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brain tumor

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › brain tumor

  • Post
    • November 25, 2011 at 9:10 pm
    KellieSue
    Participant
      Well, after a few weeks with what I thought was strep turned out to be a pretty big tumor. I passed out at work and was taken to the ER. They found that I had one tumor in my brain. I pretty much lost feeling in my right arm and leg. I’m out of the hospital now and am doing localized radiation as a outpatient. I’d like to know why my doctor chose to treat it with radiation instead of gamma knife or SRS. I haven’t received a full explanation of my treatment yet. I’m not against it, I’m just confused right now.

      Kellie (from Iowa) stage IV

      Well, after a few weeks with what I thought was strep turned out to be a pretty big tumor. I passed out at work and was taken to the ER. They found that I had one tumor in my brain. I pretty much lost feeling in my right arm and leg. I’m out of the hospital now and am doing localized radiation as a outpatient. I’d like to know why my doctor chose to treat it with radiation instead of gamma knife or SRS. I haven’t received a full explanation of my treatment yet. I’m not against it, I’m just confused right now.

      Kellie (from Iowa) stage IV

    Viewing 20 reply threads
    • Replies
        • November 25, 2011 at 10:13 pm
        jmmm
        Participant
          How big was the tumor? It has to be under 3 centimeters to do gamma knife or srs. They found a 5.5 centimeter tumor in my hubby a month ago. A month of Zelboraf shrunk it a tiny bit and he will be going for a craniotomy on Wednesday. His other option was whole brain radiation, to try to shrink it enough for gamma knife. Maybe that’s what your doctor is doing? He opted for the craniotomy because the tumor can fairly easily be accessed and we didn’t want to use WBR yet since it can only be used once. Ask some more questions…brain tumors are scary!
          • November 25, 2011 at 10:13 pm
          jmmm
          Participant
            How big was the tumor? It has to be under 3 centimeters to do gamma knife or srs. They found a 5.5 centimeter tumor in my hubby a month ago. A month of Zelboraf shrunk it a tiny bit and he will be going for a craniotomy on Wednesday. His other option was whole brain radiation, to try to shrink it enough for gamma knife. Maybe that’s what your doctor is doing? He opted for the craniotomy because the tumor can fairly easily be accessed and we didn’t want to use WBR yet since it can only be used once. Ask some more questions…brain tumors are scary!
            • November 25, 2011 at 10:13 pm
            jmmm
            Participant
              How big was the tumor? It has to be under 3 centimeters to do gamma knife or srs. They found a 5.5 centimeter tumor in my hubby a month ago. A month of Zelboraf shrunk it a tiny bit and he will be going for a craniotomy on Wednesday. His other option was whole brain radiation, to try to shrink it enough for gamma knife. Maybe that’s what your doctor is doing? He opted for the craniotomy because the tumor can fairly easily be accessed and we didn’t want to use WBR yet since it can only be used once. Ask some more questions…brain tumors are scary!
              • November 25, 2011 at 10:17 pm
              Vermont_Donna
              Participant

                Hi Kellie,

                  I am so sorry to hear about this. I do not have any answers or advice for you, but know that i am thinking of you!

                Hugs,

                Vermont_Donna, stage 3a

                • November 25, 2011 at 10:17 pm
                Vermont_Donna
                Participant

                  Hi Kellie,

                    I am so sorry to hear about this. I do not have any answers or advice for you, but know that i am thinking of you!

                  Hugs,

                  Vermont_Donna, stage 3a

                  • November 25, 2011 at 10:17 pm
                  Vermont_Donna
                  Participant

                    Hi Kellie,

                      I am so sorry to hear about this. I do not have any answers or advice for you, but know that i am thinking of you!

                    Hugs,

                    Vermont_Donna, stage 3a

                    • November 25, 2011 at 10:35 pm
                    James from Sydney
                    Participant

                      Kellie, you need to see what the MRI or CT report said, it could have been a bleeder as Melanoma in the Brain is quite vascular which could explain their broad approach. Still SRS can also be used to mop up Tumor bed in the event of a bleed. Do you know whether Surgery is an option. I am sure your team has your best interests at heart but you need to keep prodding them with questions so you can make informed decisions.

                       

                      best wishes

                      James

                      • November 25, 2011 at 10:35 pm
                      James from Sydney
                      Participant

                        Kellie, you need to see what the MRI or CT report said, it could have been a bleeder as Melanoma in the Brain is quite vascular which could explain their broad approach. Still SRS can also be used to mop up Tumor bed in the event of a bleed. Do you know whether Surgery is an option. I am sure your team has your best interests at heart but you need to keep prodding them with questions so you can make informed decisions.

