Well that sucks. 1 in a million is not so cool. (Page 2)

That's how many people get spinal cord tumors. Mine is pretty big. Benign. Has to go. If I wait then I will just start loosing little things like bodily functions.

Cut 6-7 vertabrea, down for 6 weeks. Usual risks like paralyzation... stuff like that. Surgery in a few weeks. So much for Spring.

Thanks a ton. The wife if freaked out of course.

The good news... they are pretty well self contained and relatively easy to remove completely... and only very very rarely ever come back. Unfortunately, the problems you do have generally are not improved when it is removed. So not sure what pain will remain in my side. But I have no weakness or loss of functions in my legs... and I want to keep it that way.

I can't respond to everyone... but this is to each and every one of you that took the time... thank you very much.

I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that would trade condition or position if they could. I can't complain too loud. I think the plan is to run every day till surgery, then begin walking when I get home, and see if I can still make 1000 miles this year. Gotta stay focused on the carrot right?

I suppose it is good I did not sign up for a bunch of races this year. Maybe someone knew better than me. I am signed up for the Pike's Peak ascent in August, but I'm uncertain that I will be in any sort of shape to do it. No refunds.

Well crap... now I'm HOPING it's JUST a spinal cord tumor.

Surgery is off, they need more tests. I had another MRI done on my lower back just for my peace of mind there were no other problems. And now there are indications it isn't a tumor, but of some sort of vascular problem. Only two guys in the country can fix them, and the only problem with them is death or paralysis. The doctor advised against anything that would raise my heart rate significantly right now.

... but the good news is my lumbar spine looks great.