Brain Mets

[hannah]

Has anybody had cyberknife for brain mets ? would appreciate any info
hannah

[pattyz]

Yes, I had CyberKnife in two treatements, two days apart for 6 brain mets in my cerebellum in spring of '04.

This was AFTER three other focalized treatments using 'screwed on' head frame and Linear Accelerator, similar to Gamma Knife... Over the course of 18 months for 10 other brain mets.

I MUCH preferred the CyberKnife and form fitted face mask. Yes, it was a TIGHT fit and length of time on table was too long, but I upped my Ativan to two for the second round and dozed through procedure. The "in at 10am/ out at noon" was also better than the day long events with the previous tx's.

I did lose all hair in the affected areas with CyberKnife and not with other tx's, but I believe it was because of the location of mets: closer to surface of skull. But I could be wrong... Hair has totally grown back in, at normal rate.

No other side effects really... just a bit of 'pressure' type feeling for about a week afterwards.

Does that help?
hope so.
pattyz

[hannah]

thanks patty were not sure about location of mets growing just know they are at base of brain causing probs with balance nausea so we are looking for other options. Neuro onc feels gamma knife not suitable dont know why yet. We have to find something as my sister is still working never in feeling so upset at the moment as no one feel s optimistic thanks for yoyr help

[pattyz]

hannah...

I currently have progression of my brain mets. Have been dealing with them for over three yrs.

This last recurrance I experienced 24/7 dizziness with 'tipping over' events and some nausea during the worst spells...

I have used up my rad options so have been doing a chemo combo of Temodar/Xeloda. After the first two rounds, MRi showed nearly 50% shrinkage. My latest shows similar results. My new tumors are in cerrebellum, brain stem/pons, temporal and fronta.

In the past, I did have the Linear Accelerator to another brainstem/pons tumor which was successful. But, I do recommend and encourage you to get a referral for the CyberKnife. Best of luck to you. I know it's scary.
pattyz xoxox

[hannah]

Dear Patty
thanks for all your advice it has given us some hope and we intend to take the info to neuro onc next week. This is a terrible time for all of us and we feel hopeless but this will give us something to argue with the oncologists with.
thanks again
hannah