update on son and back surgery questions

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I have So very much enjoyed everyone's emails: information and encouraging words

are definitely welcome.

An update on my son's progress. He had been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

First removal of the tumor itself and then retroperitoneal lymph node surgery

(10 removed and only one postitive). Due to the relatively minor spread and

worries about the cisplatinum extreme neurotoxicity (to CMT'ers especially), the

oncologist has decided to postpone (and hopefully avoid altogether) chemo.

Instead it'll be bloodwork every month and CT scans every other month for the

next 4 years. Praying that nothing EVER shows up!!!!

Now for my question: I have lumbar and cervical stenosis in addition to some

other fairly serious spinal problems. Have tried accupuncture, traction,

epidural steroid injections, opiods, lidocaine patches, physical therapy, etc.

The doc is suggesting surgery next. Cervical and then lumbar / or vice versa

depending on which one is hurting worse when surgery is scheduled. Any

suggestions about any other options, success stories with the surgery, etc????

We are in the middle of a move to ton so I may postpone until we get

moved and settled.

Thanks for any help and advice,