Bleeding Brain Met…What Does It Mean

Hi Cindy,

Melanoma mets are notorious for bleeding and it's very common for brain mets to bleed so no doubt Kristine's docs will have seen it before and know how to handle it. I know how hard it is not to panic and I can imagine how you're feeling right now – I'd have to say turn it over to the specialists and put your faith in them.

We know that when immunotherapy is working the tumours may swell up first before they begin to die – I've wondered before if that would not cause some to bleed or make existing bleeders leak a little more. Perhaps one of the qualified medical people on here could answer that (because I am certainly not one of those). Regardless of the bleeding, I think swelling might be more of an issue which may well be why they would hospitalize her.

In my sister's case I can tell you that when brain mets were found, one was bleeding – by the time she began WBR (within 2 weeks – we took time to seek a 2nd opinion), she had 3 that were bleeding and it doesn't appear that there was any lasting damage. 

Holding good thoughts close for all of you!! Take care.

Barb

So sorry to hear of all you have been going through.  Ipi/Nivo combo worked well for two of my brain mets and I was only able to tolerate two doses.  Hopefully you see good results soon.  Please keep us posted.  Good wishes to you.

Jennifer

As mentioned above, melanoma brain mets bleed. Spent the night in the ER with my wife the other day owing to just such an occurence. That said, her first brain met bleed was over a year ago, and she's fully functional. The brain is far more resilient than you'd imagine, I've learned. It's a roller coaster, though, as we both know. Hang tight. Hope the ipi/nivo shows good results!