Sunday night my husband wanted to get up to go to the bathroom and could not walk anymore. I helped him over there, held him when he did his thing, on the way back to bed he got heavier and havier and collapsed before we reached the bed. I dragged him into bed, and laid with him for about 1/2 while we tried to figured out what was going on, only after I pinched him in several places harder and harder with my nails, and he did not feel anything we realized that he might be paralized. I called 911, they were quick to respond, we were in the ER within 30 minutes (we live close to Alta Bates in Berkeley) Turns out that the tumor after being radiated around the C7 area decided to move up, even 6 rounds of Chemo, cysplatin and 5FU, made no difference. The MRI showed a tumor mass strangling C4,5 and 6, so the neurosurgeon removed those, replaced them with donor bone and and put a plate in front and back. Just in time, thank God. It is Wednesday afternoon now and I am just back from the hospital, my husband had his first psysical therapy and they think he will be up and walking again, not sure when. Unbelievable, I am so greateful for these great people, they are amazin. Also I am so greatful that my husband is such a trooper, does not complain at all and takes everything in stride. I am immensly proud of him.
While savouring this victory, I have the feeling that I am walking in a maze, every corner brings something new and although it is sometimes scary and though, it can be beautiful too. Like today.
Nicolette