Back stabilization update

Well friends, modern medicine for the win again. A few days ago I had a back procedure to help stabilize the lower back (lumbar region). Part of the procedure was something that a lot of people get (not cancer specific) – a kypoplasty. It’s basically where there is a compression fracture in your disk and they go in and “decompress” the vertebrae.

I had that done on my L5. When I met with the doctor the morning of the procedure, he explained that the cancer *really* likes my lumbar spine. It had been eating away at the various vertebrae and destabilizing my back.

I do find that every 9 months or so I’ll get crazy back pain that prevents me from doing just about anything. Within a few days it typically resolves. I’m hoping this will solve that problem.

Anyway, he wanted to go in and inject cement into the spaces in my vertebrae to shore them up and give me a lot more core stability. I said “Of course! Let’s do this!” So, away I went under general sedation for about 2 hours.

This was an arthroscopic procedure. I have 6 very tiny incisions scattered across my lower back where he “fixed” the spine. I was semi-conscious for it and while there were little pain points, overall it was very easy.

My recovery has been going fine. I’m feeling quite good. No pain meds needed so that has been really nice. I’m still taking some steroids and muscle relaxers.

I’m taking very short walks on the treadmill, trying to find the balance between moving and not overdoing it.

It seems like I still have a little tingling and slight discomfort in my leg (that nerve pain is caused by the spine). I’m optimistic that it will resolve soon.

For better or worse, I have work travel next week. I cannot lift anything more than 10 pounds so I will be very creative! It turns out Glen is also traveling and our flights align so I can lean on him a bit for some help with baggage.

My regular oncology appointment is not until mid-June. I don’t expect anything other than a standard quick check to make sure my bloodwork looks fine and I can continue my medication.

Hopefully by then I’ll be walking outside. Also hopefully by then this cool, rainy weather pattern we’ve been having in Colorado will break and I can enjoy a little vitamin D!

Wherever you are, I hope your summer is off to a good start. Get outside and enjoy that sunshine and fresh air!