                         

                        best wishes

                        James

                        • November 25, 2011 at 10:35 pm
                        James from Sydney
                        Participant

                          Kellie, you need to see what the MRI or CT report said, it could have been a bleeder as Melanoma in the Brain is quite vascular which could explain their broad approach. Still SRS can also be used to mop up Tumor bed in the event of a bleed. Do you know whether Surgery is an option. I am sure your team has your best interests at heart but you need to keep prodding them with questions so you can make informed decisions.

                           

                          best wishes

                          James

                          • November 25, 2011 at 10:41 pm
                          KellieSue
                          Participant
                            Indication: Patient with hemorrhagic melanoma mets and new dystonic
                            movements.
                             
                            Technique: Axial CT images of the head were obtained from skullbase to
                            vertex without contrast.
                             
                            Comparison: Head CT 11/19/2011, MRI brain 11/16/2011.
                             
                            Findings: The hemorrhagic mass in the left insular region is grossly
                            stable in size measuring 3.8 x 2.9 cm. There is stable surrounding
                            edema with approximately 4 mm contralateral midline shift and
                            associated mass effect on the frontal horn left lateral ventricle.
                            There are no new intra or extra-axial hemorrhages. No acute large
                            vessel distribution ischemia. The ventricles are stable in size.
                            Visualized orbits, paranasal sinuses, and mastoid air cells are
                            unremarkable. There are no lytic calvarial lesions.
                             
                              • November 26, 2011 at 12:32 am
                              jmmm
                              Participant
                                Too big for gamma knife or srs. Maybe the plan is too shrink it with radiation? Maybe ask forneurosurgery consult to see if surgery is a possibility.
                                • November 26, 2011 at 12:32 am
                                jmmm
                                Participant
                                  Too big for gamma knife or srs. Maybe the plan is too shrink it with radiation? Maybe ask forneurosurgery consult to see if surgery is a possibility.
                                  • November 26, 2011 at 12:32 am
                                  jmmm
                                  Participant
                                    Too big for gamma knife or srs. Maybe the plan is too shrink it with radiation? Maybe ask forneurosurgery consult to see if surgery is a possibility.
                                  • November 25, 2011 at 10:41 pm
                                  KellieSue
                                  Participant
                                    Indication: Patient with hemorrhagic melanoma mets and new dystonic
                                    movements.
                                     
                                    Technique: Axial CT images of the head were obtained from skullbase to
                                    vertex without contrast.
                                     
                                    Comparison: Head CT 11/19/2011, MRI brain 11/16/2011.
                                     
                                    Findings: The hemorrhagic mass in the left insular region is grossly
                                    stable in size measuring 3.8 x 2.9 cm. There is stable surrounding
                                    edema with approximately 4 mm contralateral midline shift and
                                    associated mass effect on the frontal horn left lateral ventricle.
                                    There are no new intra or extra-axial hemorrhages. No acute large
                                    vessel distribution ischemia. The ventricles are stable in size.
                                    Visualized orbits, paranasal sinuses, and mastoid air cells are
                                    unremarkable. There are no lytic calvarial lesions.
                                     
                                    • November 25, 2011 at 10:41 pm
                                    KellieSue
                                    Participant
                                      Indication: Patient with hemorrhagic melanoma mets and new dystonic
                                      movements.
                                       
                                      Technique: Axial CT images of the head were obtained from skullbase to
                                      vertex without contrast.
                                       
                                      Comparison: Head CT 11/19/2011, MRI brain 11/16/2011.
                                       
                                      Findings: The hemorrhagic mass in the left insular region is grossly
                                      stable in size measuring 3.8 x 2.9 cm. There is stable surrounding
                                      edema with approximately 4 mm contralateral midline shift and
                                      associated mass effect on the frontal horn left lateral ventricle.
                                      There are no new intra or extra-axial hemorrhages. No acute large
                                      vessel distribution ischemia. The ventricles are stable in size.
                                      Visualized orbits, paranasal sinuses, and mastoid air cells are
                                      unremarkable. There are no lytic calvarial lesions.
                                       
                                      • November 27, 2011 at 2:55 am
                                      lhaley
                                      Participant

                                        Kellie,

                                        I've been away for a few days and just saw your post.  I am so sorry that they've found a tumor in the brain.

                                        Recently with my brain met I was told that I was at about the upper size (mine is 21mm) for SRS (which is what they did), I'm not sure about Gamma knife.  Their first choice was not for a crainectomy because mine is deep and could cause permanent problems – I'll find out in about 2 weeks.  Did they explain if yours is deep or if there is a chance to go in once it shrinks to try do do a crainectomy?

                                        If you haven't met with a nueruosurgeon you do need to request an appointment. He should have gone over all of your options. I'm sure when you ended up in the hospital they expediated everything but more should have been gone over with options.

