New to Site, Need Advice

I have no direct experience of WBR (whole brain radiation), but it was an option in the treatment of my brain tumour (CNS lymphoma) if the chemo therapy would not be sufficient (which it was). The doctors told me that if I needed WBR, then it could effect my short-term memory (forgetfulness), and there might be some dementia (deterioration of brain function). However, the effect varies for different people. I know persons who have gone through WBR and still work and seem to be just as before.

Sten

Unfortunately, WBR can cause delayed cognitive and physical defects quite a while after the treatment has ended.  WBR, while affecting cancer cells throughout the brain, also affects healthy brain cells as well.  Sometimes this damage is repaired, but often it cannot be.  After the treatment has ended, and often years after, there can be mental and physical defects that can be detrimental to the patient's quality of life.  The treatment, although it is known to cause this type of damage, is often used in cases of secondary brain tumor because the spread of the cancer must be stopped.  While it can be scary to think of the possibility of the effects of radiation necrosis, the alternative is to do nothing and let the cancer spread.  NOt everyone has these effects, but there is no way to predict who will suffer from them.  I wish your sister the best and hope she is able to fight through this battle.