I read the story on the whole brain radiation nightmare and the many long replies. What struck me is how these posts may discourage people from considering WBR as a legitimate treatment option. All of us (patients) are different and the treatments we elect to have should be individualized in consultation with our physicians. It is good for us to share information on our experiences with treatments and drugs, but I would warn that any post should be considered as "food for thought" and should be read as "input" and not "advice."
I just went through PCI (15 treatments; 2 grays per treatment) without using steroids. I have had no negative side effects that I can detect. My election to have preventative whole brain radiation was made in consultation with both my oncologist.and radiologist. PCI is not currently a "standard of care" for adenocarcinoma but that does not mean that it should not be done or has no benefit. The fact is that it has no PROVEN benefit, but there are no studies on the subject. There is also no agreement on the screening protocol for lung cancer...but that does NOT mean that low-dose CT is NOT a viable screen.
I guess my point is that, when it comes to cancer, there are no absolutes. What works for you may not work for someone else, and what does NOT work for you MAY work for someone else. Remember, most of us posting on this site are NOT doctors or cancer researchers. So take what we blog here into your thinking, but don't rely on it as gospel. Talk to your physcian.
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