BRAIN METS: latest update on chemo response

I have finished four rounds of Temodar/Xeloda for my recurrant brain mets now...

Had another MRi Monday which shows continued shrinkage of about 50% to brain mets on brainstem/pons, temporal and frontal lobes. And no change to others except what appears to be LESS edema.

Gonna continue this protocal as I am doing so well on it.

It's all a mystery to me...... and my onc, too. But we shared a hug and holiday wishes, with plans for CA27-29 and check-up early Jan.

hugs, pattyz

12-1999: Age 50, Dx'd Invasive Ductal & Inflammatory. Two tumors, upper
and lower inside quadrants R/breast.

1-2000: Mast., 6/26 pos. nodes. ER+PR-, Heu2+++ StageIIIb - 4rnds A/C,
no rads (my choice & no medical ins.)

7-2002: Dx'd mediastinal node/s mets, (surgical biopsy), 'spot' on lung
and pelvis. Arimidex briefly.

9-2002: Dx'd brain mets. (mininally symptomatic) Two lesions, 1.5cm,
6mm. SRS focalized tx successful. Refused WBR.

11-2002: Navelbine/Herceptin 4rnds for systemic mets, scans show NED.

3-2003: Progression of brain mets. 14 new lesions visable.
Asymptomatic. Continue to refuse WBR. "Watch and wait " approach. Treat in small batches with two more SRS, two CyberKnife procedures through 5-2004. NED in body.

3-2005: Progression brain mets - maybe 10 new lesions, asymptomatic. (otherwise NED) Again 'watch and wait' approach until...

8-2005: Dizzy 24/7 in the course of just one day. Begin Temodar/Xeloda.

9-28-2005: Following 2 rnds, MRi shows response of nearly 50% shrinkage
in many brain mets, including brainstem/pons. Dizziness gone.

12-1-2005: MRi shows more shrinkage nearing 50% to several brain mets,
with no growth to others. Continue Temodar/Xeloda