaustion or a sleeping pill gives me the best sleep. You build up tolerance to them but the extended release ambien works. Lunesta works great if you can deal with the taste side effect.
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