Whole brain radiation

We just met with the radiological oncologist.  Unfortunately Laura is not a candidate for gamma knife radiation.  Her tumors are more diffuse and there is not a solid border between the tumor and the brain so he cannot zap a specific spot.  Dr Kee said he counted 18 tumors from 1.1 cm in size down to a couple millimeters in size.  The one good thing about whole brain radiation is that it will zap the tumors that are just at the single cell stage.  

So currently, they are making a face mask that she will rest in during the whole brain radiation.  She will have ten consecutive days of radiation with the weekends off.  This will take place in Portland.  Whole brain radiation is just what it sounds like; they will radiate her entire brain.  Fatigue is the first side effect.  Hair loss occurred and 2/3 of people their hair grows back but a significant amount the hair loss is pertinent. 90% of people who have whole brain radiation come out with decreased cognitive functions.  This can be anything from balance issues to not remembering things.  The dr said that most people's personality does not change but basically she will not be the sharpest knife in the drawer were his exact words. From my perspective she will just have to learn what life is like with my intellect. 

Why?  Basically brain tumors left alone are life threatening.  Having whole brain radiation will prolong her life.  She will not start her new chemotherapy until a week after her radiation finishes.

More stats: 40% of people with whole brain radiation have a recurrence of brain mets or tumors within one year.  70 to 80% of people with whole brain radiation have their tumors shrink significantly and some tumors disappear.  The dr is hoping to have most of the tumors shrink and some disappear.  Then starting chemo the hope is that the chemo will not let the the remaining tumors grow.  

Again with Laura being young vital and very smart the dr feels very good about this treatment.  Laura will have another brain MRI 3 months after radiation has finished.  

More as we know it.