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Surgery # 7
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Surgery # 7

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Surgery # 7

  • Post
    • October 26, 2017 at 9:37 pm
    Bradley75
    Participant

      I found out last week that the pedicle met at T-1 has grown.  I have been in a tremendous amount of pain the past few weeks and we now know why.  What was once thought of as post surgery and radiation nerve pain is actually the tumor destroying my t-1 vertebrae.  The left pedicle has been destroyed and the the left t-1 vertebral body is now involved.  Damn those bone mets.  Keytruda has worked on everything else for me, but these back tumors.  My July surgery to remove the t-5 tumor was a complete success so here is hoping this one will be too.

      The only thing that has me concerned is the damage done by this met.  The surgeon has suggested that some hardware will probably be installed back there to stabilize things.  That means screws and rods and a longer stay in the hospital.  Not looking forward to the recovery part either, but it has to be better than the current pain I am in. 

      Now for the good news.  The PET and MRI show no other mets.  I am holding on to the hope that lucky # 7 could be the last surgery.  Given how this beast likes to show up all the time, it may not be true, but I am holding on to that hope right now.  I will give an update once the recovery process gets underway.

      God Bless you all,

      Brad

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    • Replies
        • October 26, 2017 at 10:59 pm
        J.bun
        Participant

          You got this – keep up that fighting spirit!

          • October 27, 2017 at 12:33 am
          Jahendry12
          Participant

            Will hope and pray this IS lucky #7. So glad nothing else found on scans. Please keep us posted. 

            Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick, painless recovery. 

            • October 27, 2017 at 12:33 am
            Jahendry12
            Participant

              Will hope and pray this IS lucky #7. So glad nothing else found on scans. Please keep us posted. 

              Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick, painless recovery. 

              • October 27, 2017 at 12:35 am
              jbronicki
              Participant

                Fingers crossed for you Brad!

                • October 27, 2017 at 1:13 am
                Mark_DC
                Participant

                  You are really brave – I am hoping to avoid surgery 3 but sounds nothing like yours

                  Good luck and I too pray this will be it and a success

                  • October 27, 2017 at 1:43 am
                  TexMelanomex
                  Participant

                    Hey Brad!

                    Really happy to hear that everything was clear except that last lesion! I have to believe that 7 is indeed lucky and you finish this bastard off once and for all. Pulling and praying for you warrior brother! Also really happy to hear that the Keytruda was largely a success for you since I'm just starting out on it (tx #2 on Tuesday). I know several people who have needed hardware in/on their spine and most of them are doing great now, in less pain, and I think we can probably agree that its a worthwhile trade for being rid of this garbage and obtaining the coveted NED status! Hang in there Brad!

                    Tex

                    aka Brad

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