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Donna H 08-12-2021 09:12 AM

radio-embolization
 
Hi-

So I am done with traditional chemo but still getting Perjeta and Herceptin every 3 weeks. My last pet scan showed the live tumor still active and its size remains unchanged. So my med onc sent me to a surgical onc to discuss liver direct therapy. Surgical onc recommends radio-embolization but I need to get a liver mri and more bloodwork to determine if I am a candidate for this. Has anyone heard of it, gone through it? I asked about removing the tumor on the liver but was told that isnt an option. Apparently the liver tumor is the doctors biggest concern right now.

Joan M 09-06-2021 06:38 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Check out this 6-minute video. It mentions radio-embolization, when radioactive particles are delivered directly to a tumor. The video also explains other potential procedures.
The video about guided techniques appears at the bottom of the page:

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/do...tephen-solomon

Joan

Joan M 09-06-2021 06:51 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Check out this 6-minute video, which mentions the delivery of radioactive beads directly to a tumor. The video about guided techniques such as radio-embolization appears at the bottom of the page.

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/do...tephen-solomon

Best,
Joan

Donna H 09-08-2021 07:43 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Thanks. I have a consult with the radiology specialist next week. I hope this, or chemo embolization is an option for me. The large liver tumor grew slightly since the previous scan in February - this while I was getting chemo. This is one stubborn tumor.

Joan M 09-13-2021 06:59 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Best of luck with your appointment. In the least we have potential options. Joan

Donna H 09-23-2021 01:20 PM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Met with the interventional radiologist on Monday. If my insurance approves the procedure, then I will go ahead and start the process. There's a mapping procedure done prior to the actual placement of the radioactive beads. So now we wait for the insurance to rule. Joy.

Joan M 09-23-2021 05:07 PM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Very glad to hear that you have this option, and keeping my fingers crossed that the procedure will be covered by your insurance.
Joan

Donna H 10-01-2021 01:32 PM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Still waiting to hear from insurance. Gotta love 'em. I'll call the specialist's office Monday and see if they have heard back and if not if there is anything I can do to facilitate an answer. Monday will be 2 weeks since the specialist's office put in the request.

Joan M 10-01-2021 03:09 PM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Ugh! I’m hoping your insurance responds soon. Not any of us like waiting that long.

Donna H 10-04-2021 11:28 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Mapping procedure is scheduled for the 14th. Any thoughts on taking the risk of the actual procedure (assuming I am a candidate)? My husband and friends all think I should absolutely do it. But as the one who could end up with a wicked ulcer as a result, I can't help but wonder. The odds are very low (4%) that anything bad can happen. And would appreciate any and all opinions from other HER2+ people.

Joan M 10-17-2021 07:06 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
My lung collapsed during the RFA but there was a 40% chance of that happening. I think each of us decides on the risk we are willing to take.

Donna H 10-27-2021 09:08 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
The procedure is scheduled for Tuesday. During the mapping procedure, the onc discovered 2 new tumors on my liver. So if the first procedure goes well, I will need a second to take care of the 2 new tumors. Apparently the blood supply is different so it can't be done all at once. And now that I have had progression while on Herceptin and Perjeta, my oncologist wants to switch my regular treatment. Can't wait - ugh. I was just getting used to the Perjeta side effects! The good news is - there are options to try. I am grateful for that.

Donna H 11-05-2021 07:49 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
I had the Y90 treatment on Tuesday. SO far so good - although Tuesday night and Wednesday morning were rough. Strange thing, on the doctors report of the procedure said the 2 new tumors he saw during the mapping procedure were no longer evident. Of course, I didnt get to talk to the doctor after the procedure. I see my oncologist next Friday so hopefully she can address this. I sure hope this means I can stay on Herceptin and Perjeta and that I wont need another Y90 treatment. I can't help but feel like a walking science experiment. And we won't know if this treatment ate away at the liver tumor for a few weeks. But I like to believe it is!

Pamelamary 11-08-2021 12:59 PM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Good luck Donna!
Best wishes.....Pam

Donna H 05-18-2022 09:37 AM

Re: radio-embolization
 
Turns out i needed a second Y90 radioembolization. Doc found 2 new tumors while doing the first procedure and those were in the other lobe of the liver so couldnt be addressed at the first procedure. The second Y90 was brutal. I lost 5 lbs in a few days - easy to do when you cant eat or sleep or be normal for 3 days. But after a about a week I started getting back to feeling human. The scans after 3 months showed some decease in size. Not as much as we had hoped but at least nothing new on the liver. I get another round off scans in early July and we are hoping for addition progress.


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