Metastases to right upper skull from lung

Hello

Sorry you have this new diagnosis.  I get your frustration with your GP.  The same thing happened to me, albeit quite a few year's ago, (1991).  I was age 41 at the time and began having symptoms of weight loss, dry patches on my skin, and generally felt under the weather.  I went to my GP, which at the time was a two GP Practice, and explained my symptoms.  I was just asked a few questions and not examined at all.  His conclusion was I was approaching the menopause and issued a prescription for HRT.  Having trust in the GP, I just accepted his decision.  Six months later, after taking the HRT with no difference to my symptoms I felt a lump in my right breast.  I went back to see the other GP in the practice, explained everything and he gave me a thorough examination and a referral to a breast cancer specialist.  He wasn't best pleased that I had not been examined at my initial visit six months earlier.

Two weeks later I had a biopsy which confirmed breast cancer and I underwent surgery, which showed the cancer had spread to my axillary lymph nodes so was staged at stage2. I subsequently had surgery followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.  The cancer specialist said that being on the HRT for six months caused the rapid growth and spread, he likened it to putting plant food on a plant, so I completely understand your anger at the GP, as I was.

I was diagnosed with lung cancer two year's ago and, after treatment and subsequent CT scan follow ups, I remain stable.

Sorry for the long post, but I wish you very well in this new diagnosis and treatment.  

Ann

Hi Deni 

I had lung cancer finally diagnosed the end of last March after feeling ill since the December and after much messing around with GP who said I had a virus for 3 months !! I also had an intense course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which I completed then end of the June. Everything seemed to be going well and felt a lot better until August when I started getting flashing lights in my right eye. I went straight back to the hospital who did a CT scan and confirmed I had 3 small lesions on my brain and also found a little on my kidney. So… they did not mess about and booked me in for a Gamma Knife procedure on my brain. This has worked extremely well almost gone and they are really pleased I will continue to have follow up scans every 3 months for that. I am on additional chemo for kidney and as a precaution to lung which is well mashed up from radiotherapy. Brain and kidney metastases is evidently common from lung cancer. I am not one to moan but my main ailment is feeling sick and gag vomiting! Which is likely to be the chemo. Anyway I wish you all the very best and hope this helps.

Jill xx

Hi Sanguinesse and thanks for your reply. The first GP you saw was very remiss in not examining you further and then prescribing HRT but good to hear you’re doing well now. Long may it continue. Did you have any side effects from the Gamma knife procedure? You sound positive and resilient despite what you’ve gone through. Thanks again for your helpful comments. 

Apologies as I read Gilly’s reply after yours and got mixed up which is why I mistakenly mentioned the Gamma knife. I think my brain is already affected… oh dear! This cancer gets too much to deal with at times so please forgive me

Hi Jilly 

thanks for your reply but sorry to hear about your experience. I’m heartened to hear that your treatment for the brain and kidney has gone well. Long may it continue. My next ordeal is the biopsy on the forehead lump followed by diagnosis and treatment. I’m presently in Australia to see my youngest daughter who lives here and my 2 small grandchildren. My oncologist was against me going as I was diagnosed just a few days before my trip. However I felt I had to go as  it might be the last time I see them. I’ve got just over 2 weeks left and the joy and sun have benefited me I’m sure.

The Gamma knife was mentioned to me too so thanks again for your helpful response. 
All the  best to you too xx 

Hi Deni

just to add the Gamma Knife procedure is painless. You have a metal mask screwed to your head just a little bit sore whilst they do this but nothing to scream about . They then secure this in the machine which is very similar to an MRI and deliver the targeted therapy. I couldn’t feel a thing and my pain threshold and squeamish ness is not very good!! Worth knowing that it is a one off treatment but can be repeated if needed. 
sending love and hope and all the positivity for this part of your journey.

Jill xx

Jill thanks so much for your reassuring advice about the Gamma knife. I get v nervous and I know it’s fear of the unknown so your explanation was so helpful. I hope you continue to do well on this journey none of us signed up for. I’m so grateful to you and others for your support. 
sending love and hugs back to you xx