Visiting this thread on behalf of my dad. 73 years old, urethral cancer survivor (diagnosed 8 years ago, surgery, treated), who now has been diagnosed with a Chordoma in his lower back. This super rare (300 people diagnosed every year in the US) cancer has wrapped around his spinal cord and docs at MD Anderson will attempt to remove it in one piece to prevent recurring. Chordomas are caused by leftover cells during fetal development that typically die off after the spinal cord is formed. It’s slow growing as all chordomas are. However, his annual CT scans after his urethral cancer would always show a small spot light up. He had some pain in his lower butt where his legs hamstrings connected to his glutes and went to get an MRI and it lit up like a Christmas tree. They’re heading down in a couple weeks for treatment plans and to schedule surgery.
Thankfully, they don’t believe this one has metastasized. Radiation and proton therapy are on the table as well. We shall see.
Keeping all those who are battling in my thoughts and wishing you all rest and recovery during your difficult times.