Whole Brain Radiation

[MeliaQuinn]

I am wondering if anyone out there has had whole brain radiation because of extensive bone mets on their skull/calvarium?. My husband was admitted to the hospital due to difficulty speaking, finding words and expressing them, confusion, could not follow commands and had no to little vision in his right eye. The radiation oncologist has interpreted the MRI as bone mets, not blood or bleeding. They started my husband on steroids which has decreased the inflammation and he is now coherent and can speak. The radiation oncologist wants to do 10 fractions of radiation in what he calls "Whole Brain Radiation". It sounds very scary but I don't think we have any other choice. He has done 3 Radium 223 treatments but I guess they have not helped the bone mets in his skull. Thanks for any advice.

[YostConner]

I did this. There is a drug called memantine that may help with memory. The radiation should shrink the tumor. This radiation made me more tired than other radiation I did. Best wishes.

[MeliaQuinn in reply to YostConner]

Thank you - did you do 10 treatments? I will ask the oncologist about the medication. How long ago did you do this treatment? Best to you!

[YostConner in reply to MeliaQuinn]

I did 10 treatments in May this year.

[Sguh]

I humbly suggest careful scrutiny when using radiation, since my husband had a bad reaction and while we aren't positive that it WAS the radiation, he began exhibiting some odd reactions soon after radiation. His personality changed dramatically. Please check all studies possible. You don't want to end up like us, it is a horrible situation.

[MeliaQuinn in reply to Sguh]

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your husband.! Was the radiation to the head or elsewhere on the body? My husband had 5 days of radiation to his spine and two days later he was disoriented, couldn’t speak, had trouble walking etc. An MRI revealed extensive bone Mets in his skull. They started him on high doses of steroids which reduced swelling and inflammation and now he is so much better. Mybest to you and yours .

[DSEE]

Hello from the wife of 45 years of DSEE-

We also have skull and bone mets and it was recommended we do spot radiation called cyber knife.

This occurred in November.

Since his cancer had also spread to liver previously and cancer was not responding to any treatments we are currently in hospice care.

Keep fighting- do everything they tell you.

[MeliaQuinn in reply to DSEE]

Thank you! My husband’s bone Mets are too extensive to use cyberknife. I am sorry to hear about your situation-I hope that hospice is able to keep your husband comfortable and also provide you with emotional support.

[Hirsch in reply to MeliaQuinn]

How long has your husband had pca?

[MeliaQuinn in reply to Hirsch]

He is as diagnosed in May of 2017

[j-o-h-n in reply to DSEE]

You indeed are a "sweetheart".... God Bless you and your husband for 45 years of being together...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 12/23/2019 6:29 PM EST

[j-o-h-n]

Let's hope and pray that the Radiation works....tough road to haul....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 12/23/2019 6:31 PM EST

[MeliaQuinn in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks!

[Sguh in reply to MeliaQuinn]

Melia, his radiation was extensive, sob, but I just want to add a little "extra." You and your husband are in good hands here, because of people like j-o-h-n, and others who inject kindness and sometimes outrageous humor into their posts. This is such a serious disease, that to have people send smiles does help take the pain away, whether it is physical or psychological. We all have our painful issues but the care and comic relief are like sweet, fresh air that reminds us to breathe it in and enjoy the moment with a smile, everyone has your back! To the smile-givers I can only say you DO help keep hope alive. Everyone here is a hero in their own way..

[MeliaQuinn in reply to Sguh]

Thank you -what a sweet message to wake up too!