[krisvell]

Hi all;
It's been a nerve wracking week for me. Last Monday, the latest MRI showed the tumor went back the original size. So the 75% reduction is now gone. Bummer! The Neurosurgeon thought it was necrosis but had me go for a head PET and MRI Spectropy (sp).
This came as a huge surprise as before I went with the Gamma Knife, the radiation oncologist said there was a 1% chance of getting necrosis and they were going to do the gamma knife in two session to minimize the risk. Especially being in the brain stem, I don't have a lot of room for extra stuff. So be it for statistics.
The neurosurgeon's nurse called me back and I got the better of the news (possibilities were re-growth or necrosis); they said it is necrosis. The PET scan was inconclusive but the MRI shows it's radiation effect.
So I am relieved a bit.
So I asked about taking something to make sure the necrosis stops and she said they don't give anything unless I get symptoms. That scares me. I'm kind of in a prevention mindset. I asked about Avastan and she said that I could get a bleed into the brain. Well that was scary to hear.
I also read about Boswella. Also, the hyperbaric chamber.
Should I get a neuro-oncologist? I have a medical oncologist that I really like a lot. She sent me to a neurologist but he just gives me a neurological exam the same that the neurosurgeon does.
I'm also thinking about going back to Memorial Sloan to the 2nd Opinion Oncologist that I saw in April.
So for now, I am not taking anything... Still in a watch and wait mode.
I would appreciate any thoughts you may have.
Kris........