Brain met surgery Thurs. morning
 

Things went faster than originally planned.
Got a call yesterday morning to see if Hubby and I could meet with the docs in the mid-afternoon. We agreed and met up there at 2pm.
The Gamma Knife rad onc was there and a top notch neuro-surgeon who only works on the brain. We looked at all the scans starting from last year and on to see how things went.
If the PET/CT were not showing as much contrast I might be inclined to wait, but it is, and this is a light week ahead so no reason not to take the opening on Thurs.

I have full confidence in this brain surgeon, I just am not crazy about having the general anethetic as I don't do so well with them. Blood pressure stays depressed.
If I could have a biopsy of this stubborn met to see if it is necrosis or tumor (or both, very likely) I would. But there is just a little bit of boney structure in the way!
The area of concern is much smaller than the original 3cm tumor, so the Gamma Knife did its job. We will see what the pathology says.
My markers are all normal - including CEA which was way over normal with the brain mets before and the new Bayer Her2 serum test which came back well into the normal range.
The docs all agreed that I am very healthy otherwise - and I will NOT NEED DECADRON for more than a very few days. It is easier to get over the effects of the anesthesia than the Decardon!

Moving forward
 

That is fast, Steph! I wish there was some sci-fi way to just open up the bone a wee tad and sample it and then have it close up as if it never opened. Your sharing of the journey all along the way is precious to us as we want to know how you are doing with all of this. It should at least give you more info on how well various tests and signs and symptoms work in keeping you aware of what is going on with it, and those sound like they are looking good, as you say.

I'm there with you in spirit, you know.

AlaskaAngel

I will be thinking of you Steph and will send lots of healing thoughts and prayers.

Karen

Thinking of you
 

It is moving along fast - sorry it has to be the surgery you don't particularly want but if it's going to happen then probably best to get it over with as soon as possible. I'm so glad your markers and general health are good. Your attitude continues to amaze and inspire me. I don't have mets (yet, and touching every bit of wood I can see!) but posts like yours put things into perspective. I'll be thinking of you and sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Let us know as soon as you can how you are. All the best, Jo

Hi Steph,
I'm glad you are getting this over with so that you don't have to think about it. I'm sure that they will watch your pressure very carefully. I also think you will be surprised how well you will feel, especially since you won't have to have much decadron.
We will be anxious to hear from you when you are back home. You should be able to enjoy a good Valentine's dinner.
Best wishes and good luck!!!
Barbara H.

Steph


I will be thinking about you all day. You are a pioneer survivor and an inspiration to me (personally). Let's just get that thing out so you can move on.

Love, Becky

Good luck Steph. I will be thinking of you, and keeping all my fingers and toes crossed. I don't blame you about the anaesthetic. I don't come out too good either.

Love Lisa

Brain met surgery Thurs. morning
 

Steph, you are definitely a role model; just seeing your photo on this site and reading your comments is comforting for many of us. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through yet another challenge. Take care, be well.

Steph
You will be in my prayers as always...and positive vibes to keep up your pressure and your chin through all of this...it is sad..everytime we have conquered a mountain, another hill develops...put on your hiking boots and kick this once and for all. A big hug to you!

Steph,
Sending good hugs and hope that the smallest amount of dec does the job in fast order! Then kick that bad boy to the curb !

Thinking of you,
love,
patty

Hi Steph, you are going into this with the right attitude so it will be a success. I always make a point of apologising to the medical team before I go under just in case I swear at them when I am coming out, but it just seems like "lights out" lights back on", when I have anaesthetic, but I know what you mean with the low blood pressure when coming out, I always look as white as a ghost and feel just as bad. We will all be holdingt your hand and our Love & prayers go with you.

Love & Hugs Lyn

Steph...
 

Just said a prayer for you. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

Steph - I will keep you, your surgeon and medical team in prayer all day Thursday. May you bounce back quickly.

Steph
 

I am thinking and praying for you. It sounds like you have a great medical team on your side.

Barbara

You know Steph I will be praying for you and waiting for good reports soon. hugs, Sandy

Dear Steph, you're going into this with strength and courage on your side, and all of us keeping you in our thoughts, so rest easy and heal quickly. I'll be eager to read your report of how it all went; your willingness to share your experiences is, as someone else mentioned, a precious gift to us. I'm less afraid of brain mets now, knowing from you and Christine, the Patty's, Kim and other's that it's doable. Keeping you in my thoughts.

<3 Lolly

Steph,

Thinking of you and sending best wishes.
Julie

Good luck Steph!!!!!!!!

Dear Steph,

I'll be thinking of you and sending you lot of healing energy. Good luck,
Big hug,

Good Luck Steph
 

Good luck to you my friend - sending my angels your way.