I received my pathology results from Mayo clinic and received better news than I or any of my physicians here expected. Pathologist believes the tumor is a very large Schwannoma, not malignant. That was unexpected by myself and the surgeons, radiologists and oncologists I saw here. It is still a very large and destructive tumor in my case, and will require what will be a complex surgery due to the spinal cord involvement and other structures such as psoas muscle, Inferior Vena Cava, ureter, diaphragm, nerves etc. I'm grateful to hear the news "it's not cancer", but also realize many others unfortunately don't get to hear that good news.
I'm not sure what treatment plan will be proposed as I meet with a neurosurgeon and oncology surgeon here this week for more information. I'm also not sure I "need" the second opinion at Mayo or not? The referral has been made and all imaging and notes are being sent to Mayo. I was contacted by Mayo just a few days ago, before I knew these results and they had planned on gathering all the information and after their team reviewed it would be contacting me to schedule an appointment. They did say it would have to be an in person visit, I believe because I'm from out of state and it would be my first visit there. When they contact me, I may just follow up with the second opinion anyway.