On the 13th October, 2025, I wrote a brief note in my journal. “My back pain is getting worse so have booked an MRI at Shellharbour tomorrow.” I had experienced sciatica type pain so asked my GP for a referral for an MRI thinking it would be useful before going to a physiotherapist.
The next day John drove me out to Shellharbour, where I underwent an MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. At first I was too nervous to open my eyes inside the tubular scanner in case I felt claustrophobic, so kept them tightly shut. The tinny music tried unsuccessfully to drown out the bangs and rattles of the machine so that my fears became mere frustration at the quality of the headphones. After a ten-minute wait I was told I would have a cannula inserted to inject contrast dye and go through it all again. Stepping out into the sunshine afterwards was wonderful. We drove off to nearby Shell Cove for a poke bowl lunch, gazing across the water at the boats in the new marina, not a care in the world.
As we were driving home my phone rang. It was the doctors’ surgery. My GP wanted to see me at 4.15pm that afternoon. I started to worry that something was seriously wrong because otherwise why did she want to see me so soon?
She came out straight away with, “I’m afraid it’s not good news”.
She told me I have a lesion on my spine. That is what is causing the pain as it is pressing on nerves. What is more concerning than that is she thinks it is a secondary, so I have a cancer somewhere else. The way she was talking I’m going to be in serious trouble. She thought we should get the family together. John teared up a bit but I felt strangely calm. I’ve had a good life with a rewarding job, happy marriage, children and grandchildren but I’m not ready to give up yet. At 74 years of age I feet fit and healthy, apart from a niggling back pain so I am ready to fight whatever it is that dares to invade my body.
The Curry Apple Orchard 
Certainly not the kind of news anyone would want to hear, Linda.
My brother-in-law in Kiama had exactly the same thing happen early last year with the same comments from the medicos. Fortunately, it was not cancer, but a bone spur on a vertebra.
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I hope they were able to do something to alleviate the pain for your brother-in-law. I was wishing for a bone spur at the time!
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Definitely appalling news 😦
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I was expecting something liked a compressed disc as I had similar symptoms to my husband’s sciatica so it was a shock when the word Cancer was used.
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This is dreadful news to hear Linda. I will be following along and thinking of you.
Jennifer https://trackingdownthefamily.substack.com/
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Thanks for following. It moves slowly for the first few posts so I’m sorry to keep you hanging in suspense.
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Not good news, but we can already hear the fight in your spirit.
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Hoping all has gone well for you so far. I’ll be following to the end of April 🤞
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Not even I know where things will be at the end of April but hoping for good news.
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I feel slightly guilty for saying you have me hooked, Linda, as if what you wrote was a fiction, and wish, for your sake that it was… I have my fingers crossed that there will be a good outcome…
Andrew at https://how-would-you-know.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-weaving/
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Giving a star for this seems so wrong, but the fact that you’re able to write about it gives me hope as well. Looking forward to figuratively taking your hand as you take me on this journey with you. Hugs.
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What a shock to the system to learn what had been causing the pain.
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certainly hoping that our excellent medical care has been effective. It sure shakes you up when you get that prompt call-back from the GP. IM feeling anxious just reading this but good to see your positive attitude Linda.
pauleen
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The call no one wants to get. I imagine it’s been an emotional ride this past six months. I hope that sharing your journey here will help as you face its challenges
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Appalling news, indeed! I’ll be interested to see how this is going for you. I can hardly imagine being in your position (longevity and good health seem to be in my DNA). But like you, when I do think of the possibility, I just think that I’m satisfied with the life I’ve lived and what I’ve accomplished. Would love to stick around for more, but if not, so be it.
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It would be much worse if this occurred at a younger age with so much to live for. Still I agree, I want to stick around for a fair while yet.
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Oh boy. Thank you for writing about this journey, Linda. Your husband teared up but you “felt strangely calm.” I hope I can face difficult news with such strength. I marveled at the philosophical way you received the news, but cheered at your “not ready to give up yet.” Good for you for getting the MRI done!
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Seventy-four is a good run – but after a good run, you want a cool down, a bit more walking, maybe hanging out at the pier watching the boats pass. A good run is only the beginning. I look forward to hearing more. – Erin Penn
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I love that!
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