For nearly a year and a half, Sue Gridley searched for answers to persistent back pain. An active woman who enjoyed yoga, hiking, and even climbing mountains well into her late 70s, Sue never imagined her symptoms could be anything serious.
“I didn’t look sick – I still don’t look sick,” says Sue.
As the pain worsened, Sue sought help from multiple providers, including doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Eventually, the pain became unbearable.
“One day the pain was so intense, I went into the doctor’s office, and I was weeping,” she recalls. “I was a crying puddle on the floor.”
A CT scan finally revealed the source of her symptoms: cancer had spread to her spine, severely affecting her T8 vertebra and beginning to impact T6 as well.
A Team Approach to Urgent Care
After reviewing Sue’s scan, her radiation oncologist immediately began coordinating a plan with another oncologist, as well as Dr. Geddes at Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (CSMO). The diagnosis revealed the cancer had spread from Sue’s lung to her spine, brain, and liver. With the cancer compromising her spine, immediate treatment was critical.
“They all got together on Wednesday, and by Saturday, Dr. Geddes did my surgery,” shares Sue. “I was told that without surgery, I could have become paralyzed.”
Despite falling on spring break weekend, Dr. Geddes made sure Sue’s surgery was handled before leaving town, ensuring she received the care she needed without delay.
“Dr. Geddes was kind, compassionate, caring, and he understood the seriousness of what was happening,” says Sue. “He rearranged his schedule to make sure this serious condition was taken care of at once.”
Expert Spine Care at CSMO
The procedure removed the largest concentration of cancer in her spine, while the rest of the team managed the additional treatments. Following surgery, Dr. Geddes also helped Sue obtain a custom-fitted back brace that continues to support her recovery today.
“It has been very helpful,” she says. “I still wear it when I’m sitting for long periods of time, hiking, or spending an entire day away from home.”
Throughout the experience, Sue was continually impressed by the care she received from Dr. Geddes and his team.
“Dr. Geddes is kind, compassionate, caring, and extremely competent,” she says. “His physician assistants were calming, reassuring, and supportive during a very frightening time.”
Looking Ahead With Hope
When Sue woke up after surgery, she immediately noticed a difference.
“The pain wasn’t gone, but it was no longer excruciating,” she says. “The relief was remarkable.”
Today, Sue continues building strength through physical therapy and is grateful for the progress she has made. She’s returned to many of the activities she enjoys, including driving; helping care for her chickens, fish pond, a dog, and three cats; and spending time outdoors.
“I’ve even been on two short hikes since the surgery,” she says. “Sometimes I have almost no pain at all.”
She now often walks between 5,000 and 11,000 steps per day and remains optimistic about continuing to improve through physical therapy. Looking back, Sue has nothing but praise for Dr. Geddes and the entire CSMO team.
“It was the best care you could hope for,” finishes Sue. “I am so grateful. These people saved my life, and they gave me extra quality time to be well enough to enjoy it.”
At CSMO, our team is committed to providing expert spine care when patients need it most. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, a spinal condition, or a complex diagnosis requiring urgent treatment, our specialists are here to help you move forward with confidence. Call (423) 624-2696 or schedule an appointment online today.
Benjamin Geddes, MD
Spine Specialist
