Hi...I just finished 5 whole brain radiation treatments. I asked the doc, why he choose to do five treatments rather than more. He said studies showed this protocol to be just as effective. My lesions were small(4 that the could see). I really didn't have any sypmptons except an occassional headache but I am HER2 Positive so I wanted the scan for piece of mind. I was shocked and so was my oncol to see there are lesions there. Well, the treatments went very well, no real side effects except the streroids drove me nuts but they are weaning me off of these now. I went about my every day duties, even had 10 people for a yummy Italian dinner after my 3rd zapping.
Now, the side effects are suppose to kick in...hair loss, fatigue, and who knows what else if I beleive what I read on the internet....some sites are very scary and my docs said DONT READ THAT STUFF!
For those of you who have had WBR can you give me some heads up on what you went through during the months after treatment. I know we are all different but it will be very interesting to know what to anticipate.
Love ya all and keep up the battle. We are strong!
Linda
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finished WBR
- By linskate
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 7:57 am · 7 replies
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- By gpawelski
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 1:52 pm
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Wow! A doctor actually admitting that five whole brain radiation treatments are as effective as giving anything more than that. Wonders will never cease. Give my kudos to your doctor. Bravo!
The idea that systemic therapies can be as effective as whole brain radiation or even stereotactic radiosurgery has been looked upon for a number of years now, with agents like Temodar and EGFR inhibitors against brain metastases.
A drug like Temodar is small molecule. Empirically, it has been shown to cross the BBB to affect cell death in circulating tumor cells. Exciting results have come from studies of multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, small molecules that act on multiple receptors in the cancerous cells, like Tykerb and Sutent.
What may be another alternative is high doses of 2 small molecule EGFR pathway drugs, Tarceva and Iressa, given together. These might cross the blood brain barrier and some patients get a long lived remission. High dose tamoxifen could then be given continuously as a potentiator.
- By chloemom
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 6:45 pm
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Dear Linda, I'm so happy to hear your treatments are over, you only had five and didn't have any difficulties with them!!! I Agree with Gregory, you have a fantastic
Doctor! Hope you continue to do well with no after effects! Doing the happy dance for you!
Lorri
- By sr2603
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 7:13 pm
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Good job Linda. Even better job having a crowd over for dinner while going through treatment. You rock!
- By chainsawz
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 8:17 pm
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Linda - congrats on finishing WBR! Thank you for sharing your experience - it helps be not be afraid of WBR :> lisa
- By CSF
- Posted November 4, 2009 at 4:07 pm
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:)
glad you are finished!
sounds like you have a great onc too...
wish you the best as you move forward.
- By GirliebikerTPBC
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 10:19 am
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How are you doing, Linda? Any side effects yet other than fatigue? I know the fatigue was hitting you last weekend. Hugs, Joy
- By linskate
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 3:02 pm
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Hi Joy....the only side effect so far is extreme fatigue like I have never experienced. I haven't lost my hair yet but do notice some coming out. My head is itchy but they told me fo expect that.
We went across the street to the networking Sat. I talked with a few women but we didn't stay too long. I must have missed you.
How are you doing? You mentioned health issues in a post. Hope everything is ok.
Linda
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