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Original poster

What to expect

8 replies

waxlyrical · 21/01/2011 18:29

DH is having operation to remove tumour from spinal cord soon. Has anyone had a similar operation? - what is the recovery period like? Feeling scared but hoping someone who has been through this can reassure us really.

OP posts:
ilovemyhens · 21/01/2011 18:51

Is the tumour causing any kind of spinal cord compression in any way, or is it just sitting there?

Original poster
waxlyrical · 21/01/2011 20:40

its causing pain is on lots of painkillers until op

OP posts:
ilovemyhens · 21/01/2011 21:39

Initial recovery is generally around 10 days and he may be left with some weakness afterwards which might affect his mobility. He'll be given physio to help him get back to normal. If the spinal cord is being compressed, it can cause long term disability, but they'd have operated on him as an emergency if that was happening.

Do you know if the tumour is benign?

Original poster
waxlyrical · 22/01/2011 14:32

Thanks - not sure is benign as will be doing biopsy as part of op but trying not to dwell on that at the moment. I think its more likely to be benign than not so am keeping positive. Have you been through same op?

OP posts:
ilovemyhens · 22/01/2011 21:22

My late dh had a laminectomy for a cord compression. He had a tumour on C6, but it was malignant and had spread to his lungs. He made a good recovery from the surgery, but the chemo wasn't successful.

From what I read at the time, spinal tumours are usually benign and he was just really unlucky that his wasn't.

Try not to worry. I know it's easier said than done, but it's most likely benign.

Original poster
waxlyrical · 23/01/2011 10:01

I'm really sorry to hear about your DH.

These tumours are very rare I think but I dont dare google to find out any more. Just got to wait and try not to get too anxious - which as you say is not very easy to do.

OP posts:
ilovemyhens · 23/01/2011 17:04

I really feel for you, but try not to panic and just take one day at a time. I know how stressful it is, try to focus on the moment.

He'll be given plenty of physio afterwards to get him back on his feet. Get him some vitamin C and zinc to help with healing.

When is he sheduled for surgery?

Original poster
waxlyrical · 23/01/2011 20:52

3 weeks time until surgery. Trying to be "normal" at work and with children is so hard. All happened very quickly - before Christmas it was just diagnosed as a slipped disc!!

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