HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - WBR Increases Risk Of Learning And Memory Problems In Cancer Patients With Brain Mets

Joan M · 09-28-2008, 05:52 AM

Sherry, Joe is right about the 40% and Brenda is right, too, that this is a scary thread. But as long as you try to get a brain MRI every year, that should help you keep on top of things. I had one in May 2007 and was due to get another a year later until I got sidetracked by the lung recurrence after the wedge resection, so it ended up being 16 mos. instead of 12 mos. And even though there's a higher incidence of brain mets among HER2, my onc said she was absolutely shocked. And I agree. So was I. I know stats can be scary, but as you can see many women here are doing very well, and certainly you are one of them. Joan

09-28-2008, 05:52 AM	#12
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Sherry, Joe is right about the 40% and Brenda is right, too, that this is a scary thread. But as long as you try to get a brain MRI every year, that should help you keep on top of things. I had one in May 2007 and was due to get another a year later until I got sidetracked by the lung recurrence after the wedge resection, so it ended up being 16 mos. instead of 12 mos. And even though there's a higher incidence of brain mets among HER2, my onc said she was absolutely shocked. And I agree. So was I. I know stats can be scary, but as you can see many women here are doing very well, and certainly you are one of them. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!