Brain Tumor-surgery Fri. - scan results, too

Had a seizure Mon., in my car while stopping to explain scan to a friend. Luckily, he was able to get help and send me to the hospital by ambulance. Am mri and scan revealed a small encapsulated tumor. The Dr. feels best to remove and radiate.
He has residency and fellowships at Sloan and MD Anderson.
He spoke to my Oncologist at NW and she wants to go after the liver tumors that reappeared in the spot it was removed after this surgery. The lung nodule that grew did not light up. We have been watching it since March. The good news is only the reappearing liver tumor lit up and another small one. She wants to be "aggressive " in treating but I am afraid today.
Just returned to work in September and my appetite has returned to normal. Been eating lots of green veggies and smoothies with kale...
I am still very frightened wondering systemically how this colon cancer is filtering thru my system....?
I am happy to be at the hospital I work at and we have a special MRIS operating room for the neurosurgeons.
Surgery takes 8 hour.
Have had lots of supportive visitors and my ex -husband is on board and supportive with my adult kids.
Today the questions are hitting me and fear of another surgery after this one.
Any encouraging words?
I am a little apprehensive but want to believe I can get to NED again.
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Comments

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Hi Barb:)
    Understandably, you are in a state of shock. I sure was to read this news. I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's the one we don't want to hear...it's the one that has always scared me. So, I can hear your apprehension as well.

    Removal and radiation is the standard protocol.

    There is a lady here (TaraHK) who has been through brain mets and chemo and has done very very well...she's over 9-years and still going.

    I think that she would be a good resource to tell you about her experiences and what has worked for her. I'm sure if you contacted her, she'd be glad to help you.

    I don't have experience here (yet), so she's the authority there:)

    How about a big hug until she gets here?

    (((((BARB)))))

    -c
  • barbebarb
    barbebarb Member Posts: 464
    Sundanceh said:

    Hi Barb:)
    Understandably, you are in a state of shock. I sure was to read this news. I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's the one we don't want to hear...it's the one that has always scared me. So, I can hear your apprehension as well.

    Removal and radiation is the standard protocol.

    There is a lady here (TaraHK) who has been through brain mets and chemo and has done very very well...she's over 9-years and still going.

    I think that she would be a good resource to tell you about her experiences and what has worked for her. I'm sure if you contacted her, she'd be glad to help you.

    I don't have experience here (yet), so she's the authority there:)

    How about a big hug until she gets here?

    (((((BARB)))))

    -c

    Thanks for the hug
    Hope I 'll hear from her.
    It is kind of a shock-have faith in my neurosurgeon but I am worried about the whole picture.
    It is small and encapsulated and will follow with radiation.
    Surgery is Friday.
  • barbebarb
    barbebarb Member Posts: 464
    Sundanceh said:

    Hi Barb:)
    Understandably, you are in a state of shock. I sure was to read this news. I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's the one we don't want to hear...it's the one that has always scared me. So, I can hear your apprehension as well.

    Removal and radiation is the standard protocol.

    There is a lady here (TaraHK) who has been through brain mets and chemo and has done very very well...she's over 9-years and still going.

    I think that she would be a good resource to tell you about her experiences and what has worked for her. I'm sure if you contacted her, she'd be glad to help you.

    I don't have experience here (yet), so she's the authority there:)

    How about a big hug until she gets here?

    (((((BARB)))))

    -c

    Thanks for the hug
    Hope I 'll hear from her.
    It is kind of a shock-have faith in my neurosurgeon but I am worried about the whole picture.
    It is small and encapsulated and will follow with radiation.
    Surgery is Friday.
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    barbebarb said:

    Thanks for the hug
    Hope I 'll hear from her.
    It is kind of a shock-have faith in my neurosurgeon but I am worried about the whole picture.
    It is small and encapsulated and will follow with radiation.
    Surgery is Friday.

    Friday Surgery
    Wishing you the very best for tomorrow's surgery...that sure was quick...that may be a blessing in a way, to not have too long to think about it.

    We'll be holding you in thought, Barb E Barb:)

    And wish we could do more than that...
  • barbebarb
    barbebarb Member Posts: 464
    Sundanceh said:

    Hi Barb:)
    Understandably, you are in a state of shock. I sure was to read this news. I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's the one we don't want to hear...it's the one that has always scared me. So, I can hear your apprehension as well.

    Removal and radiation is the standard protocol.

    There is a lady here (TaraHK) who has been through brain mets and chemo and has done very very well...she's over 9-years and still going.

    I think that she would be a good resource to tell you about her experiences and what has worked for her. I'm sure if you contacted her, she'd be glad to help you.

    I don't have experience here (yet), so she's the authority there:)

    How about a big hug until she gets here?

    (((((BARB)))))

    -c

    Thanks Craig
    I am very

    Thanks Craig
    I am very scared today.
  • wolfen
    wolfen Member Posts: 1,324 Member
    barbebarb said:

    Thanks Craig
    I am very

    Thanks Craig
    I am very scared today.

    Barb
    Just wanted you to know I'm also keeping you in my thoughts and sending you a BIG hug. It sounds like you have a very good team.

