To Christine, Please Help

[Jean]

Dear Christine: Thank you very much for all the help you provide me. I had WBR from 9/11/04 to 10/11/04, 20 times for 20days. I had MRI on 11/19/04
to see the result. Here is the report: Note is again made of multiple enhancing lesions throughout both cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, also involing the medulla and right middle cerebellar peduncle. the size of many of these lesions has diminished since the previousMRI of 9/8/04, with less conspicuous enhancement as well. Some of the previously noted lesions are no longer apparent. There is no hydrocephallus, nor is there significant mass effect or edema.
Impression:
Diffuse, widespread Mets to the brain, somewhat improved since the previous MRI of 9/8/04.

My Question is: Is WBR result could come up later or this is it? Further decrease of the lesions won't happen again unless you have other treatmemt. My Doc. suggest MRI 3months later to see where it is. What about your WBR when you had it. It knocked down all the mets after one month of the WBR? Please help! What is your suggestion? Thanks in advance!

Jean

[Christine]

Jean, Your last MRI has shown a decrease in the size of thr larger tumors, I gather from what you said; and other smaller mets have gone. If this is the case you are getting good resuts in a very short time. As time goes by you will be monitored with follow-up MRI's that will show decreases in the size of the larger tumors. Tumors between 1-3 cm take longer to subside depending on the size. Read your report, and get to know it to compare the sizes and the locations. This is a prudent way to understand the treatment process. Also, you must have patients, since brain radiation is a slower than Gamma-knife, but works over time. Your Rad TX will work on the mets for about 6mos. to a year. Learn to be patient. Any tumors larger than 2.5-3 cm will take the longest. I recall 1 of my 2.5 tumor took about 8 months to stabelize and deteriate slowly. I am presently doing regular Brain MRI at 6 month intervals. My most recent result stayed the same, no new tumors for the past 4 years. It really does work. Think positive, it helps!
In the future if any new tumors show up , Gamma-knife is a very successful option, that is why getting MRI's for surveillence at regular intervals is so important. Part of your present state of mind is a side effect of the radiation...FATIGUE. Rest Rest Rest, Eat FREQUENTLY SMALL MEALS and Drink plenty of fluids HEALTHY DRINKS w/ electrolytes.
Hugs Christine