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Hi Erika,
Your "paranoia" sounds a lot like mine. I was diagnosed in Feb 2009 Stage IIb and that following summer had extreme back pain and I was sure it was spine mets because I had just heard a news story about some pro football coach whose recurrence of melanoma was in his spine! My oncologist had me try Aleve and alternate hot/cold for 2 weeks. It did not do the trick so he did order a MRI of my back which came back no cancer but what he thought was herniated disks. I was referred to a physiatrist (never heard of this type of doctor) but could not see her for 6 weeks!! In the meantime I did go to a chiropractor and physical therapist and used a TENS unit. To make a long story short, no herniated disks, no cancer, and thanks to chiropractor, TENS units, and back exercises my back is better. I still have "flare ups" but no mets. It's hard not to think the worst with this dreaded disease. I don't feel like I know my own body anymore.
I'll keep you in my prayers that the back pain disappears.
Mary
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