TwoLucky

my husband has stage 4 melanoma  tumors everywhere.  He started Zelboraf in April.  May he had gamma knife for 3 brain tumors.  late June he had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation for more brain tumors.  scan came back no change.  Scans at beginning of this month show rapidly growing existing and new brain tumors.  We have been told by many oncologists that Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Melanoma is so fast moving.  Radiation oncologist cannot give him any more radiation without serious side effects.  He did have some brain damage and hearing damage from the WBR in June.  since radiation is out of the question my husband has chosen to stay on the zelboraf-which had helped reduce his body tumors.When he started zelboraf he had a lot of side effects but they went away after 3 months. His symptoms from brain mets are irritability, forgetfullness, headaches, loss of leg function.  High dose of steroids have helped with his mobility but we know that is temporary.  We were told he does not have very long.  Our other onc is trying to steer us to Yervoy but my husband does not want more side effects for the remainder of time he has. All ocologists stated we may or may not have him till Christmas.  My heart is heavy for all of you who deal with this dreaded disease.  God bless

my husband has stage 4 melanoma  tumors everywhere.  He started Zelboraf in April.  May he had gamma knife for 3 brain tumors.  late June he had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation for more brain tumors.  scan came back no change.  Scans at beginning of this month show rapidly growing existing and new brain tumors.  We have been told by many oncologists that Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Melanoma is so fast moving.  Radiation oncologist cannot give him any more radiation without serious side effects.  He did have some brain damage and hearing damage from the WBR in June.  since radiation is out of the question my husband has chosen to stay on the zelboraf-which had helped reduce his body tumors.When he started zelboraf he had a lot of side effects but they went away after 3 months. His symptoms from brain mets are irritability, forgetfullness, headaches, loss of leg function.  High dose of steroids have helped with his mobility but we know that is temporary.  We were told he does not have very long.  Our other onc is trying to steer us to Yervoy but my husband does not want more side effects for the remainder of time he has. All ocologists stated we may or may not have him till Christmas.  My heart is heavy for all of you who deal with this dreaded disease.  God bless

my husband has stage 4 melanoma  tumors everywhere.  He started Zelboraf in April.  May he had gamma knife for 3 brain tumors.  late June he had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation for more brain tumors.  scan came back no change.  Scans at beginning of this month show rapidly growing existing and new brain tumors.  We have been told by many oncologists that Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Melanoma is so fast moving.  Radiation oncologist cannot give him any more radiation without serious side effects.  He did have some brain damage and hearing damage from the WBR in June.  since radiation is out of the question my husband has chosen to stay on the zelboraf-which had helped reduce his body tumors.When he started zelboraf he had a lot of side effects but they went away after 3 months. His symptoms from brain mets are irritability, forgetfullness, headaches, loss of leg function.  High dose of steroids have helped with his mobility but we know that is temporary.  We were told he does not have very long.  Our other onc is trying to steer us to Yervoy but my husband does not want more side effects for the remainder of time he has. All ocologists stated we may or may not have him till Christmas.  My heart is heavy for all of you who deal with this dreaded disease.  God bless

husband has been on Z since April.  some tumors in body did shrink.  Had gamma knife on 3 brain mets in May.  scans in June showed more brian tumors  had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation in later june/July.  Radiation side effects on my husband are brain damage & loss of hearing.  Scans in Oct showed more tumors & excessive growth.  Oncologist cannot offer any ore radiation at this time and feels he would have too much brain damage.  Lost use of his left leg.  Steriod has him walking again but with a limp.  all of his oncologist state Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Z has helped give my husband more time.  not enough time but we will take all we can get.  Best of luck with your treatment & decisions.  

husband has been on Z since April.  some tumors in body did shrink.  Had gamma knife on 3 brain mets in May.  scans in June showed more brian tumors  had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation in later june/July.  Radiation side effects on my husband are brain damage & loss of hearing.  Scans in Oct showed more tumors & excessive growth.  Oncologist cannot offer any ore radiation at this time and feels he would have too much brain damage.  Lost use of his left leg.  Steriod has him walking again but with a limp.  all of his oncologist state Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Z has helped give my husband more time.  not enough time but we will take all we can get.  Best of luck with your treatment & decisions.  

husband has been on Z since April.  some tumors in body did shrink.  Had gamma knife on 3 brain mets in May.  scans in June showed more brian tumors  had 3 weeks of whole brain radiation in later june/July.  Radiation side effects on my husband are brain damage & loss of hearing.  Scans in Oct showed more tumors & excessive growth.  Oncologist cannot offer any ore radiation at this time and feels he would have too much brain damage.  Lost use of his left leg.  Steriod has him walking again but with a limp.  all of his oncologist state Zelboraf DOES NOT pass the blood brain barrier.  Z has helped give my husband more time.  not enough time but we will take all we can get.  Best of luck with your treatment & decisions.