My spine mets are moving like wild fire,causing a good deal of pain but the change in meds has that under control for now. My question is, I am scheduled for a radiation to spine consult next week. After radiation, we are going to try another chemo. My concern is that with all the mapping and what not that goes with Radiation, plus the actual treatment, the rest of the cancer ie., the stuff in my liver and other bones will be left untreated for approximately 6 weeks. Has anyone been in this situation? Do I start the chemo first, since the pain is under control or do rads? Do they have to get on top of spine mets so that I don't collapse or fracture? Because I have " a wildly aggressive strain," What will it do left untreated for 5-6 weeks? I am bargaining for time now but I would like to play this so I get as much good time as possible.
PattyP
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Nanalinda Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 341 |
Jul 3, 2009 02:47 pm
Nanalinda wrote:
PattyP: I have spine mets but have not had rads. I opted to do the chemo along with Zometa. Are you on Zometa? It has not done alot for my pain (still on pain meds), but since I started the Zometa, I have not had progression of my spine mets. I have mets in other places too so I felt I needed the chemo more. Good luck in whatever you choose. Linda Dx 7/26/2006, IDC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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joaniji Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 276 |
Jul 3, 2009 04:15 pm
joaniji wrote:
I am sorry Patti that I don't have much to offer in the way of advice but I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and sending you all my wishes for comfort and relief. I have spine mets too but radiation has not been suggested to me. Again, I hope for the best for you and that you don't have to "bargain with time"!! joani
Dx 1/1/2009, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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konakat Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,613 |
Jul 3, 2009 05:53 pm
konakat wrote:
My radiologist said rads is for pain control. If the rads they're recommending is for pain control and won't help strengthen your spine, I think chemo first is the way to go since your pain is manageable right now. That's what I would do. I would ask the radiologist and oncologist their reasons for doing one first over the other. Perhaps there are reasons for the rads first? Your body needs a chemo break? Please post what you find out -- your answer will be helpful to many of us. Elizabeth xox Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake.
Dx 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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riverinerab… Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 773 |
Jul 4, 2009 07:01 am
riverinerabbit wrote:
Hi, I would radiate first then chemo. Radiation will reduce the tumour load in your bones which is more difficult to reduce than soft tissue with chemo. It will help with the pain as well. I've recently had rads again and my quality of life for bone stuff is so much better. Soft tissue, organs are being treated at the moment with chemo. I am sure an assessment will be made as to which is more urgent. Take care. River
Dx 8/14/1999, DCIS, 1cm, Stage IV, Grade 1, 0/9 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Heidi_Ho Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 209 |
Jul 4, 2009 06:11 pm
Heidi_Ho wrote:
Hi Patti, I was in exactly your position in March. I don' know how many meds you are on for pain. I was on steroids and tons of pain meds and still had break through pain. They wanted to get going on chemo but my ability to function was limited. I also wanted to get going on chemo because I was so scared. The radiologist and my onc discussed and decided I should have rads to the area with the most pain to try and control the pain before chemo. I did 10 days of radiation to one specific area (I think t-6-9) then had to wait 10 days before starting chemo. I know longer have pain in that area but I still have plenty of pain in my back. I am glad they did the rads. I was able to come off (slowly) most of the other pain meds. I only wear a 25mg patch now. I take 2 tylenol pms at night. If I'm on my feet all day I am very sore. I just need to sit or lie down during the day to manage the pain. So, I'd ask your onc and the radiologist what the best course of action should be. I know it feels very scary to "gamble" with chemo vs radiation but my doctors assured me a couple of weeks would not make a difference. These were also doctors who wanted me on chemo asap. Write down your questions. Good luck and let us know what happens. Heidi Dx 3/5/2009, IDC, <1cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER-/PR- |
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AusAla Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,108 |
Jul 4, 2009 10:38 pm
AusAla wrote:
I have seen in the past many peoples' oncs say rads are for pain control. But radiation to my skull and L2 killed those bone mets DEAD. I did not have such luck with rads to my ribs. However, I understand now, ribs can be tricky to radiate. Tough decision when you've got organ involvement too. I, too, would be perplexed with that situation. I'll be praying for you. Let us know how you are doing. Hugs, Bethie Y'all are my island of reality in a sea of diarrhea.
Dx 5/13/2002, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 3/17 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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