Jump to content

Menu

"Mass" on the spine. Can somebody tell me what to expect?


AimeeM
 Share

Recommended Posts

Yesterday DH was sitting at the table, sorting through mail and listening to the football game. He suddenly started clutching at his chest and sides, stands up, is short of breath, and struggling. He told me to call the paramedics.

 

They took him via ambulance to the largest hospital in the area, as they were advised to do when they called it in. 

 

Long story short, what they thought was a cardiac incident, wasn't (his heart appears to be in great working condition), but the ER doctor wasn't satisfied, considering DH's symptoms including "wrap around" pain and was more in the back area, so he ordered a CT scan of the area and they found a "mass" on his spine, behind his aorta. They need to do an MRI because they need a better look at it, but the open-air MRI they want for him is at another campus and has to wait until tomorrow. 

 

Two months ago he had chest pains and went to an ER, they did only cardiac workups, and sent him home. I'm concerned that this "mass" has been there for some time.

 

The ER doctor last night was great and spent a lot of time with DH. He did impress (gently) on him that the location of the mass typically isn't a good sign. I don't really understand what any of this means. And after the MRI tomorrow, I don't know what will happen. Does everything depend on the MRI?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, a lot will depend on the MRI. Does he have a follow-up appointment already scheduled? MRI results are usually available within 24-48 hours, although it can be even sooner if someone is available to interpret. 

 

I hope the test went smoothly today, and that the results show something minor and/or fixable. I'll be thinking of you! 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

When my DH had his health incident, it was a very overwhelming and confusing time.  I can't remember much of those first days.  For us, yes, getting the MRI/scans was what was needed to get some solid answers.  I pray that your DH's scans reveal the best case scenario and something easily treated.

Edited by alisoncooks
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

:grouphug: Sending hugs and prayers for good results.  :grouphug:

 

When I was diagnosed with my brain tumor it was considered a good thing that I'd had symptoms for a year and a half before I went in.  It meant the tumor was unlikely to be malignant - and it's not.  Supposedly malignant things grow quickly whereas mine had been growing slowly.  BUT, my medical knowledge is slim so I can't say if this is true across the board.  I just relate it to offer some hope that it isn't anything super bad.

  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Get a notebook for writing down everything and a three ring binder for home. I keep he binder full of copies of tests, insurance papers/claims, and I put the notes I have taken in it. That binder can go with us to the hospital if needed and has been so useful when we needed information for new specialists or the insurance claims.

 

Just a bit of hope for it being benign- a friend's husband one day couldnt move without pain, lost control of his bodily functions and was acting like he had a stroke. Very healthy until this episode. He had a large mass wrapped around his spine and it was the cause of his issues. He had surgery within a few days of it happening. The tumor turned out to be benign and he has no issues since.

  • Like 13
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So grateful for the ER doc's instincts to investigate further.

 

I hope that the MRI was able to give them more information.   Please get a disc with all of your studies on it before you leave, so you can take it to whomever if needed.  Even if it's negative (and they tell you that before you leave), ask for a disc just in case.  In my experience, they let you know a lot quicker if it's something bad vs. nothing.  

 

 

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am praying for your dh and you that you will get good news, and for peace and comfort.

 

A woman I know had a mass on her spine which turned out to be an abscess. She was treated with iv antibiotics in the hospital and is completely recovered. I hope that whatever your dh has going on will be easily treated and cured.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't offer anything but good wishes. I know how scared you are. Really. But as usual, the Hive comes through with people who have been there/done that and offer you real help. (That's one of the beautiful things about this board.) The suggestion to keep a binder right from the start is an excellent one. Write everything down. You will think you'll remember details, but the stress and shock of what you're experiencing may make that hard. Writing it down will help you and your DH.

 

I hope you get encouraging news soon.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you, everyone. Radiology called this morning and scheduled his MRI for 8 pm tonight. It's an outpatient radiology lab connected to the hospital and our son has been a patient in the outpatient center for years -- I didn't think they were open that late. It appears they only have one open-air MRI... but his doctor flagged it as urgent so they were able to get him in pretty ASAP. 

 

DH got up this morning and went into the office? I'm not really sure why. I don't think anyone expected him in today. I haven't been able to get ahold of him all day. 

 

I'm trying not to worry, but I am (worried). All of this happening so fast is making me more scared, because while we typically don't have long wait times for things like MRIs, it is usually still a few days or a week or two... and because if the doctors are concerned, I guess I'm more concerned. The positive is that everything is being done in a very timely manner, but it's all kind of a horrible flashback to our DS8's medical issues, when we went in for something that seemed relatively minor, then everything started spinning and happening so fast. 

 

 

  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still praying, Aimee. I hope the doctor is rushing this because he's being cautious, not because there is definitely anything major to worry about.

 

Just because it can be something serious doesn't mean it will turn out to be serious. I'm praying that this is something that's not a big deal.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm over here wishing for the best possible outcome for your DH, Aimee.

Thank you, everyone. Radiology called this morning and scheduled his MRI for 8 pm tonight. It's an outpatient radiology lab connected to the hospital and our son has been a patient in the outpatient center for years -- I didn't think they were open that late. It appears they only have one open-air MRI... but his doctor flagged it as urgent so they were able to get him in pretty ASAP. 

 

DH got up this morning and went into the office? I'm not really sure why. I don't think anyone expected him in today. I haven't been able to get ahold of him all day. 

 

I'm trying not to worry, but I am (worried). All of this happening so fast is making me more scared, because while we typically don't have long wait times for things like MRIs, it is usually still a few days or a week or two... and because if the doctors are concerned, I guess I'm more concerned. The positive is that everything is being done in a very timely manner, but it's all kind of a horrible flashback to our DS8's medical issues, when we went in for something that seemed relatively minor, then everything started spinning and happening so fast. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The one thing I would add to the excellent advise you've gotten: in addition to taking a notebook to any discussion with a doctor, take another person with you such as a friend of the family, preferably someone with at least some medical knowledge but it's okay if not.

 

. The reason is that you and your dh are both likely to be anxious and it is hard to process information when you're anxious. A close friend has a little more separation and can be your note-taker, and with your permission, ask clarifying questions or even questions that pop into his or her mind. 

 

:grouphug:

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

DH got up this morning and went into the office? I'm not really sure why. I don't think anyone expected him in today. I haven't been able to get ahold of him all day. 

 

 

 

My guess would be that he's trying to stay in control of what he can control. He can tie up any loose ends that threaten to unravel over the next few days as he and you deal with doctors, give last-minute instructions, etc. It's likely helping him keep busy and his mind as occupied as it can be with this situation hovering. Poor guy.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sending more hugs.  :grouphug:   Hoping all turns out to be something easily treatable.  Update when you can.  Vent or worry all you want (or need) to on here.  It's stressful and that's one thing your Hive Buddies are good at (listening, praying, offering useful thoughts that you can take or leave as you wish).  Take care.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...