Have a question about scans and tests - MRI

[Steph N.]

Hi -
Sorry about the headaches. I had some that were not too bad and were attributed to allergy problems with my sinuses.
VERY important to have the MRI as a CT scan will not show the same detail. Chemo does not pass the blood/brain barrier and we have no protection for our cranium other than our immune system. A rather scary percentage of Her2+ patients get brain mets.
When I my liver mets were discovered I had to have a brain MRI to get in to a trial. Had not had one in two years before last month. Was having some odd symptoms in my right arm and a stiff neck and my med onc got me in for the next avail. time.
Thank the Good Lord that there was nothing in that MRI to account for my problem (which eventually went away).
But I would ask for the test, especially if the headaches fall into the type that are most associated with mets. You can get description on those at some other links in this site.
Best positive thoughts coming your way.

[Steph N.]

P.S. I have been on Herceptin for over 2 years and do not get any headaches from it.
Anyone else out there with a comment on Herceptin and headaches??

[Lolly]

I agree with the others, an MRI is the way to go...I have had headaches every so often for years, but after starting Herceptin they accelerated in frequency to every 3-4 weeks. As soon as I brought this to my onc's attention he ordered an MRI, which was clear. I still have headaches, but they have gradually diminished in frequency, as have side effects that I can directly attribute to Herceptin, so don't know if the Herceptin aggraveted the headaches at first or not. I do know that anytime I feel the headaches are out of the ordinary again, or I have other symptoms that are suspicious, my onc will order another MRI, but I don't get to have them as part of my regular scans.
hugs,
Lolly

[eleanor]

I have not experienced headaches from herceptin but I am with everyone else on this....MRI for the brain. Chemo/herceptin does not pass the blood brain barrier and you should have an annual MRI of your brain because of the risk of mets.
el