Prophylactic cranial irradiation

bunny46
bunny46 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I am trying to find someone who may have experienced this kind of radiation. I have small cell lung cancer, did surgery, chemo and radiation to chest, now the doctors want me to do this brain radiation, they think I could have a cure because my cancer was caught early limited stage. I can't decide about this brain radiation. They say I would get 15 treatments. I need to know the pros and cons and see if anyone has done this. Thank-you bunny46

Comments

  • tashka
    tashka Member Posts: 3
    My mother has had PCI with no ill effects. She was
    told that it would be a good idea to get it, as she
    was in remission. It's always good to have a little added insurance. Good luck to you!!
  • bunny46
    bunny46 Member Posts: 3
    tashka said:

    My mother has had PCI with no ill effects. She was
    told that it would be a good idea to get it, as she
    was in remission. It's always good to have a little added insurance. Good luck to you!!

    Hi Taska, thank-you for responding, Did your mother lose her hair from the radiation? How many treatments? What kind of cancer did she have? Thank-you Bunny46
  • lindac
    lindac Member Posts: 7
    tashka said:

    My mother has had PCI with no ill effects. She was
    told that it would be a good idea to get it, as she
    was in remission. It's always good to have a little added insurance. Good luck to you!!

    I am going tomorow to get mold made then back twice next. Once for the fitting and the other time for the simulation. I have been really frightened about PCI and now that it is almost upon me the last couple of nights I have been quite distressed. I've just got to think of the alternatives. I will actually start the real treatment in the New Year. I was supposed to have my last round of chemo this week but due to my white count it has been deferred to next week. I fmy count is till low then I will be really disappointed as I want it to be all finished this year. Also I am hopefully still a candidate for a vaccine clinical trial but one of the criteria is that treatment has to be complete within 6 months of diagnosis. If I have toi wait till next year for the chemo I will be cutting it a bit fine.
  • lookup
    lookup Member Posts: 1
    Hi Bunny46,

    My name is Robin. My aunt Rachel has lung cancer. I wish I had information to share about the
    prophylactic cranial irradiaton treatments, but actually I am despeately seeking information myself
    I am in hopes that maybe you have recieved responses from the internet that you may be able to
    share with us. Aunt Rachel has to make her decision by January 2001. I am writing this
    December 22, 2000. Please respond if you have any information of any kind. She is raising
    her 11 year old grandson, and is troubled as to what she should do. We can't get a straight
    answer out of the doctor as to what this will do to her brain cells. Will her motor skills, and think-
    ing abilites be affected? If you have any information, experiences, what have you, we would love
    to hear from you.

    May God Bless and Keep You!!

    Robin
  • pdtycz
    pdtycz Member Posts: 9
    lookup said:

    Hi Bunny46,

    My name is Robin. My aunt Rachel has lung cancer. I wish I had information to share about the
    prophylactic cranial irradiaton treatments, but actually I am despeately seeking information myself
    I am in hopes that maybe you have recieved responses from the internet that you may be able to
    share with us. Aunt Rachel has to make her decision by January 2001. I am writing this
    December 22, 2000. Please respond if you have any information of any kind. She is raising
    her 11 year old grandson, and is troubled as to what she should do. We can't get a straight
    answer out of the doctor as to what this will do to her brain cells. Will her motor skills, and think-
    ing abilites be affected? If you have any information, experiences, what have you, we would love
    to hear from you.

    May God Bless and Keep You!!

    Robin

    I elected to have this procedure in 1987 when I was diagnosed with Oat Cell (Small Cell) carcinoma. The only lasting side effect appears to be a premature permanent loss of hair. No loss of motor skills, no loss of long term memory. I am well and kicking.

    Any day above ground is a good day!
    Phil
  • pdtycz
    pdtycz Member Posts: 9
    I hope this is still timely...

    I elected to have this procedure in 1987 when I was diagnosed with Oat Cell (Small Cell) carcinoma. The only lasting side effect appears to be a premature permanent loss of hair. No loss of motor skills, no loss of long term memory. I am well and kicking.

    Any day above ground is a good day!
    Phil
  • nikki0696
    nikki0696 Member Posts: 3
    My dad is getting radiation right now, and it is messing with his speech, his balance, and frustrating him to no end. He is very ill, and has lost alot of weight. Radiation is a necessary evil, but I hope that you have someone to go with you and be with you. Good Luck.