Judi: I was dx with 8 <5mm brain lesions on 08/22/08. Rad oncs only wanted to do WBR due to the number and I said no way, not now. I went to a University Hospital in another state that has Cyberknife and they did not want to offer the treatment since I had over 6 lesions. Via their Tumor Board and reconsideration by the Medical Director of the Cyberknife, they agreed to the treatment in two sessions.
Had treatment yesterday for 4 lesions and today for the remaining 4. Treatment ended at noon, we drove 4 hours home and here I am writing about my experience already!
I refused the Decadron (mean, nasty stuff) I'll deal with what comes without it. I took the Ativan and feel it was necessary since my sessions were long, hour and 45 minutes yesterday and an hour and 15 minutes today. Hard to lay still bolted down by that mask without feeling anxious.
I went shopping and out to dinner yesterday right after treatment. I had a mild sensation in my forehead, eye area that felt full and a little pressure at beadtime. Not bad, no need to take anything. Woke up with no symptoms. Same today, feeling the head thing right now, but not bad.
I will be meeting with my onc Monday to discuss adding Tykerb/Xeloda to my Herceptin to hopefully, keep any micros from growing and give better overall control.
MRI every three months and if any more show up I plan to shoot them dead with the Cyberknife again. I pray no more, but no crystal ball with this damn disease.
For me WBR is not an option until it HAS to be, which I am planning on NEVER!!
BTW, I'm 48 years old her2+++ orig dx 12/07 with inumerable liver mets at dx. Almost NED from the neck down, two tiny lesions left that are too small to measure. Herceptin rocks!!
Hope this helps! I hate this crap as much as you do!! Let's hold tight to hope and good medical practices to pull us through and get on with living. Scary times, but we have to take charge and move forward!! I'm moving, as fast as I can!! Charge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL Darlene in Virginia Beach