    Luv,

    Wolfen
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Dear Barb
    I am so very sorry to hear of this latest development.

    Waiting is scarey even in easier circumstances.

    My prayers for you that you can find calm, that the surgery is a full success and that your recovery is easy.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Barb
    I just want to wish you the best surgeons and an uncomplicated surgery, I'm sure you are in capable hands and will be fine.
    I know that had to be so scary for you and am glad your friend was there.
    I'll be praying and sending you all my best.
    Winter Marie
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    wow
    What a frightening thing to have happen Barbebarb; anyone would be shocked and scared.
    Here's some encouragement for you: You've been through chemo etc. before and come out the other side NED. Your body remembers this feeling! It is going to strive to get to that place again, and with the help of your medical team, can get there again.
    Hang tough (and here's a HUGE hug),
    Tommycat
  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    Sorry you have to go through
    Sorry you have to go through this, Barb. However, isn't it wonderful that it was caught early while it is small and manageable! Your onc sounds like he/she has a great attitude. It seems like your main concern is how quickly the cancer keeps popping up. This is my concern for my husband, as well. In 11/2 years he has had two major surgeries and on his second go around with chemo. That is a lot of action in a short period of time. I envy those who get a break between recurrences. We all so desperately yearn for NED. I think it is wonderful this surgery is happening so quickly. Little time to obsess over it. I wish you the very best of luck and I truly believe you will see NED again.

    Chelsea
  • tachilders
    tachilders Member Posts: 313
    Do they think the brain
    Do they think the brain tumor is metastisized colon cancer, or something else? Do they plan to do the liver surgery at the same time as the brain surgery, or later after the brain surgery? Very sorry to hear about these new problems. Personally, I would be as aggressive as you can be, but also keep in mind what you want to go though as well as quality of life. I would ask the onc what her expectations are with and w/out the liver surgery, so you can make an educated decision about the value of the procedure. Best of luck.....
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Surgery
    I'm so sorry to hear of this new development. You are fortunate that your friend was there to get you to the hospital soon. You have every right to be scared - anyone would. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery. Please let us know when you can, how you are doing.

    Kim
  • Maxiecat
    Maxiecat Member Posts: 544 Member
    I will keep you in my
    I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and you get things sorted out. I am still new in my journey ...so I don't really have answers or advice for you on what to do or expect. (((gentle hugs)))

    Alex
  • dmj101
    dmj101 Member Posts: 527 Member
    WOW
    I totally understand how you are feeling, but it sounds like you are in the right place to get the help you need and there is a plan.
    Best of luck on Friday and please keep us posted.
    I will be praying for you and sending peace and light your way...
    Donna
  • dmj101
    dmj101 Member Posts: 527 Member
    WOW
    I totally understand how you are feeling, but it sounds like you are in the right place to get the help you need and there is a plan.
    Best of luck on Friday and please keep us posted.
    I will be praying for you and sending peace and light your way...
    Donna
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    best of luck with surgery
    Dear barb,
    best of luck with surgery and finding peace of mind with such challenging events.
    I will pray for you to be well and that fear is replaced by peace.

    Hugs,
    Pete
  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member

    best of luck with surgery
    Dear barb,
    best of luck with surgery and finding peace of mind with such challenging events.
    I will pray for you to be well and that fear is replaced by peace.

    Hugs,
    Pete

    Barb, I'm sorry you have to

    Barb, I'm sorry you have to go through still more. I am glad that you feel confidence in your team and have a plan quicklly in place.
    Know that you are in my heart and prayer. Think NED again. Courage.

    Hugs,
    Cathleen Mary
  • k44454445
    k44454445 Member Posts: 494
    Barb
    good luck with your surg. i will be praying
    hugs
    judy
  • thingy45
    thingy45 Member Posts: 632 Member
    k44454445 said:

    Barb
    good luck with your surg. i will be praying
    hugs
    judy

    Hugs
    Barb, many hugs are coming your way, lucky your friend was there with you and things are being looked after.
    Healing thoughts and prayers I send you.
    Hugs, Marjan
  • barbebarb
    barbebarb Member Posts: 464
    thingy45 said:

    Hugs
    Barb, many hugs are coming your way, lucky your friend was there with you and things are being looked after.
    Healing thoughts and prayers I send you.
    Hugs, Marjan

    Appreciate your support
    Thank you all.
    My neurosurgeon believes the tumors is encapsulated and may be a met from recital cancer.
    I really had no pre -symptoms except a quick autos of not feeling well firing the day for a brief couple of seconds.
    I am awaiting the plan attack for a regrowing liver tumors that regrew where it was removed and another smaller one has grown on opposite side. My lung module did not light up on recent pet scan. Only the liver tumors. Its somewhat confusing how this is coming about.
    The oncologists here are speaking with my oncologist at Northwestern but I don't know how this will affect treatment timing for the liver down the road.
    My appetite had returned and going back to work :-(.
    I am trying to put it in perspective but am kind of down.
    My neurosurgeon did time at Sloan and MD Anderson and feels the tumors is small and I will have a good outcome. He will do an MRI on the tumor once incision is open. We just built this special imris room for these procedures.
    Thank you for your thoughts. I will update when I can. At least the tumors is small.