When it rains, it pours. Kyphoplasty, anyone?

abrub
abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

My latest scans show decrease in size for my lung mets, but increase in size and number of my spinal mets.  Basically, I'm now on palliative care; no cure options.  My chemo is being changed from Irinotecan and Avastin to Lonsurf and Avastin.  I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that this cancer will kill me (tho admittedly, I have no idea when - could be years.)

As part of my spinal mets, I had a large one that was approaching my spinal cord zapped.  However, that vertebra is weak and fractured, and I'm now scheduled for kyphoplasty for next week.  Does anyone have any experience with that?  (Inserting cement into a vertebra to strengthen it.)  I do know that I'll be on virtually no activity for 6 weeks post-procedure. No kayaking is very depressing.

In addition, since June, a kidney stone has grown, and is now causing hydronephrosis.  I'll find out in a few hours if I'll need a stent to drain the fluid, or if we need to address the stone now.  The vibrations from lithotripsy would be bad for my spine at this point.  Fortunately, I have a urologist at Sloan Kettering with whom I already have a relationship.

My brain is fried.

Alice

Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    #2
    Dagnabbit, Alice

    I am sorry to hear this. 

    I have no idea about Kyphoplasty, but I wish you the best. 

    No doubt about the fact that you are one strong lady, and will continue to fight the fight.

    You will find a way to get out on your kyak, or at least get out on the water, where healing happens. 

    You are in my thoughts. 

    Tru

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,280 Member
    #3
    Too much thinking about stuff

    Too much thinking about stuff you have little control over, Alice. Try to create another happy place outside of the kayaking, and spend time and mind there, as much as you can. Hang in there..............................Dave

  • Tom M.
    Tom M. Member Posts: 223 Member
    #4
    Lonsurf and Avastin

    I also had a decrease in size of lung mets. I am also on lonsurf and Avastin. I'm almost finished my 1st cycle of the Lonsurf. No bad side effects, just a little tired at times. They are holding back on the Avastin for now because in 2 weeks I will receive radioembolization on the liver mets. I have read good things about it. Not a cure but who knows whats down the road. I was pissed off for a day a few weeks ago and got over it. I know I am not in control of any of this. I just deal with it. If there are any questions I can help you with since I am just a little ahead in our third line treatment Just ask. PS the Avastin helps with the uptake of the Lonsurf into the cancer cells and also cuts the blood supply to them. Stay strong.    Tom       BTW   how many mg of Lonsurf will you be on. They got me on 75 2X a day.

  • Ruthmomto4
    Ruthmomto4 Member Posts: 708 Member
    #5
    Alice

    I am sad hear any if this, you know I think of you often. I know someone who had cement put into her spine/vertebrae it was fantastic for her. it helped her a lot! My entire family has kidney stones if they are going to put a stent in after a bit of time they can go in and get that stobe and remove the stent after a few days. I am hoping for good things ahead for you!

  • airborne72
    airborne72 Member Posts: 296 Member
    edited September 2021 #6
    Kyphoplasty

    Alice:

    My mother-in-law had kyphoplasty inserted in her spine over 10 years ago.  The procedure was relatively uneventful and the outcome was impressive.  Since then I am positive that the procedures, equipment and skill level of surgeons have improved.

    Hoping this will provide a small amount of good news to counter all else that you are experiencing.

    Jim

  • suzycruise76
    suzycruise76 Member Posts: 163 Member
    edited September 2021 #7
    Hi Alice,

    just by coincidence, I am scheduled for sacroplasty on September 30th. I have multiple pelvic fractures caused by radiation I was given for my colon cancer in 2019. These fractures are new,after having another set of fractures through my pelvis last year....long story (I am planning to write separate post about it).

    The old fractures are partly healed already, but because the new fractures are located just in sacrum (part of the pelvis), I became a patient of a specialist doing these procedures of inserting "cement" into the bones. 

    It is very new for me as well, but I have learned that it is a non-invasive procedure with successful results.

    Unfortunately I cannot speak of my experience yet - your kyphoplasty is next week, and mine in 3 weeks. BTW - kyphoplasty and sacroplasty are similar procedures on same background - in both cases you get inserted that so called cement (I was told it is a kind of acrylic) inserted into your bones.

     

    It would be greatly appreciated if you could post your experience with the process and your condition afterwards, I will do the same later.

    I wish you the best luck and hope it will help your condition and decrease your pains.

     

    All the best,

    Suzy

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #8
    suzycruise76 said:

    Hi Alice,

    just by coincidence, I am scheduled for sacroplasty on September 30th. I have multiple pelvic fractures caused by radiation I was given for my colon cancer in 2019. These fractures are new,after having another set of fractures through my pelvis last year....long story (I am planning to write separate post about it).

    The old fractures are partly healed already, but because the new fractures are located just in sacrum (part of the pelvis), I became a patient of a specialist doing these procedures of inserting "cement" into the bones. 

    It is very new for me as well, but I have learned that it is a non-invasive procedure with successful results.

    Unfortunately I cannot speak of my experience yet - your kyphoplasty is next week, and mine in 3 weeks. BTW - kyphoplasty and sacroplasty are similar procedures on same background - in both cases you get inserted that so called cement (I was told it is a kind of acrylic) inserted into your bones.

     

    It would be greatly appreciated if you could post your experience with the process and your condition afterwards, I will do the same later.

    I wish you the best luck and hope it will help your condition and decrease your pains.

     

    All the best,

    Suzy

    I'll post my experience

    Stent on Tuesday,  kyphoplasty on Wednesday.   I will report in.

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