Steve Socha

Steve's been having back pain since early December. Not totally unheard of for him. Started to wrap around to ribs though. Dr's kept saying muscle pain (intercostal neuralgia). Saw a new dr beginning of January. At this point, pain is almost completely debilitating and he's spending most of his time in the recliner. Chest x-Ray clear. CT scan which was also clear. Started neurontin to see if it helped with pain. Last Wednesday he noticed his legs felt heavy and a bit tingly, he also had electrical impulses running from his neck to his toes whenever he coughed or sneezed. Decided to wait through the weekend to see if medication helped. By Saturday afternoon, he was having trouble walking, very unsteady. He had numbness from his abdomen down to his toes. Monday morning we attempted to make an appt with a neurologist but were unable to get in so we went to the hospital. At this point, Steve was barely able to walk, had to have someone or something to hold on to. He was also having the electrical impulses shooting down his legs with his pulse. Neuro exam done and MRI ordered. MRI showed tumors all along his spinal column, including a mass at T8 which is where his numbness originates. He has since had a repeat MRI and CT scan both with contrast. All organs appear to be clean at this point. However, he can no longer bear any weight on his own and has very little feeling/control at all in his right leg, left leg slightly better. He has had to have a catheter placed as well because he is unable to urinate and is retaining urine. 
We have spoken with neurosurgery as well as oncology. They have done a biopsy of his iliac (hip area) as well as bone marrow. We may not have results for a week or so. They will also be taking all of his films to a tumor board with all of the top neurosurgeons from Henry Ford. Current options being tossed around are multiple myeloma, lymphoma and prostate cancer with metastasis to bone. 
So that's my long update. We are currently at Henry Ford West Bloomfield (my hospital) and will be here for at least a few more days I'm sure.