[Gerri]

Mary Jo,

So sorry to hear that you are on a downer - it happens to the best of us, no matter how positive we try to be. Our lives have been changed forever and sometimes we just can't help but worry. I know that you will be back to your perky self soon.

I had my last checkup in October. Prior to that I was experiencing headaches (more than usual) and felt like I was a little spacey (again, more than usual) and off balance. Normally I would just pass this off as headaches and not mention anything to my onc. Well, I decided that if I didn't have it checked out, it would continue to worry me. During my checkup I made sure I told my onc and even played it up a bit. Since her "speciality" is brain cancer she immediately started asking me questions. She recommended a brain MRI and I (of course) agreed. I had it done about a week later and had to go back for the results. Everything was fine and I was able to let go of the fear of brain mets. I am so glad that I had the MRI because I continued to have headaches and was still walking a bit off at times. I am fine now and am really glad I pursued this.

The brain MRI for me was relatively easy - considering I am claustrophopic. The breast MRI for me is so much harder to endure. Prior to the exam I don't look at the tiny opening my body will be entering and I close my eyes before I go in and keep them closed the entire time.

Best of luck to you. Let us know what you find out.