Surgery again

[Barbara H.]

Hi,
I just read Steph N.s post and was pleased to hear that all is basically going well. The area on the left frontal cortex of my brain grew again to over 3cm and I will therefore need surgery on Tuesday. I will be in an MRI machine so the whole procedure will take about 7 hours. I haven't posted about it because I just found out Friday night. This will be my third surgery on this spot. My surgeon feels that it could still be necroses, whicn is radiation effect, but everyone else thought tumor regrowth could be part of it. He believes this because the area grew so fast after my scan in September. He feels that the area will eventually resolve, but I am also getting tired of having this done every year.

My only other concern is minor bone mets that popped up in March and were treated with Navelbine. They are stable, but the Navelbine did not really work. I am now off of it and will have a bone biopsy in January to study the composition of this cancer and see if it has morphed to ER positive. All my other mets that I had 2 1/2 years ago are NED. (skin, liver, nodes, lungs)

So, I have a lot to deal with at this time of the year and hope that all goes well.

I will post the results when I am back.

Thanks,
Barbara H.

[tousled1]

Barbara,

Sorry to hear that you must undergo surgery yet again. Perhaps the third time will be the charm. Sounds like you have been through quite a bit so we know that you are a strong and determined woman. Hang in there! I'll keep you in my prayers. Please keep us posted.

[StephN]

Dear Barbara -
This is NOT FAIR!!!
You should NOT have to do this yet again. I know only all too well how tiring it is to keep after the same spots.

But, I am sure my docs would agree that if the spot grew that much in 3 months, it likely has some tumor associated. My rad onc says that a high proportion of regrowth has some tumor.

One question. Your original tumor was what size? The resection area is what size? (I know that is 2 questions!)

My resection behind my left ear is only shrinking very slowly after 10 months.

The bone biopsy sounds like a good idea, but there are other drugs for the bones now to look into. If only bone mets, Tykerb is out for you. Maybe after San Antonio your onc will get a new idea for you.

Have a Merry and Bright Holiday in spite of this setback!

[Barbara H.]

Hi Steph,
My original tumor was 3cm. My surgeon feels there is a good chance that the necroses is just filling the area where they took it out. Of course, he can't know for sure and he is the only one who said that. At least it is giving me some hope, and he is top in this area.

My oncologist thinks that he will give me Zeloda.

Thanks for you concern.
Barbara H.

[pattyz]

Barbara,
No need for me to say this sucks, as you so well know that to be the case.....

I pray all those who will be involved in your surgery and after care will be most compassionate, caring and top in their fields of experience.

With sincerest hope your surgery will be completely successful with no complications and easy recovery for you.

Many good wishes being sent your way, thinking of you...
with love,
pattyz xoxox

[Heart Sutra]

We want to wish you the very best of luck. If luck has anything at all to do with this. Sounds like your docs are on top of things, and that is a huge plus.

We'll be thinking of you.

---Kevin and Sue---

[tricia keegan]

Please add my good wishes also and I really hope it'll be
third time lucky for you!
Tricia

[rinaina]

So sorry to hear that you have to go through another surgery again. Hope this does the trick and that will be that. Good luck and thoughts and prayers from me to you.

[Ceesun]

I think you are very courageous and so helpful with your posts. Good luck and May God Bless. Ceesun

[jojo]

Speaking from somebody who has had a repeat craniotomy in the same brain spot, I know exactly what you are going through. Kinda easy to get frustrated about this whole annoying process, huh? :-(

But Barbara, you have been NED since TWO years ago (2 1/2), THAT's a good 'footnote'!!! Hence, I have confidence that you will get over yet another hump!! :-)

Keeping you in my prayers & thoughts

[Jean]

Barbara,

Sorry to hear that you must endure another surgery....
Sending you prayers and positive wishes for a speedy recovery.

God Bless,
Jean

[lindaw]

Dear Barbara

It must be difficult - particulalry at this time of year- to have to have another surgery. I do hope you recover well . Will be in my thoughts.

love
linda