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Charlotte,
Having brain mets for six years now, I can say that there are drugs that might help control your mom's 'too many to count' mets. I would hate to see her undergo WBR at her age.
It may be difficult, not knowing her primary, yet there are many cancer types treated with the same drugs.
I have had mixed successes with Xeloda and Temodar.
Lomustine / CeeNU is an older chemo used as it crosses the blood brain barrier.
Sutent has shown to be somewhat effective as a targeted drug.
However, all these are Oral meds. Need to be taken with and without food. I don't know if your mom would be able to follow the schedule on her own...from what you say?
In other cases, a course of Decadron can help with syptoms of brain mets... and a daily dose less than the old traditional is now found to be just as effective, lessening a bit the side effects of the drug itself. Long term it is dangerous. So, it depends on that.... what will be considered as a 'prognosis' for your mom.
XERECEPT is a drug w/orphan approval status that is being trialed to replace Decadron in cases of 'long term need'.
There are many chemos and targeted drugs being trialed together or on their own for brain mets or primary brain cancers.
Gemzar, Ixempra, Doxil are examples of chemos.
Irinotectan, Patupilone, Sorafenib are examples of targeted drugs.
Then some have had good response with Boswellia Serrata.
Overall, your mom's age and general health are the main issues for ANY kind of treatment....... They all have side effects, some very severe. So, it comes to the question of her quality of life, doesn't it?
If it were me, at that age, in rather poor health overall, I think I would opt for trying a low dose of Decadron first. But, since I don't know the details it is a bit difficult to say......
I can say how sorry I am for the loss so recently of your dad, and now this diagnosis for your mom. And hope I have not offended you with my 'opinions'.
Hoping for the best outcome for you all,
pattyz
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