HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Brain MRIs for early stage....consensus??

Joe · 12-14-2005, 08:20 PM

I understand that Dana Farber is doing a study on early intervention of brain mets. but,

Gamma Knife can only treat tumors up to 3 cm. Generally there are very few areas that you cannot Gamma Knife. If the tumor is over 3 cm, the only alternative may be a crainiotomy (sic). If the tumor is in an inoperable area, that is not an option.

In 2004, the HER2 Support Group launched an online campaign to have metastatic stage IV survivors insist on brain MRI's from their doctors. Some even suggested making up non-existant symptoms. We had 10 respondents who were found to have brain mets or lesions. All were treated by either Gamma Knife or WBR. Of these 10, 9 are still alive today.

Although this study was unscientific, I believe it would sway me.

Warmest Regards
Joe

12-14-2005, 08:20 PM	#8
Joe Webmaster Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Home of the "Flying Tomato" Carlsbad, CA Posts: 2,036	I understand that Dana Farber is doing a study on early intervention of brain mets. but, Gamma Knife can only treat tumors up to 3 cm. Generally there are very few areas that you cannot Gamma Knife. If the tumor is over 3 cm, the only alternative may be a crainiotomy (sic). If the tumor is in an inoperable area, that is not an option. In 2004, the HER2 Support Group launched an online campaign to have metastatic stage IV survivors insist on brain MRI's from their doctors. Some even suggested making up non-existant symptoms. We had 10 respondents who were found to have brain mets or lesions. All were treated by either Gamma Knife or WBR. Of these 10, 9 are still alive today. Although this study was unscientific, I believe it would sway me. Warmest Regards Joe