Brittani

 

At age 16, Brittani Spight was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare tumor that usually occurs in adults. For more than a year, the teen had been experiencing pain in her back. Because of the location of the tumor near Brittani's thoracic spine, many doctors didn't feel comfortable removing it surgically. Radiation and chemotherapy are typically not effective in removing these types of tumors.

 

Dan Lieberman, MD, of Phoenix Children's felt the tumor needed to be removed despite the surgery's high risk; nearby organs can be damaged, as well as the patient's neurological function. But before he could assemble a team of surgeons, Brittani began having numbness in the lower half of her body. The tumor had broken through from the chest to wrap around her weakened and corroding spinal cord. Dr. Lieberman performed an emergency surgery, removing a portion of the tumor and inserting screws and rods to support the spine and prevent it from caving in.

 

In June, Dr. Lieberman and Michael Teodori, MD, a Phoenix Children's cardiothoracic surgeon, removed the bulk of the tumor, which had begun to grow around Brittani's aorta. They needed to operate around the heart and lungs in order to get to the tumor. Four of Brittani's vertebral bones of the spine were also removed and replaced with metal cages packed with bone fragments.

 

Below Brittani tells us more:

 

How is chordoma different from other types of tumors?

It's an aggressive growth tumor that usually occurs in adults. They're usually in the neck.

 

How did you know something was wrong?

I was playing basketball, and after practice I would have bad pains in back. I went back to the doctor for a physical and he wanted to take an x-ray. Then he told my parents they needed to get me to an emergency room.

 

Were you scared?

Not really. But at first they thought it was just a cyst and were going to drain it.

 

And you came to Phoenix Children's?

Yes, that's when Dr. Notrica found that it was a tumor.

 

What were you thinking when you found out it was a tumor?

I was like, okay. I didn't think much of it.

 

Because you didn't understand the gravity of it?

Pretty much.

 

Tell me about your first surgery.

It was pretty easy. I went home in three to four days. I didn't need any pain medication.

 

And your second surgery?

That one was harder. I got sick. And when I woke up my left leg wouldn't move.

 

How is it now?

It's better. I still have physical therapy. I'm trying to get my leg better.

 

How has this changed your life?

Not being exactly as I was before. I play basketball and I can't play right now. They don't want me to get bumped or fall.

 

Have you missed much school?

Three months total. [Her proud Dad Brian mentions that Brittani still managed to maintain a 3.25 GPA].

 

Have your two brothers and two sisters helped you through all of this?

Yeah… a little bit.  But I think they're a little tired of me now.

 

A little too much attention?

Yeah.