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Can anyone tell me what the side effects are like on whole brain radiation?
WBR should be your last resort. Its true that the size matters but the number of lesions do not.
Very important you consider all choices before doing this as there are a potential number of permanent side effects.
Make sure you are seeing a TOP class Lung cancer interventional radiologist.
Hi Sandy7099, I had 15 treatments of prophylactic brain radiation. The side effects and severity can vary from person to person and can often persist for several weeks after treatment.. The big one with me is fatigue; I have been out of treatment for 3 weeks... anorexia (loss of appetite), taste changes, vertigo (dizziness). I did have hair loss & brain burning/blistering of the scalp for which they gave me lidocaine cream to ease the burning, also mild headaches during treatment, If there were any others, they were very mild or I don't remember what they were. I am currently having eye problems (swelling, floaters & flashing lights but they're not sure if it's caused by the radiation.
My husband has been battling cancer for 7 years now. It has gone to his brain 2 times already and we were able to do the pin point as you talked about. However last week MRI shows that the cancer is now spreading up the base of his brain on the outside of it. We are heading back down to MGH to talk about WBR. I just wanted to know really has anybody live long after this? Years or months?
Does anyone know a doctor who specialize in BRAF?
Becky@UMich
RN, BS, OCN, Cancer AnswerLine Nurse
Hi Sandy7099, are you wondering about finding a physician to do testing for BRAF mutation? Or are you interested in finding treatment that targets BRAF mutation positive tumors? I may be able to help you if you are willing to share a few more details. [email redacted]
