Whole Brain Radiation

momof2
momof2 Member Posts: 81
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone. It has been a while since I have visited the site. I was recently rediagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time, this time with 6 mets to the brain. I have had two of them removed, then gamma knife radiation, and now I am about to begin whole brain radiation. Can anyone tell me some of the side affects and what to expect? I am so entirely nervous about this and usually cry everyday due to my fear. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Comments

  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #2
    Hi Mom,
    I am sorry that you are so scared. It is normal to be afraid. I hope you feel a bit better soon. Well, when I had whole brain radiation, I was placed on a narrow, gurney, and I was strapped on my ankles, thighs, both arms, and shoulders... then my head was placed in something to hold my head in place. A large, donut shaped machine rotates a long extension that gives off radiation. Some side effects can be headache, nausea, skin burns. I used a lotion or gel with a good amount of aloe. that helped a lot. And the pain and nausea were treated with medicine. I hope this helps. God bless.
    -Michael (leukemia survivor)
  • momof2
    momof2 Member Posts: 81
    #3
    mc2001 said:

    Hi Mom,
    I am sorry that you are so scared. It is normal to be afraid. I hope you feel a bit better soon. Well, when I had whole brain radiation, I was placed on a narrow, gurney, and I was strapped on my ankles, thighs, both arms, and shoulders... then my head was placed in something to hold my head in place. A large, donut shaped machine rotates a long extension that gives off radiation. Some side effects can be headache, nausea, skin burns. I used a lotion or gel with a good amount of aloe. that helped a lot. And the pain and nausea were treated with medicine. I hope this helps. God bless.
    -Michael (leukemia survivor)

    Thanks so much. I am assuming that your hair did fall out from this radiation. Did it grow back? I know it's a stupid thing to worry about, Just can't help it. I've lost my hair before due to chemo and it always grows back, guess I am worried that with radiation it won't grow back.

    Thanks!
  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #4
    momof2 said:

    Thanks so much. I am assuming that your hair did fall out from this radiation. Did it grow back? I know it's a stupid thing to worry about, Just can't help it. I've lost my hair before due to chemo and it always grows back, guess I am worried that with radiation it won't grow back.

    Thanks!

    No, dont blame yourself for being vain or anything. Hair is a very important part of our bodies so your concern is a valid concern. I had radiation to my head but I also had MAJOR doses of radiation and MAJOR doses of chemo. Unfortunately, my hair grew back only about 45% so I have kept my head shaved for the past 7 years. I also have a goatee. Now.. I am definitely NOT saying you will be bald but grow a goatee! From what I have seen, I would say that well over 95% of chemo/rads patients have had their hair grow back fully. I think since you have had chemo and your hair fell out, but grew back, I would say you are going to be fine. I have a link to radiation therapy on my leukemia and lymphoma website
    www.geocities.com/leukemia_lymphoma
    There are links that explain in much detail. I hope this helps you out. Feel free to email me if you have anymore concerns. Take care. God bless.
    -Michael
  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #5
    I have a nephew who is 38 who had brain cancer the same time I was being treated for breast cancer three years ago. His hair became thin but I visited him last summer and it was as thick as before radiation. He had many sessions of radiation,surgery and a pill form of chemo for one year, so far but for the lost of most of his eyesight in one eye he is doing wonderful. With the tumor he had it wasn't expected.Your brain tumors are of course from the bc so of course much different then his was. How many treatments of radiaiton are they planning? Once everything is under way you will be fighting again and will grow stronger. Many places in the Bible God says Do not Fear. God Bless. Linda

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