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Re: Brain Mets - new or old?
Ok!
So at the neurologist today I got a definite maybe. Which, as we all realize is way better than definite bad news!
Here's the news... since the symptoms seem to be resolving with steroids...we're hoping the swelling is caused by...wait for this awesome phrase...
"agonal signs of tumor death"
Does that sound wonderful or what?! In my mind, anything that causes tumors to be in agony...ROCKS!
So the plan, is to wean from the steroids ever so slowly over the next month. In six weeks I'll have an MRI which will be enhanced somehow so they can see the blood vessels and other "stuff" around the old lesion...to help determine whether the lesion is sucking up too much blood, and trying to grow.
I'm feeling well. And relieved. The doctor didn't seem to think the density of the area in the last scan looked like disease progression...but of course, he's not willing to guarantee that. But...there also wasn't any other "new" stuff on the scan either...so that's good too.
Soooo...now I wait and watch for the return of symptoms as I wean from the steroids...heaven forbid. And, of course...I pray...and try to get my house clean before the steroid rush ends! 
Thanks for hangin' with me friends. Keep the prayers coming!
Denise
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1/11-needle biopsy
2/11-Lumpectomy/axillary node dissection - Stage 3c, ER/PR-14/17 nodes
3/11 - Post-op staph infection,cellulitis, lymphedema,seroma,ARRRGH!
4/12/11-A/C x 4, then T/H x 4, H only,Q3 weeks
8/26/11 finished Taxol!!!
10/7/11 mastectomy/DIEP recon
11/11 radiation x28
1/12/12 1st CANCER-VERSARY!
1/12 Low EF/Herceptin "Holiday" :(
2/12 EF up - Back on Herceptin, heart meds
4/2/1212 surgery to repair separated incision from DIEP recon
6/8/12 Return to work :)
6/17/12 Fall, shatter wrist,surgery to repair/insert plate :(
7/10/12 last Herceptin
7/23/12 Brain Mets %$&#! 3cm and 1cm
8/10/12 Gamma knife surgery, LOTS of steroids;start H/Tykerb
8/23/12 Back to work
12/20/12 Injure back-3 weeks in wheel chair
1/12/13 2nd CANCER-VERSARY!
1/14/13 herniate disk in back - surgery to repair
1/27/13 Radiation necrosis - edema in brain - back on steroids - but not back to work - off balance, poor cordination in right arm
5/3/13 Start Avastin to shrink necrosis
5/10/13 begin weaning steroids
6/18/13 Brain MRI - Avastin seems to be working!
6/20/13 quarterly CT - chest, abdomen, pelvis - All Clear!
7/5/13 finally off steroids!!
7/7/13 joined the ranks of the CHEMO NINJAS I am now Tekuto Ki Ariku cancer assassin!
7/13/13 Symptoms return - back on steroids
7/26/13 Back on Avastin - try again!
8/26/13 Not ready to return to classroom yet :( But I CAN walk without holding onto things! :)
9/9/13 Brain MRI - fingers crossed
“ Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is for you, and you alone, to decide. ” – Cavett Robert
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