                                        I know you are still on B-raf. How are the rest of the mets going?  I had noticed that you haven't been on the board lately. Think of you often,

                                        Linda

                                        • November 27, 2011 at 2:55 am
                                        lhaley
                                        Participant

                                          Kellie,

                                          I've been away for a few days and just saw your post.  I am so sorry that they've found a tumor in the brain.

                                          Recently with my brain met I was told that I was at about the upper size (mine is 21mm) for SRS (which is what they did), I'm not sure about Gamma knife.  Their first choice was not for a crainectomy because mine is deep and could cause permanent problems – I'll find out in about 2 weeks.  Did they explain if yours is deep or if there is a chance to go in once it shrinks to try do do a crainectomy?

                                          If you haven't met with a nueruosurgeon you do need to request an appointment. He should have gone over all of your options. I'm sure when you ended up in the hospital they expediated everything but more should have been gone over with options.

                                          I know you are still on B-raf. How are the rest of the mets going?  I had noticed that you haven't been on the board lately. Think of you often,

                                          Linda

                                          • November 27, 2011 at 2:55 am
                                          lhaley
                                          Participant

                                            Kellie,

                                            I've been away for a few days and just saw your post.  I am so sorry that they've found a tumor in the brain.

                                            Recently with my brain met I was told that I was at about the upper size (mine is 21mm) for SRS (which is what they did), I'm not sure about Gamma knife.  Their first choice was not for a crainectomy because mine is deep and could cause permanent problems – I'll find out in about 2 weeks.  Did they explain if yours is deep or if there is a chance to go in once it shrinks to try do do a crainectomy?

                                            If you haven't met with a nueruosurgeon you do need to request an appointment. He should have gone over all of your options. I'm sure when you ended up in the hospital they expediated everything but more should have been gone over with options.

                                            I know you are still on B-raf. How are the rest of the mets going?  I had noticed that you haven't been on the board lately. Think of you often,

                                            Linda

                                            • November 27, 2011 at 3:01 am
                                            King
                                            Participant

                                              Hi Kellie Sue,

                                               

                                              You are frequently in my thoughts and I thought you'd been very quiet.  I was hoping it was because you were out living life and putting mel on the back burner.  I am so sorry to hear this news.  Big sigh….I just hate melanoma.

                                              Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep us updated when you can.  You can beat this….one day at a time.

                                               

                                              Stay Strong
                                              King

                                              Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

                                              • November 27, 2011 at 3:01 am
                                              King
                                              Participant

                                                Hi Kellie Sue,

                                                 

                                                You are frequently in my thoughts and I thought you'd been very quiet.  I was hoping it was because you were out living life and putting mel on the back burner.  I am so sorry to hear this news.  Big sigh….I just hate melanoma.

                                                Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep us updated when you can.  You can beat this….one day at a time.

                                                 

                                                Stay Strong
                                                King

                                                Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

                                                • November 27, 2011 at 3:01 am
                                                King
                                                Participant

                                                  Hi Kellie Sue,

                                                   

                                                  You are frequently in my thoughts and I thought you'd been very quiet.  I was hoping it was because you were out living life and putting mel on the back burner.  I am so sorry to hear this news.  Big sigh….I just hate melanoma.

                                                  Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep us updated when you can.  You can beat this….one day at a time.

                                                   

                                                  Stay Strong
                                                  King

                                                  Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

                                                  • November 28, 2011 at 10:42 am
                                                  FormerCaregiver
                                                  Participant

                                                    Kellie, I am sorry to read of this new met. From the report, it looks like you have a tumour that is hemorrhagic (susceptible to bleeding). It is surrounded by a swollen area with excessive accumulation of fluid.

                                                    Therefore, I think that your doctor is being careful in deciding on what to do in this situation. Perhaps localised radiation is the most appropriate treatment for a hemorrhagic brain met?

                                                    Take care

                                                    Frank from Australia

                                                    • November 28, 2011 at 10:42 am
                                                    FormerCaregiver
                                                    Participant

                                                      Kellie, I am sorry to read of this new met. From the report, it looks like you have a tumour that is hemorrhagic (susceptible to bleeding). It is surrounded by a swollen area with excessive accumulation of fluid.

                                                      Therefore, I think that your doctor is being careful in deciding on what to do in this situation. Perhaps localised radiation is the most appropriate treatment for a hemorrhagic brain met?

                                                      Take care

                                                      Frank from Australia

                                                      • November 28, 2011 at 10:42 am
                                                      FormerCaregiver
                                                      Participant

                                                        Kellie, I am sorry to read of this new met. From the report, it looks like you have a tumour that is hemorrhagic (susceptible to bleeding). It is surrounded by a swollen area with excessive accumulation of fluid.

                                                        Therefore, I think that your doctor is being careful in deciding on what to do in this situation. Perhaps localised radiation is the most appropriate treatment for a hemorrhagic brain met?

                                                        Take care

                                                        Frank from Australia

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