PCI Treatments RE: Lung Cancer

retro1931
retro1931 Member Posts: 2
in Lung Cancer #1
Has anyone had the PCI radiation when they have lung cancer to prevent the cancer from
metastisizing to the brain. It has been suggested that I have this done and I am not real comfortable with it.

Comments

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    #2
    This is a really tough thing
    This is a really tough thing to decide. My mom had brain mets and was in a great deal of pain. She had the max dose of rads allowed for the brain. She had significant mental confusion but the excruciating headaches stopped. My friends husband had sclc and had PCI 3 years ago. The number of rads was much lower, the confusion was also less. He drove himself to treatment (no judging). He is doing great now.

    Have you looked at other options for treatment yet? I am thinking about gamma knife and the other "new" radiation options?
  • medi_2
    medi_2 Member Posts: 505 Member
    #3
    PCI
    Hullo! I recieved it about 3 years ago. I had no mets so it was a preventative measure.
    I have had a few head problems, but nothing major. I think it is a personal choice. I chose it because (according to my Onco)it can reduce your chances of brain cancer 50%. Also keep in mind your age and your general health. Sometimes forgetting things is just a normal symptom of aging and many health problems (dehydration is one)can cause impaired thinking. To tell you the truth I have always had my ditzy moments even before cancer and treatments ;). I did lose my hair again though and it took about 3 months for it to grow back,,,
    Good Luck!
    Medi
    PS:I drove myself to all my procedures chemo and all. I did my rads (for tumor and then for PCI on the way to work...

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