Brain met.!!!!!

Hello Pam,

I'm Derek, welcome to this community although I'm very sorry you have found it necessary to join.

It looks as if you're still in the diagnostic stages which is the worst place to be because of the complete uncertainty, fear and worry this brings without knowing exactly what you are facing.

Your doctors need to complete all tests, scans etc. to come up with a treatment plan at which point things will become much clearer for you. There are some excellent treatments available which are often successful but the diagnostic process needs to be complete before a plan can tailored for you.

Can I suggest you contact the Macmillan helpline, you can talk through your situation with them as you wish for reassurance and I'm sure they will be able to provide some support to help you through this.  

I've put the link for this below.

Derek.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/macmillan-support-line

Hi Pam,

It's WAY too soon to panic yet though I'm sure you are. I had NSCLC with a brain met but I'm OK now.

My met was in the left parietal lobe, it had got big enough to give me symptoms, which is why I went to the GP in the first place. Where the met is matters: you'll need to ask where it is and what the long term effects might be, if any, probably none. Short term effects will be the side effects from the actual removal treatment, then weird stuff while the brain rewires itself to compensate. Most of the rewiring should take about 6 months, give or take. If you're symptom-free so far then it's early days and you might get away with just radiotherapy. The dexamethasone will be to stop/reduce any swelling caused by the met, that swelling is what causes the met's symptoms.

You'll need to tell DVLA to surrender your driving licence, otherwise you'll invalidate your insurance.

Hope the news from the medics is more positive from now on,
kind regards
Steve

Oh Pam I am so sorry to hear this. I know you weren’t expecting to have this brain mri so I guess you have had no symptoms? This could be tiny and easily sorted, and I know you won’t be thinking this at the moment, but it is a good thing they have caught it early so it can be treated. I know you will be panicking, I would be too, but please believe me when I tell you I have seen many people in the same situation as you who have had treatment and have been ok. 

You really are going through it at the moment, and as Derek has said you are at the worst stage as they are still doing tests. We are here for you, but I also think you will benefit greatly from someone to talk to. Please call the support line on 0808 808 00 00 and ask about the buddy service. This is a fantastic service that MacMillan offer free of charge. They match you up with a buddy volunteer who will call you once a week for 6 weeks. People that have used this service that I have spoken to, have said how much they appreciated this service. 

We are here for you Pam x 

Thank you so much , I am so afraid at the moment xx

Thank you gives me hope xx

Thank you for your help its so hard waiting for treatment xx