|
re: brain mets
Dear Lu Ann,
Have you gotten a second opinion from a different radiation oncologiy group? I don't know how many metastases you have, but Gamma Knife may be an option. It is VERY precisely focused on the mets (I could have done the macarena while doing it,and wouldn't have been able to move a hair on my head!), and its use on multiple metastases is growing. The treatment is coordinated by a team made up of neurosurgeon, physicist, radiation oncologist, etc. My head was placed in a frame (with the help of Versed) that made me look like I had stuck it in a carriage lamp. After that, I was wide awake, felt absolutely NO PAIN, and the team would use that frame to position my head in a large metal hub with lots of engineered windows for focusing the radiation. Everything was completed on the same day, in time for lunch. Considering the damage you fear from WBR, it seems like it would be worthwhile to see if you are a candidate. After Gamma Knife, I'm having MRIs every 6 weeks to check for any other metastases that aren't visible. I know of some patients that have been doing this for 10 years or more... one or a few tumors at a time. I call it the "Whack-a-Mole" phase of treatment.
I had Cyberknife for a mediastinal met, and chose to take the 7 hour drive to Baltimore's Sinai Hospital for the treatment; there were a couple of sites a bit closer, but I have relatives there I could stay with. It was definitely worth the drives to get the treatment. Stereotactic radiation - both cyber and gamma knife, has been easier than any other treatment I've had.
Why don't you try Googling Gamma Knife and read up on it? I'm a firm believer in second opinions.
warm wishes and hugs your way,
Rentrac
|