HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Anyone with brain met/necrosis surgically removed

Joan M · 11-04-2009, 02:38 PM

Darita,

I had a left-frontal craniotomy in Oct 2008 and then five does of radiation to the tumor bed in Dec. I just had another three-month brain MRI last week which showed more enhancement than the last MRI in June, "most likely" due to radiation necrosis, according to the MRI report, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, and my medical oncologist. But only more MRIs over time till tell.

The brain surgery was pretty "easy." That is, the tumor was in an area without a lot of complications from both surgical and cognitive standpoints. I was in the hospital for four days and I recuperated at home for four weeks before returning to work. I took Decadron while at home but not during the radiation. I I did radiation while working.

My scar is just above my hairline, down to my ear. But it's not visible even with my hair pulled back. I have a dent in the middle/top of my forehead, a dent in my left temple and a small bump in the middle of my forehead which is a plate and screw that is part of putting my skull back together.

Any extra care you can get at home at least the first week or so would be a real plus. You'll be able to do things for yourself, but extra hands will let you relax. I would go for walks in the afternoon and increased the distance a little each day.

Joan

11-04-2009, 02:38 PM	#6
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: Anyone with brain met/necrosis surgically removed Darita, I had a left-frontal craniotomy in Oct 2008 and then five does of radiation to the tumor bed in Dec. I just had another three-month brain MRI last week which showed more enhancement than the last MRI in June, "most likely" due to radiation necrosis, according to the MRI report, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, and my medical oncologist. But only more MRIs over time till tell. The brain surgery was pretty "easy." That is, the tumor was in an area without a lot of complications from both surgical and cognitive standpoints. I was in the hospital for four days and I recuperated at home for four weeks before returning to work. I took Decadron while at home but not during the radiation. I I did radiation while working. My scar is just above my hairline, down to my ear. But it's not visible even with my hair pulled back. I have a dent in the middle/top of my forehead, a dent in my left temple and a small bump in the middle of my forehead which is a plate and screw that is part of putting my skull back together. Any extra care you can get at home at least the first week or so would be a real plus. You'll be able to do things for yourself, but extra hands will let you relax. I would go for walks in the afternoon and increased the distance a little each day. 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!!