spinal tap

Hi there,
My sister met with an optomologist/surgeon who is proposing administration of chemo through spine to brain. WOW! this sounds quite dangerous to me, but I've never heard about this. Her vision is so poor now...she would probably be considered "legally blind". He can't determine exactly what is causing the eye damamge...could be a result of radiation/chemo and could be the spread of cancer to the optic nerve.
Anyone heard of this?

[StephN]

Dear Celina -
Not heard of this - maybe Christine know something about this procedure.
Sounds a little on the edge to me.
I would want to know how many times they have done this in the past and what the success rate is, etc., etc. What drug are they proposing?
This one really gets my wheels going!
And - I sure hope her optic nerve is not affected. Can't they tell that from an MRI?
All best wishes to your sister and keep up posted on this new development.

Steph,
Apparently they can't tell what is causing this. I feel the same way you do...the procedure can be painful and is it worth it especially because they don't know what is causing her loss of sight?
I always hate to advice her, because I'm not the patient, but I did tell her that I thought she should give the radiation abit more time. Last time she had radiation it took some time, but her vision did improve.
She's dealing with so much now, that again she expressed the desire to stop all chemo for awhile...she seems to be doing so well on Herceptin. Last scan showed shrinkage in her tumors. My husband just booked a trip for her to join my other sister and parents in Florida..of course, we had to arrange for an airport escort. She's leaving on the 22nd....she'll make some decisions when she returns...thanks for all the support,
Celina

Hi,
I have heard of this treatment. I had a spinal tap in the fall because I had a tiny brain met 5mm that gave me so many symptoms that my Drs. were convinced more was going on. I read up on different types of treatments and I did read about chemo to the spinal cord. I would get several opinions before making any decisions. I think it is always good to keep an open mind, read and check with other oncologist at established/ well known hospitals where cutting edge medicine is taking place. Good luck to your family!