MRI last week, full brain radiation this week

Wow, how much can change in just a short period of time.



I was having some minor headaches and seeing swirrels of white light in my left eye.

I called my radiologist that sends me for a routine scan to check for any recurring retinoblastoma every year.

I explained what was going on and asked her if I could go a little early for the MRI this year. So, within a very short period of time, I had the MRI. I was told on Thursday that I would get the results in a week or so. My response to the technician was " I am in no hurry, ignorance is bliss, right?" She gave me a look and then said Good day.



Off I went a little worried but pretty happy that the injection went well as they used a vein in my left arm and got it on the first try!



I honestly did not think much more about the scan as I was starting to feel much better. The tiredness was going away and I just plain felt better.



Monday morning I was soaking my feet (trying to ease the neuropathy) when the phone rang. I thought it was the cancer agency calling with a new appointment. Nope, it was the radiologist calling with the results.



I have many brain mets throughout my whole brain. Tiny though.

The best option I was told is full brain radiation and she wants to get me started right away.



I started yesterday, the day after the phone call.



I did not mind, the sooner the better. I went in, was counceled. I was told I will loose all of my hair once again in two to three weeks. I may have seizures due to the swelling in the brain so I can't drive for about a month. Annoying.



I did the radiation and as soon as I got off the table, the right side of my head started to hurt. I figured whatever and went home.

An hour or so later the major headache started. Wow, if you have read my post on the pomedronate reaction, this headache put that to shame. It was unreal the amount of pain. I felt like my brain was beating my skull to get out. There was no easing it.



I was so sick to the stomach from the headache.

Dave researched it after several attempts to contact someone at the abbotsoford cancer agency after hours emergency line.

He said steriods. Great!! I have some left over from chemo in the car.

They helped for a few hours and then wore off. Everything I tried to take for this, I threw up.

Finallly I kept the drugs down and an hour or so later I was ok. No headache since.



I met with the radiologist today before todays round. He said to stay on the Dexamethasone (steroid) until a week or so after my last radiation which will be Sept 6.



I came home and craweled into bed today scared to move that the headache may come back. So far so good!!



Round 3 tomorrow!