cyberknife for brain ,mets questions vs. surgery

[Velva]

Hi all, have been doing my researach, but would like any inno you have. I have a 3.6cm brain met in the cerebullem that was actually there in Jan. 04 by MRI, was stated as being a 1cm avascular malformation (AVM) by radiologist, onc didn,t look at films or pick up on reportsaid all okay!
Consult for cberknife was last Wed. in OKC,OK. radio-onc said would have been no risks in Jan-Feb, but now w/ increased size, more risk for swelling~30%. She tookm it before tumor board and thier 1st recomendation was surgery, for best tx, 2nd cyberknife.
I had pericardial effsion 2 wks. ago and the path came w/ BR CA cells/clumps in fluid so we have to aget on it ASAP. Brain surgery could delay my chemo fo 3-4 weeks. I see a onc for consultation on 10/25/04. I want my best options and I PLAN TO LIVE & have a good life even battling this.
Any responses will be appriciated. Will be leaving this afternoon for 1 nt. at Branson, Mo w/ hubby & 2 friends, be back on Sun.
P.S. Also, cked Kansas City cyberknife at Menorah Hosp., couldn't get an appt. til 11/04/04, they just started this wk, anyone know of them -my daughter lives there. HUGS,vELVA

[Annemarie]

I have had bc and brain met only. I have had 3 single lesions separately. The first time I had a 3cm tumor right on the back of the skull and very easy to access. I had a craniotomy which I am told is first line with that size if they can reach it. The second time I had a single lesion it was 1cm and I had another craniotomy (in hindsite I should have done stereo) and most recently I had a 5 mm which we used stereo. Basically the stereo place told me anything under 3 cm they have good results with. That is what my Drs. in NY said. Good luck to you. It is very manageable but scarey. I have been living with brain mets since 10/01 still surviving and now on Herceptin and trying to go for the her2 vac.!

[Kristen]

Velva,
KU Med Center had IMRT and Steriotactic procedures available here in KC. 1-800-588-5862.
Research has Midwest Gamma Knife Center in KC and there # is 1-800-57-gamma.
Hope this helps, I get all my scans done at Menorah and haven't seen anything there saying they have started this procedure. Where as Research has been doing this since 1994/5. take care k

[cathy long]

Just a question what is Her2 vac?

[Annemarie]

Her2 vaccine is in Phase 1 clinical trials in some ares of the country.

[Kathie in NJ]

Anything under 3 cm you can use steriotactic surgery. I had a 3 cm tumor on my cerebellum and had a craniotomy followed by 10 dayse of radiation. That was in 2002 and so far so good. My friend had the same size tumor and underwent exactly what I did and she is also doing fine.
Kathie