Brain mets STINK!!!!

Kristin · 11-01-2005, 09:03 AM

So the doctor told my mom to wait another 3 months after the last brain MRI since the untreated new 1 cm lesion appeared stable. She has not had any symptoms other than the ones from her WBR 2 years ago. She has loss of short term memory and also she alittle unsteady on her feet.
Well recently I think her balance is starting to get alittle worse. I'm not sure if it is the untreated lesion starting to show symptoms or just a side effect from the WBR. She is going for a brain MRI at the end of the month. Should I try to push it up???? I'm alittle nervous. If it has increased in size or it isn't stable anymore she may need to go for gamma knife. I worry so much!!!!

StephN · 11-01-2005, 11:48 AM

Dear Kristin -
If you really think you notice some deterioration of your Mom's condition, by all means complain to her doctor and get a sooner checkup time. Brain mets can grow quickly once they reach a certain size, and I would not take the chance.
If she as a met it will need treating anyway sooner or later.
I am not sure of the logic in waiting. But I don't know all the particulars.

Your Mom must have a Karnofsky score and maybe they can put her through this screening again - it is non-invasive, just a physical check of her strength, balance, etc.

Kristin · 11-01-2005, 01:03 PM

Thanks StephN

I'm sure my mom never went through that scoring system you were talking about. Can you tell me more about it??

I just made the brain MRI appointment for the 11th and will meet with the doc the Monday before Thanksgiving, it is earlier since we weren't suppose to see the doctor until Dec.

They wanted to wait because the tumor had little enhancement on the MRI and it appeared stable, I guess since she had no symptoms then they didn't want to do any treatment. Who knows maybe the Herceptin was helping???
I get so nervous with brain mets, 2 years ago when she had a bunch, she did have symptoms of extreme fatigue and feeling loopy. This time, she is just alittle of balance, which she has always been. I guess better safe then sorry. It just sucks!!!