Yes it's the wrong forum but need to post! - Brain Cancer

[Beatless]

Recently had all clear for for cancer.

But today told I have brain cancer.

Shock!

Appointment being booked with Oncologist but advise please:-

What do I ask for, treatment?

Life span?

Any other advise?

[Beatless]

Should have said I was cured of Lung Cancer

[Elt79]

Have you been told whether this is metastasis from the lung or primary cancer? I had metastatic tumours in brain and was successfully treated with steriotatic radiosurgery (high dose radiation directed specifically to tumours). Mine was diagnosed at same time as NSCLC that was 3.6 years ago. Wishing you all the best.

[Beatless in reply to Elt79]

Thanks that is encouraging. Only found out yesterday, Oncologist is on holiday until next week.

D they do a biopsy to determine the type ie Metastasis?

[Elt79 in reply to Beatless]

No they didn’t do biopsy - think with lung cancer it is a risk this will happen.

[Cockailschemocancer]

I also had brain mets from the lung and had cyber knife to the brain, which is the same I think as elt79? So it might be that too! I hope you find out soon xx

[Elt79 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Yes it’s same x

[Beatless in reply to Elt79]

Thanks to both, so there is hope?

Will wait until Oncologist calls after holiday, I have great faith in him.

Question, I'm staggering around with walking frame, do you suffer with this? They have put me on striods hope this helps

[Elt79 in reply to Beatless]

Will depend where they are how it affects you. I lost my speech but after being on Dexamethasone, to reduce swelling, for a while it came back. Then had the treatment couple of months after. Wishing you best of luck x

[Bow-19]

I had SRS to two brain tumours 4 years ago and then SRS again this year to one tumour. Hope that you can speak to your Consultant or Lung Nurse soon x

[Bow-19]

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation have lots of booklets on their website. I have attached the one about brain mets

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Beatless,

I am sorry to hear that you have been given this news, it must have been a great shock especially as you had been given the all clear for lung cancer. As you can see from the above replies brain metastasis can occur and there are treatment options to discuss with your oncologist. As Bow-19 has said our booklet on brain mets has lots of very useful information and might be able to answer some of your questions. In the meantime if you feel that your symptoms are getting worse please get in touch with your Gp or the oncology team at your local hospital for advice.

If you would like to discuss anything you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle support team

[Tike3]

Hi beatles

Firstly you don't ask for treatment they will look into the best possible. My lung cancer Stage 4 NSCLC has spread to lymph nodes, vertebrae and spot on brain, primary lung cancer usually finds its way to the brain, chemo can't pass through the skull so radiotherapy is used. You go to have a mask fitting first that's there to protect you, you leave it on while having treatment, it is uncomfortable as it's attached to the CT scan. They ask if you want a break. I had no after effects at all and it is very successful.

I'm interested to know do you just think you have brain cancer or could it me metastases that have spread from original lung cancer, or did Oncologist tell you, I'm slightly confused.

Best wishes and try not to worry too much.

[Beatless in reply to Tike3]

Have not seen Oncologist yet, but there is a spot on the brain.

If it's a Metastases is this easier to cure with Radiotherapy?

Have also had full body scan, assume Oncologist is looking at this before he contacts me to ensure no other problems.

So it's the waiting game.

But is Metastases easier to cure?

[MacColl]

I have a primary in each lung, and it spread to the brain after some months. Was sent to a specialist centre in Leeds here I had the stereotactic ‘surgery’ asa day case - had a lightweight metal ‘crown’ attached to my skull then attached to the special scanner. A sedative is administered and music of choice played and for 45 minutes or more I dozed pleasantly. Back to our room (husband was with me) and sat on sofas where we had sandwiches and drinks while they monitored my recovery - then a gentle drive home and slept well. Apart from tiredness and one bout of nausea I was fine with it.Got a new small one the following year and they treat/eliminated that and any residue from the first one. So far is stable with the next scan due in a few weeks, so hoping it’s still stable.

Really impressed with their treatment.

[Beatless in reply to MacColl]

I think you are doing very well! Hope my treatment goes as well when they decide what to give me.

Just hope all goes well for you & husband

[MacColl in reply to Beatless]

Thank you - just stay as positive as you can! I’m a firm believer in treatment alongside attitude helps a lot 🤞

Not an unpleasant treatment, a little nausea and a few headaches ( far better than radio or chemotherapy for me)