SBRT to liver?

[LeeannW710]

Hi all,

Hope you enjoyed the SuperBowl! (For those who watched)

I met with my new oncologist on Thursday and she was very thorough. She recommended that I have SBRT to the one tiny spot on my liver. I have an appointment with a new radiologist tomorrow followed by a surprise ct scan of abdomen :-(. Wasn’t prepared for things to move this quickly. My original oncologist is concerned about radiation to the liver and he originally pushed for an ablation. She, new oncologist, seems confident in radiating the spot, continuing my ibrance/letrozole meditation for as long as we can because outside of this spot, it is doing it’s job and I am tolerating it well outside of thinning hair. She said she would continue to monitor my markers and see if the SBRT brings my levels down. My marker levels are always indicative of something brewing. I am starting to get anxious and am hoping the radiologist will put me at ease. Anyone else have SBRT to liver met?

[Barbteeth]

Hi Leanne

Your case is exactly like mine!

I had a solitary liver spot which was treated with Sabr last July and it got rid of it

However another lesion popped up and although my oncologist and the radiologist seemed happy to treat this in the same way...my pet scan showed activity elsewhere so it was decided to change my medication instead so I now take everolimus and exemastane

I’m now having gall bladder problems...ugh...whether related to the SABR is hard to know as I’ve always had gallstones but without any symptoms until now...probably a coincidence

I will warn you though that I suffered hideous fatigue for some time after the SABR which I wasn’t expecting but it eventually went away...not trying to put you off...you may not be like me...we’re all very different

It’s very effective for solitary lesions but I was unfortunate that another developed so in hindsight I wish I’d not had it done as involves loads of scans and inconvenience

I wish you the best with your treatment and hope it zaps the bastard!!

Barb xx

[LeeannW710 in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi Barb!

As I was reading your reply, I recall that you did have this done. I didn’t know SABR and SBRT are the same. I am sorry to hear that you are now having issues with your gallbladder! That is one of my concerns as I read all the potential side effects. I am sure I will be saying the same as you...”in hindsight,” but what is the alternative? Incredibly frustrating that although it is effective, comes with it’s own set of issues!

How many treatments did you have? How long did the side effects last? When did they realize something else developed? Was it during your next scan? How long are you on your current medication? How are you feeling overall?

Sorry, I realized I just bombarded you with questions lol.

Wishing you much success with the new meds!!!

Big hugs!!!

[Barbteeth in reply to LeeannW710]

Hi Leanne

I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy in about 10 days...no problem having it...just boring lying there

My tumour was very close to my gallbladder and small intestine and he did say there could be damage to these areas

The following pet scan about 3 months later picked up the other tiny lesion and some bony areas also lit up...hence the change in medication....I’ve started new meds on New Year’s Day!!

The met which was zapped did disappear so that was positive but in my case it probably hasn’t changed the big picture

My main issue was fatigue which lasted several months...nausea was manageable and I found the seabands for travel sickness very good for that...luckily that didn’t last for long

It’s difficult to decide what to do isn’t it?

Don’t let me put you off...your lesion may not be adjacent to any important structures...and my gallbladder issues may not even be related to the radiotherapy

Barb xx

[mariootsi]

I wish you well with your treatments for your liver and reassuring that you can continue with your Ibrance and Letrozole. My hair has thinned horribly on Ibrance and faslodex shots too, but a small price to pay!

[LeeannW710 in reply to mariootsi]

Thank you!

Yes! A small price is exactly right! I am fortunate to have minimal side effects with the exception now of course of this new area. Guess all I can do is one step at a time starting of course with zapping this “bastard” as Barb stated :-).

How are you managing?

[mariootsi in reply to LeeannW710]

Barb said it best, zap that bastard!!!!!!! You are right, one step at a time.

To be honest, I'm a wreck today as I get scan results. tomorrow, but the support here helps me through every scan. Boy, 3 months go by so quickly!

[LeeannW710 in reply to mariootsi]

Aww. I understand the anxiety! Please stay positive and keep us posted. You will be in my prayers tonight!! Yes three months go by in a blink! It is crazy!! I will be thinking of you. Sending a huge hug your way!! Xo

[mariootsi in reply to LeeannW710]

Thank you! I am working hard at staying positive, we all know it's hard. Thank you for your prayers and hug! Much needed!