HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - PET scan results good, Brain MRI

Joan M · 05-04-2011, 06:57 PM

Diana,

You should still be able to get Avastin despite the FDA's decision.

Is the blood flow scan another type of MRI?

I had a 2.6 cm brain tumor removed via a craniotomy followed by five shots of targeted radiation (IMRT). The first couple of MRI follow-up scans every three months looked good, but then started to get more enhanced on successive scans. My neuro-oncologist followed up with a different type of MRI and then three months later, a brain PET. The PET showed no activity. As a result, he felt that the enhancement was necrosis of the tumor bed. The area has now gone back to looking normal.

I'm due for another brain MRI in a week or so, and getting nervous, as I'm always worried about other mets popping up.

Joan

05-04-2011, 06:57 PM	#2
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: PET scan results good, Brain MRI - ??? Radiation Necrosis??? Diana, You should still be able to get Avastin despite the FDA's decision. Is the blood flow scan another type of MRI? I had a 2.6 cm brain tumor removed via a craniotomy followed by five shots of targeted radiation (IMRT). The first couple of MRI follow-up scans every three months looked good, but then started to get more enhanced on successive scans. My neuro-oncologist followed up with a different type of MRI and then three months later, a brain PET. The PET showed no activity. As a result, he felt that the enhancement was necrosis of the tumor bed. The area has now gone back to looking normal. I'm due for another brain MRI in a week or so, and getting nervous, as I'm always worried about other mets popping up. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!