Worried

I do feel for you Red13. You have certainly had a tough three years. I can't add anything but would like to send my best wishes. If you do not get any advice I would hope the doctor has some ideas or a plan or two to help you. There is always the Mcmillan helpline to go too.

Xx

Thanks Norbert, My mind just feels like it will explode with all these new bits of information. There is so much to remember and it can be so difficult over the phone sometimes to think quickly enough to ask the things you should. I will ring the help line if I get stuck.

Red13

Sometimes it takes a while to see and respond to a new post. I am sure someone's experience will be shared with you soon. Xx

Hi  I’ve only just seen this post & discovered another whole thread too...

i had gamma knife surgery 3 years ago for metastatic breast cancer. There was a good response to an inoperable brain tumour & large skull tumour. I have a high volume of bony mets, ribs, sternum, spine, pelvis, leg and also liver & lung mets. I’ve stopped cancer treatment as it has now spread to my spinal cord. I’ve been told I’ll only be offered radiotherapy for pain relief of the bony mets.

I would ask which areas of the spine are going to be treated because that’ll give you an indication of what the side effects might be. I had ‘tumour flare’ after the GK, a good response but the pain got worse  before it got better.

It must feel daunting to face this after 3 years of treatment but pain is so draining and has a huge impact on your quality of life.

I’m sorry if this post is too little too late, I need to work out how to make sure I see them all.

What ever you decide, good luck. xx

Hi Tinalay,

i guess I’m just nervous about something new coming along. I suppose it is all apart of the cancer journey. You just have to keep facing the reality of things. But as you say the most important thing is quality of life and being able to spend as long here as possible as well as possible. 

thanks for the help I really appreciate it. Hope you can keep up your quality of life as long as you can now you have stopped your treatment.

Red 13

Hi Red 13, I'm sorry, I have just seen this just now. I think a good tip is to write your questions down, as and when you think of them. Then whether it is a face to face appointment or a telephone one, you will have your questions ready! Good luck.

Hi

Thank you very much. That’s the advice I always give to people. Yesterday went well as can be expected. They have offered me a one off targeted radiotherapy on my areas in C2 and T8. They are hoping it will give me a 80/85% reduction in symptoms like pain tingling and numbness. There is as usual side effects but ones you can cope with I think.

it’s all happening very quickly planning CT this week and then the radiotherapy next week. As my mum says another hurdle to jump over and come out he other side.

thank you for replying 

Red13

Hello Red13, sounds like reasonably good news to me. That treatment, some sunshine and a drink inside a pub will get you on the way to recovery. Xxx

Yes your prescription sounds great. Just a little scared but will be over soon so just a short time of apprehension to cope with then hopefully feeling better and carrying on with other treatment.

Red13