Jana - Pains in his back could be nothing more than stress. My husband had - and has them as well. He was diagnosed 4/11/05. He has had those pains, but it is nothing more than just being sick, how you sleep and real stress.
Kevin (my husband) did not have the operation. They did go in to that operation, but after they opened him up, found it was a much too sensitive area to resect the tumor. Why did they not know before - I have no idea.
He is still here. Through pure will to live and doctors that will be on his side. It is not easy. His quality of life has suffered some - but not to the point where the cancer wins out. As long as he gets up and walks and breathes, he will get through another day. Not to scare you, but, it did mets to his brain. Very small tumor. While getting radiation to get rid of it - he was planting the garden, Driving to to the store (with a friend) to get seeds. He palnted the flowers and vegetables. He got through it as well as a few other life threatening situations. He wants to live. We do not wear rose colored glasses, we just have hope and cherish each day we have. God Bless