So, this is the first time I am writing on this site. I have been dealing with chronic back pain in my thoracic area for the past seven years. I have done everything from injections to chiropractor and everything in between, but nothing has worked.

My newest MRI showed I have an osteoblastoma growing on my T11 T12 area.

I am seeing a doctor in NYC and he told me he thinks the tumor needs to be removed with surgery. This tumor is the type that will grow back so he said he would need to be aggressive in getting it out and would have to fuse a few vertebras together during the operation.

I was taken aback by all of it and forgot to ask a few questions...so I figured you all would know:

-How invasive is surgery at the t11 t12 area?
-How will he get to the area through the front or back?
-I have heard thoracic surgery requires the doctor to remove ribs and deflate lungs and sometimes even shift your heart out of the way....is this true?
-Is there anything I am missing that I should ask my doctor?

My next step is to get a second opinion, but I thought I would start here with a few questions.

Thank you for any info you can provide.

I am glad I found a place where I can talk about this situation with people who understand what I am about to go through. I am sorry for all the pain and suffering each and every one of you has gone through to get here, but I am grateful you are willing to share your experiences. It means a lot to the ones who are on deck to go next.

FeltStreet