Brain MRI - 4 years followup

[StephN]

It is nearly 4 years since my two brain mets were discovered. They were treated by Gamma Knife.

Had an MRI of my brain on Friday and saw my rad onc afterwards. He reads the scans himself, but they are still subject to the usual radiologist's careful review and written report.

Nothing new and all is well. I had no reason to believe that the news would be otherwise as my CEA marker has been steady at below 1. But one never knows as this disease loves to play bad tricks on us.

It was my CEA moving up that heralded the brain mets. Others here had reported that marker rising with brain mets, but most do not have that marker drawn on a regular basis. I have it along with CA27-29 every 6 weeks.

I feel very blessed to be able to give this good report!

[karenann]

Steph,

I love hearing your good news! Congratulations.

Karen

[AlaskaAngel]

Hi Steph -- I'm so glad your studies are continuing to bring you peaceful good news! You have always been your own best advocate even in the darkest times, and I'm so happy that it has paid off, despite all the trauma you went through.

As always,

AlaskaAngel

[Chelee]

Steph, That is just wonderful news. Your post put a big old smile on my face...I am so happy for you. Congratulations...you are a true warrior and a big inspiration to me. Do something special for youself...you so deserve it girl. :)

Chelee

[Mary Anne in TX]

Such wonderful news!!!!! So glad!

[Joan M]

Stephie,

This is really wonderful news! You are an inspiration.

I have markers every three months (CA 27-29 and CA 15-3). They have never been abnormal and all was well in June. They were due again in September, but with everything else going on I missed that appointment, which also included H, because of a very bad cold. I spoke with my local onc the other day about having them done this week before my brain surgery, and she said it's probably best to wait until after so that I don't have more to think (worry) about. I'm going to have them done again after I leave the hospital.

Joan

[basset girl]

Wonderful news Steph.

[Ceesun]

Steph, Bravo to you ....I am so glad. Your posts are always so helpful and insightful. Ceesun

[Margerie]

Glad to hear your good news!!!

[Vi Schorpp]

I love to hear good news and especially love to hear your good news. You are blessed!

[schoolteacher]

Steph,

I am glad to hear your good news. You offer me some hope.

Amelia

[Mary Jo]

....and I feel very blessed to receive such awesome news about a "sister!"

Sending hugs and love....

Mary Jo

[pattyz]

No kidding Steph! This is the kind of great news that goes on giving! HOPE, that is!

So very glad for you xoxoxoxpatty

[Believe51]

And I feel so blessed to be able to hear how well one of my Dear Warriors is doing after all this time. It is my complete joy today to hear of such news and my heart and soul rejoices in conjunction with yours. Thank you so much for keeping us posted on you, you are such a large influence and inspiration to us all on this board.

Today, I truely need this inspiration!! Lots of love and continued strength to you My Sweet!!>>Believe51

[StephN]

Thanks everyone for the kind wishes and words.

Yes, A.A., I did have a rough year in 2006 with uncertain activity in a brain met tumor bed, open surgery, then the cerebral spinal fluid leak, which was finally repaired.

So if it is not the tumors themselves, there are other stupid things that can give a person grief in the form of side effects!!

I DID do something special for myself yesterday.
Bought some DANCING SHOES!
Our local Team Survivor group is having a fundraiser next month and it involves dance lessons. Dancing is one thing my hubby and I have missed. Most of my shoes have some sort of non-skid sole (even the heels) so I had to find some lowish heels, up-to-date style, that I won't stick to the dance floor in.
Even got CLOSED toe for fear of being stepped on (probably due to my uncoordination)!

[Kim in DC]

I am glad to hear you are doing well!!!!

[Patb]

Great news Steph, take care and I hope you dance.
patb

[Sheila]

Steph
Congratulations on your great news...you have weathered many storms and always come out on top....you are such a seasoned veteran in all of this...and I appreciate all your knowledge...now one more thing...when will we see you on Dancing with the Stars????

[PinkGirl]

StephN's going to be on Dancing with the Stars???? Cool.

Congratulations on your excellent scan results and thanks
for sharing the good news with all of us.

[hutchibk]

Steph - you just keep rocking. I aspire to be where you are 2 years from now, with as much moxie and verve as you boldly exude - brain mets be damned!

[Becky]

Dear Steph

I just want to add my "What a woman" congratulations to you on your great scan results. You go!

[StephN]

Thanks for the encouragement, but I think I will let Cloris Leachman stand in for me!! I would need YEARS of coaching to even approach her ability ...

Maybe we should start a "Living with Breast Cancer" reality show? Chemobrain and keeping dance steps straight are not compatible!

[sally]

Steph, I'm happy to hear your scan came out good. Have fun dancing. It sounds like fun. Sally

[Gerri]

Steph,

Thanks for sharing your great news!! You give hope to all of us.

[Joe]

Yahh Yippeeee,

Hugs Joe and Christine

[chrisy]

Steph, great news! Dancing with the Stars, huh? I assume YOU would be the star!

[Jean]

Steph,
I have no doubts that even with non-skid sole shoes you would NEVER stick to the dance floor.

So thrilled to read your news.
Go Get'em Girl.

hugs,
Jean

[Barbara H.]

I loved hearing this news, Steph. It is great for you, and also gives many hope who come to this website.
Have fun dancing.
Barbara H.

[micheleu]

Great news Steph!! That's exciting

[caya]

Thanks for sharing this good news Steph!! Really uplifting to hear this.

all the best
caya

[Jackie07]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am so happy for you.

[Joy]

You are amazing Steph. I remember when all of that was happening. I am so happy for you and your family and, for us, that all is still well and I have no doubt that it will continue to be so. Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!