Yes, I have decided to go forward with the surgery. It’s scheduled for Monday, May 6, a little less than two weeks from now.The other choices, do nothing and hope for my chemo to work, or have reduced-dose radiation and the potential for spinal cord damage from the radiation, were just not good options. I want to have the best chance possible for a good outcome and greater longevity, and the surgery is the best option for that.

I had an appointment with another Neurosurgeon, Dr. Nasser, today to go over my surgical option and to schedule the procedure. Dr. Nasser will be lead on the surgery, assisted by the other Neurosurgeon, Dr. Motley. They are both spine specialists. It’s all pretty scary. They will take out parts of the bone in the T9 vertebrae and remove the tumor encroaching in my spinal canal. They will place “hardware” connecting the T8 to the T10 vertebrae to stabilize and strengthen my spine. The recovery isn’t going to be a fun time. I’ll be in the hospital for two to three days. Whether I go back to my current Assisted Living facility or a short-term rehab facility will be determined by how well my recovery is going and whether I can safely habit with the limited help I have here. It will take about three months total to get back to “normal.” Whatever that is, post-surgery. 

I’m relieved that I have made a decision and that a plan is in place. I’m not looking forward to the surgery except for the fact that it’s giving me more time. I hope, in my heart of hearts, that it’s worth the pain and discomfort that is coming. But in my mind, it’s the only viable option if I want to continue this fight without the real risk of paralysis from not getting rid of this tumor, or not treating it aggressively enough.

So, onward. With some trepidation. But, onward.