I went to see the radiation oncologist, Dr. Halahz, at the University of Washington today. She showed us the brain MRI. Two of the three brain metastases are located in the left cerebellum, the largest being 1.8 cm. The third is located in the left parietal lobe. None have interfered with my basic functions. I had a choice of Whole Brain Radiation or the more directed, gamma ray knife. Both have similar life outcome expectations. Whole brain radiation attacks the entire brain, is done over a period of weeks, causes your hair to fall out and some studies have indicated that 4 months out, it shows interference with higher brain functioning. The plus is that it gets the entire brain covered. But I chose the gamma ray knife because I don't want to lose my hair again and the downturn in brain functioning was not attractive to me. Plus the gamma ray knife is a one time deal and they can also deal with the scalp tumors at the same time.
We talked about my left shoulder where the pain is so much greater these days, and the return of my swallowing problems as perhaps susceptible to radiation as well. Dr. Halazh suggested that since I had not had a CT scan in May it would be a good idea to get a more recent one so she could see what was going on. As opposed to Group Health, where we would have had to wait several weeks, if not a month or more for the CT scan, she got me in today.
And she called this afternoon. News is not good. The supraclavicular tumor on my left shoulder has grown and it appears that it has spread into my jugular vein. Either that or it's a large blood clot. The mediastinal tumor (which is on the front of my chest next to my heart, has also grown and has isolated a part of my esophagus in which liquid is pooling. So I am first to go through a 5 day radiation therapy attacking the supraclavicular tumor. This begins next Thursday and will finish the day before I go into have the gamma ray knife radiation done. The have to fix a frame into my skull so that they can position the gamma ray precisely where the tumors are. But I will first have to go through another brain MRI. I have asked for sedation, which I think is not unreasonable.
The good news is that we caught it now, not when the jugular vein or the esophagus was completely blocked. But that's about it.
So this is a scary time. Let's hope it goes well.
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18 comments:
Oh dear Lord, How can you bear it? My heart aches for you.
After a few years of reading nn.c I feel like I know you Moe and I am sad to hear this update. Here's wishing for the best possible outcome! Kaye
Sedation is completely reasonable. Do what you need to do for yourself. This long-time reader is wishing you tumor shrinkage and better news ahead.
XO and XO and XO. Very scary, but IMO you chose the best treatment options and much can be done these days. Get any sedation you can for any procedure. The less stress on your and your adrenals the better. Prayers and best wishes always, Bonnie
My dear, dear girl, you know my prayers are with you; also my curses on the cancers. Let's hope they can shrink the tumors with the radiation, and zap the brain ones with the gamma rays (any marigolds in the mix?). Breathe deeply.
Much love,
Olive
Dear Moe, just read your post on nn.c. Please know that for what it's worth you have many people out here sending their good thoughts, hopes, prayers to you. May the rays do their work without collateral damage and may you post many another considered, informed, and amusing entry here and at Nancy's place. - Minnie
Lots of love, hugs and strength for the treatments.
Zeba
I was alerted to your situation from a Dunnetry post...
As a veteran of cancer treatment myself, I completely support your decision for sedation--or whatever else you need to do for yourself.
Hugs, good thoughts, and whatever else you need from me...
Martha
Moe, adding my sincere well wishes that the radiation works. And yes to sedation! Peace, Jodi (judybusy at NNC)
I can't think of a thing to say (other than loud angry foul language)but know that I care.
Grace
Sending you a big hug.
I'm with you on the sedation and retention of higher brain function. I hope it goes well.
You are so brave. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Best of luck with the rad tx - crossing my fingers and toes you get through this with all your good gray matter intact!
Jazz (from GRACE)
Good Luck!
Regina,
Keep fighting! Lots of luck with all of the treatment.
Harriet
Thinking of you lots and lots and trying to send positive blessings your way.
Dorothy from nn.c
All the very, very bestand hoping that the treatment works. You are so brave.
Penny T
Hi R,
I ran into you in the elevator of the U of W building in the University district last week and we chatted about having coffee with other local Dunnett fans.
It sounds like this is going to be a rough week. Then and now, I am sending positive thoughts your way.
Others have said it better: Wildflower seed on the sand and stone; may the four winds blow you safely home.
-Cynthia
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