MRI - possible bad results (update)results suck (update II)

[Precision]

We have a second opinion on Monday and will be further discussing treatment options, treatments vs side effects...

I still have my fingers crossed for this one. Keep us posted, and let us know what we can do. Seriously. Don't be stoic and independent. Interdependent is much better.

second opinion did not receive the MRI to look at the images only the report. We beat the Fedex package there. He and his crew will review it on Friday. He is of the opinion that his radiation machine will do less damage and she should be a candidate for it. Theoretically that means a fair amount less collateral damage.

In other news, the lung biopsy final conclusions came back. It is 100% metastatic breast cancer, the exact same stuff she had before. The good side of that - it was a fairly non-aggressive (read as slow)type and reacted well to treatment. The bad news, in the doctor's minds it kinda snuffs out the likelihood that the brains stuff isn't cancer.

The doctors are not willing to risk an MRI guided needle brain biopsy. Their theory is they are 85% sure it is brain cancer and whatever it is will be removed by the Gamma knife and the side effects will be "minimal" especially considering she won't live much past 2 years. What they fail to account for, is if it ISN'T brain cancer, she won't be dead in 2 years and doesn't have to get the "minimal" damage to the brain.

Its frustrating, but we are marching through the suck and pursuing their options as well as other holistic and Non-US western medical practices.

[MarkD]

Prayers sent and will be sent regularly.

I've hesitated to say this, but the priest at my church has a healing ministry. If you're in the NJ area I'll get your wife to him. I've experienced (minor) healing at his hands and have heard of miracles.

[Precision]

The doctors refuse to do a brain biopsy, which we kind of understand. She has structures in the brain that sort of look like cancer. She definitely has cancer in her lungs which is metastatic breast cancer, the exact same stuff she had 5 years ago.
So they want to treat it assuming it is cancer. Not our favorite, melting small patches of the brain is kinda scary, especially when you don't KNOW that it is needed.

We had a second opinion last week regarding a minimally invasive radiation treatment and left the hospital with the understanding that gamma knife was the best option for the majority of her brain tumors and if there were one or two that were not treatable that way, they would use stereotactic on that one or two. Thus saving the most amount of good brain as possible. Considering the early diagnosis and the tiny sizes of her tumors, it shouldn't be a problem.

They had their tumor board Friday. We got the results today. They recommended WHOLE BRAIN radiation. Let me make that clear. They want to stick her whole fucking head in a microwave and run it on low for 15 SEPARATE sessions over a two week period.

We told them, that WAS NOT an option she was willing to consider. Not to mention once you take whole brain, you can not do it again when / if things come back/ get out of control. Oh, and did I mention it damages some percentage of the entire brain and often reduces IQ, emotional control and other fun things.

She is scared, frustrated, feeling betrayed and furious at the medical world's strict adherence to CYA protocols. Not to mention their wasting her time. Something that she may not have a whole lot of.

I can feel the reigns slipping.

If this comes down to a payment issue with her insurance...

[blackeagle603]

unggghhh, prayers up.

[MarkD]

I don't blame her for not wanting the whole-brain radiation. My Mom had that, for "diffuse, metastatic brain cancer", they never found the primary (although since she smoked two packs of unfiltered Pall Malls a day for some 50 years, I have my suspicions). She did half the treatments and decided to stop. They completely knocked her out.

Prayers continue to be sent.

[Weetabix]

MarkD - pretty much the same thing for my mom. It wasn't fun.

Precision - I'm keeping up the prayers. Keep your chin up.

[rightisright]

Is there a way a lawyer can draft up a document holding the MDs and hospital harmless if they go your route and not the full brain treatment?

[BDK]

Head to MD Anderson?

[Precision]

Head to MD Anderson?

We are trying to confirm that the most recent opinion has shut down our option for Gamma Knife. We have not been able to get the physician to answer our call. Perhaps tomorrow.

I will take her anywhere that gives her the treatment she needs. Whole head is NOT what she needs now, perhaps in the future, but no one plays the ace in the hole as the first hand.

[Slash]

I just saw this thread, Precision, and I am sorry to hear of your wife's troubles. I'm glad, though, to see you two fighting for the best possible outcome. You're in our hearts and prayers.