Jeff has 3 masses in his brain in 2 different places. One tumor is on top of the other, a much bigger one is coming from the dura and pressing into Jeff’s brain. The radiation oncologist will target said masses via radiation which should stop them from growing/spreading, but unfortunately radiation won’t get rid of it.
We will meet with neurosurgery Thursday. As the cancer is in 2 different places, it’s doubtful that surgery will be recommended, but RO wants a consult.
Radiation treatments will be scheduled pending neurology visit.
Zytiga should also help combat the cancer in his brain.
RO said when doctors try to put a number on life expectancy they are usually wrong. He said the most he tries to do is narrow it down to weeks, months, or years.
With cancer such as Jeff’s, it’s considered aggressive, and we are likely looking at months left.
~ Stephanie
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Glad they can try to do something about it. Yet tempering any hope with past experience. We have another brother on this site in the same predicament, unfortunately with neuroendocrine. He has laid down his sword and chosen hospice. We are waiting to hear from him. I hope they can do something for Jeff yet.
Stephanie you have really hung in there and continue to do so. Guiding Jeff and correlating appointments and digesting information in the middle of a storm.I truly hope the very best. Comfort, rest, some peace of mind, resolve etc. for both of you.
Radiation and Zytiga for now. I hope this gives Jeff lots of symptom and disease relief.
I wont sugar coat my thoughts.....firstly my heart goes out to both you and warrior jeff....in reality...ifits mos.....why not make them the best of his life...bucket list ....whats his dream car rent it....let him leave this life happy.....im sure hes glad you are sticking by him.....cancer is bad...going atitalone would be hell....wishing jeff a piainless rest of time....big irish hug to u both....bw
There is no easy reply to the challenges you are facing, but please know there are many praying for you both and sending positive energy to you and Jeff.
Agree with the others. In fact, TylexGP just wrote my thoughts.
The RO seems good to me. Even by saying months . That could be true or not. Is jeff home? How does he feel? Talking to a surgeon will inform you to the severity ? Scarey to anyone even bystanders like me. Poor fellow! This is heavy .. I hope that you all stay strong for him . ❤️🙏
Firstly I am wishing you and Jeff strength to go through this. I followed your initial post about the brain metastasis and waited until you reverted with some details so I can share our experience. My father with initial prostata cancer diagnosis in 2004 and metastatic disease since 2011 has went through a lot. The latest big surprise for us was January 2020 after few months of extensive symptoms, headaches, memory impairment, words mixed... the scan revealed a big mass 6cmx6cm on his brain at the area affecting 3 segments of the brain. Surgery was scheduled for end of January 2020 and after words a whole brain radiation. That was successful until April 2021 where 5 or 6 small dots appear on few different areas and and in late May 2021 he had gamma knife surgery (it’s a type of special targeted radiation) I need to mention that throughout all this time my father has been self efficient and does all in his own.
Ask about gamma knife it treats metastasis that are max 2-3cm big as far as I understand, and it should be quite effective.
Don’t lose hope, I know that things are difficult to accept but don’t ask doctors for time left, we stopped doing that long time ago.
My father is going to turn 72 now in September, just for your info.
Take care and update us on the decision for the surgery.
sending loads of love and prayers to you both , just try and enjoy every second you are together however hard that may be . glad they are trying to do something and i hope they help him everyday they can take care xxxx
Reason for ExamAMS, CT showing mets vs bleed; Brain/CNS neoplasm, staging; Metastatic disease evaluation _____________________________________________________________________________
IMPRESSION:
Findings consistent with diffuse osseous and dural metastases in
setting of known metastatic prostate cancer, with dominant dural/calvarial masses involving the right parietal and occipital regions as described. No convincing evidence of parenchymal invasion.
EXAM: MR BRAIN WITHOUT AND WITH IV CONTRAST COMPARISON: CT head 08/07/2021
FINDINGS: Again seen is a mildly and heterogeneously enhancing dural-based mass overlying the right parietal convexity, measuring approximately 3.2 x 5.2 x 2.5
cm (obliqued AP x TR x CC). This mass demonstrates marked heterogenous internal diffusion restriction and peripheral-predominant intrinsic T1 hyperintensity and magnetic susceptibility which could represent small amount of hemorrhage and/or developing calcification. Moderate local mass effect on subjacent sulci without definite parenchymal edema or enhancement to suggest parenchymal invasion. Smooth thickening and hyperenhancement of the adjacent dura, thickening of the overlying calvarium and mild thickening and hyperenhancement of the overlying periosteum. Additional dural based extra-axial mass overlying the right
occipital lobe with similar imaging characteristics, measuring approximately 1.6 x 2.7 x 2.9 cm (AP x TR x CC).
Diffuse calvarial and upper cervical spine heterogeneous enhancement and marrow T1 hypointensity compatible with metastatic disease. A few additional focal
areas of calvarial expansion with subjacent dural thickening and hyperenhancement are seen in the right temporal and left parietal regions. Focal osseous expansion with possible calvarial inner table and/or dural invasion in the left medial occipital region extending across midline displacing and compressing the posterior aspect of the superior sagittal sinus as well as the torcula menses for example series 900 images 55-63). In addition, there is extensive asymmetric enhancement and marrow signal abnormality involving the right mandible with extraosseous extension of soft tissue, compatible with metastatic disease. This is well seen on comparison CT where there is associated periosteal reaction as well as a focal pathologic fracture involving the right mandibular ramus (for example series 7 image 32). Additional foci of osseous metastatic disease involving the left mandible, clivus, and skull base.
No parenchymal diffusion restriction. Minimal leukoaraiosis. Major intracranial vascular flow voids are maintained. Paranasal sinuses are well aerated. Right greater than left mastoid effusions.
Electronically Signed by: Alex A Nagelschneider, M.D. on 8/7/2021 10:36 AM
Its so very hard at this stage of their journey the last 6 weeks of my Steve’s illness was very very hard but as partners or family or friend we have to be strong and keep the flame going so they know the light is always there as are we, try and have what time is left weeks months years what ever as happy and funny and as loving as u can xxxx
Prayers lifted up for comfort and peace for you and Jeff and discernment and wisdom for the doctors in his care for the best course of treatment and options.
I had a few skull metastases years ago. They showed up on a whole body scan. I self-treated them with heat, very hot showers on my head, about half a minute each time. They vanished. However, I had another come later...same story. The later one was behimd my keft ear. It caused constant headaches, mild but noticeable. I used hot showers again, and headache pain vanished immediately. It recurred so I tried again and the met apparently died.In Jeff's case, IN the brain is a different story. Under the skull would be harder to heat. But you should try. I don't think heat in the 110-120 F range for short periods would damage the brain. I can imagine the radiation may br similar to heat. Heat is a form of radiation.
I'm sorry to hear all that. I'm in a similar but not similar situation where they can't get rid of the cancer it's terminal and the goal of course is to shrink it slightly and control it from spreading. Medication and chemo is designed to control but somewhere along the line it quits working and they're talking two to five years. It's the uncertainty that makes it hard on my wife and I. somewhere along the line you got to get a mindset to today's great and let's go play bocce ball or go to a movie. The highlight of my day is just holding hands with my wife.
The truth is each one of our cancer, our genetic makeup, strength, etc., is just like a fingerprint, everybody's is different and has a different result.
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Need advice on rampant metastasis. 
prostate metastasis 
