>Ann:-
>
>I am quite interested in your recent posting about your C5-6 disc problem
and
>biopsy to rule out cancer.
>
>I have been going through a miserable mess the last three months with a
>possible similar problem. I had an MRI three months ago because of neck
pain
>which was causing headaches, back pain, and numbness in my arm and fingers.
>The MRI showed four herniated disc--C4, C5, C6, and C7. It also was read
by
>the radiologist as possibly metastatic disease. Needless to say, I've had
>many more tests since then. What keeps showing up is a darkened area on
C5.
>They are not sure if this is possibly lymphoma, arthritis, degenerative
>disease, or a marrow problem.
>
>I've met with two different surgeons at Jefferson who feel I can't ignore
>this. A biopsy is recommended where they will enter through the front of
my
>neck and go to my vertebrae to take a sample of the C5 disc.
>
>I'm set tomorrow to go in for pre-admission testing at Jefferson Hospital.
>One appt is with an Internist to verify me capable of withstanding the
>surgery; one appt with the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (who will asst);
>and the other pre-admission stuff--EKG, x-rays, blood, urine tests. As of
>today, the biopsy is set for September 22.
>
>Another consideration here is the surgery itself. I was told nine years
ago
>that any surgery has the possibility of triggering another attack of TM.
Both
>of the surgeons I met with last week also told me this. So, I'm once again
>going back on steroids before and after the surgery to help avoid this from
>happening.
>
>Now if all this on top of TM weren't enough, on Saturday I started having
>blood in my urine along with severe dizzy spells. I've called my primary
care
>doctor this morning and I'm waiting for her to call back. What next!
>
>I would greatly appreciate any info you can give me on what was done to you
>during your ordeal. In a way, they seem similar. Thanks.
>
>PatS
>