Hi. I was diagnosed with one brain met in Feb this year. It was a 2cm tumour. I had it removed by craniotomy in March. After that I had advice that radiotherapy was not necessary as they believed it had all been removed. I had no other mets in brain or body. I thought I would be starting Lap/Cap chemo as had discussed this with Onc. However when I saw him he said he wanted new scans, MRI and CT/Pet scans which were due as it was now three months since original diagnosis. I saw my Onc again last week and good news was that CT/Pet scan was all clear. MRI did not show any new mets anywhere new in brain but they had reported on a ‘spec’ in surgical area. Onc said they had said could just be scar tissue but wanted brain Onc to give second opinion. Has anyone ever come across anything like this before. Of course I am now worried it’s old tumour re growing already. Also, my Onc said that if scans clear they may not start me on any other treatment but just watch and wait as he said better to keep treatment in reserve for later stage. Again, has anyone had that advice? I just assumed I would go onto chemo just in case things growing but they seem to be saying not worth it as would not be able to see if it was working if they cannot see any cancer at this stage. Sorry for rather long message but I am getting very confused. Doesn’t help that breast Onc has to keep getting opinion from brain Onc and nuerosurgeon. Olives
Hii Olives I don’t have brain met experience but my BCN told me when I was first diagnosed with mets that sometimes a watch and wait approach was used. Bit scary tho I’m sure. Xxx
Hi Olives,
I also don’t have experience of brain mets but it is great news that they have gone! However I can understand your worry about not having any chemo. I’m sure they know what they are doing and the chemo is there if needed at a later date. ( you could stay clear if there is no sign of any other Mets)
Are you er pos? If so, are you on any aI or other treatment?
Try not to worry but do speak to your team and tell them of your worries.
They may be able to put your mind at rest. Love Sheila xx
Hi. Thanks for both of your comments. My tumour was HER2. I am on Tamoxifen which I started last year after finishing chemo for my primary cancer. Perhaps watch and wait is something which does happen but no one has really explained to me. Just hoping that the spec detected on MRI is not tumour re growing. Olives
Hi. I am really pleased with scan results but just have this nagging worry now about the spec discovered. I am not a very patient person and think I will have to adjust to a new way of coping now that I have secondary. Everything just seems to take so long to get results on and my breast Onc keeps having to check with the brain specialist which slows things up. Have started return to work, just doing two short days so am hoping this will keep me busy with less time to worry. Thanks for all responses.
I was told by my onc I cannot drive after brain mets. But haven’t actually spoken to the DVLA themselves.
Sounds like you maybe need to contact your neuro surgeon again.
I have had my tax disc cancelled but it’s still valid and classed as disabled.
I know I wouldn’t feel confident driving. Totally not ready to drive yet and now diagnosed with diabetes. So another strike against me.
My sis or my dad or my friends ferry me about and I’m very grateful for that.
Hugs xxxx