naevesherri
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Posts:4
My husband was told that the vertabra's in his lower spine have started to collapse . He has lost bladder function and is self cathing. His bowels don't give him any warning they are about to work. His legs are very numb from the knee down. They have put him back on Genzar because the alimta was not working. Im wondering if he should continue the chemo with all his other complications. Can you give me any knowledge on this. Thanks
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Reply # - November 15, 2012, 03:05 PM
Reply To: spine colapsing
I'm so sorry your husband has these debilitating spine issues. Normally doctors want to take care of problems like this before restarting chemo. Below is a link to a blog post on treatment options for spine compression.
I'll ask a doctor to comment on you question. You should hear back within a day.
I hope your husband will be able to heal,
Janine
http://cancergrace.org/radiation/2008/12/11/spinal-cord-compression/
http://cancergrace.org/lung/2007/02/21/surgery-for-bone-metastases-when…
Reply # - November 15, 2012, 07:19 PM
Reply To: spine colapsing
I think there's good reason to question whether more chemo is likely to be helpful, especially as he's developing these complications. But in the end, this is the kind of decision that needs to be made between an individual patient & their oncologist, ideally based on an honest assessment of the anticipated potential benefits vs. risks & the preferences of the patient.
Good luck.
-Dr. West