Sue
Usually after Gamaknife the treatment can look like a cancer, but may actually be a dying tumor. Necrotic dead cells are difficult to dx as cancer since it resembles a tumor, but does it act like a cancer. What I mean is , is it growing fast or slowly in millimeters. It may be too soon to make a determination since the radiation can still be working. In my case I had a 1.8 cm treated with GammaKnife and WBRads, and it stopped growing and died after 6 months. Your treatment may still be working. According to my Rad Onc Mri/mrs can help to see what's going on after wards. PET scans for Brain is not recommended for Brain, but rather for soft tissue. Look into getting another opinion before getting a 3rd craniotomy. I went to a wellknown Neurosurgeon at Cedar Sinai in L.A. He told me to wait it out, and the tx may work in a few more months. I learned to have cognitive patience. Having patience in this condition isn't easy. If the tumor gets over 3cm it will be time to take action. Are you taking herceptinall during this time? i DID AND STILL DO. We sometime have an advantage when the blood brain barrier leaks from dema, and herceptin can work its way in. I haven't had problems and a recurrence for 4 yrs. I have been on herceptin for over 6 yrs.
My best well-wishes to you. If you need to talk with me, email me your TEL#.
cHRISTINE@HER2SUPPORT.ORG.