Kelsey: Why did you have to get back surgery?

Cheryl: In July 2020 unfortunately, an MRI revealed a spinal Thoracic 11-12 benign tumor.

Kelsey: Did you try out physical therapy first before you had surgery on your back?

Cheryl: I was having a cortisone treatment for pain issues to lumbar spine. A new loss of balance, numbness and tingling to the front of my legs with difficulty sitting triggered an MRI.

Kelsey: What was your recovery time after your surgery on your back?   

Cheryl: I had a resection of the intradural extramedullary cystic tumor as the mass was impeding on my spinal cord. I had a surgical consult within a week with surgery booked on August 20th.  Surgical time was longer with 5 days hospitalization.

Kelsey: How did your family react when you had the news that you needed surgery on your back?

Cheryl: After my doctor’s appointment as a nurse, I knew what I was in for.  I went for a drive and cried my eyes out as I realized my life just changed.  I shared news with Steve though I kept silence with my girls until I had more details. When we shared the diagnoses with the girls, we cried as a family though I assured them I was going to be ok.

Kelsey: How long was recovery for your back? What did your day look like?

Cheryl: Post op care was a focus of cerebral spinal leak prevention, pain control, bladder function and mobility. These days were intense though my focus was equally intense as I was determined to regain complete presurgery function.

Kelsey: Did you have to take time off work, how long were you off for your back Surgery?

Cheryl:  After U of A Hospital discharge I was off work for 5 months. These months were spent with recovery of the surgical implications of this type of surgery. I did very well though spent lots of time sleeping, regaining strength and emotional contemplation.

Kelsey: So, explain how much pain were you in? How is your back pain now?

Cheryl: Unfortunately, I have a history of lumbar back issues. At the time of diagnoses, I was dealing with lumbar spine pain only to reveal a thoracic issue. As spinal compression symptoms increased, I was very nervous as goal was to prevent permanent function loss.  Thankfully surgical interventions were given.

Kelsey: How is your back pain now?  

Cheryl: 2 years anniversary has come and I’m doing very well.  I still have lumbar issues though I have minimal complications from my thoracic tumor removal. MRI’s will be done for monitoring. Blessed beyond words.

Kelsey: Did your daily life change because you had a bad back? Did your doctors give you some stretches for you back after your surgery?

Cheryl: I still have lumbar issues that are chronic. I’m mindful of prevention strategies of an active lifestyle and healthy living for life.

Kelsey: Would you recommend this back surgery to anyone else who has back problems or issues?

Cheryl: Spinal issues are a top Dr. complaint.  One needs to mindful of good spinal care for as we age degeneration is a health factor.  Emergency back surgeries happen. I’m so grateful at a time of COVID pandemic that I was able to access surgery. Forever blessed. 

Here is some information I found on the internet about intradural extramedullary cystic tumors if you would like to learn more:

https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spinal-Tumors

If anyone has something I can interview them on please message me!