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Beery's avatar
Beery
Member
10 years ago

Whole brain radiation

Hi everyone

Today is day 2 of whole brain radiation.  Have had fluid and inflammation which has caused some side effects like blurred vision, headaches, colour changes while watching TV ( eg presenters white blouse changed to a lovely shade of pale green). Seen registrar who has increased dexymethasone by 2mg at lunch time.  Hopefully this will help.

My oncologist has also spoken to me about hormone treatment. Its called Fulvestrant or Faslodex which is administered slowly intermuscularly assume to your buttocks. Apparently for the first month there are 2 injections and then one each month after that.  First month is free and then I'm up for the cost of the next 3 months. Dr asked that I talk to my private health fund to see if they would give 'consideration' for costs.  After a lot of phone calls a letter has been sent to health fund from my oncologist.  So now waiting on response.

As I live alone, have asked for palliative care to call to start the ball rolling for help in the home, pain management, obtain aid/services that may be available and be on there books so that when things deteriorate it won't take long to get assistance.

I'm only 61 & cannot obtain all the benefits that an aged pensioner receives on health benefits so I think this is the best way to move forward.  I'm hopeing there is not too much cognitive impairment to brain after rads and can cope a little longer without having to be admitted to a care facility.  My children have offered to take me to their homes but I feel I will be a burden to them. Will have to see what the future holds and take one day at a time.

Getting close to my nanny nap time and my concentration is waning.  So catch you all later.  Sue:-) 

radiotherapy
side-effects

6 Replies

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Cosette, I love this. I, too hate to be a burden, so very appropriate. 

    Lyn

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue I really don't know what to say except as others have said allow your family to help where they can. I do hope your health insurance is favourable but more importantly that the treatment gives you a good result.

    Take care 

    Christine xx 

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue, so much for you to think about. Talk to your family about what they want to do to help, and ask them to be realistic about it. Do they live nearby? I'm sure once palliative care are involved they will want to have a discussion with all of you. 

    Hoping this radiotherapy helps some. 

    Take care, Lyn

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    I can read between the lines, you don't want to give up your independence of living in your own home just yet and many people are like you as I live in a town full of retirees. Who knows, your cancer could go into remission after treatment perhaps for years. Fingers and toes crossed it does just that for you. XXXX

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue, what can I say? You've had such a long road with bc, it's scary for those of us with early bc to look that far ahead. Yet here you are calmly organising your care with dignity and courage....... I hope you are surrounded by people who love and care for you, don't be afraid to allow your children to be a part of your care. This could be a precious time for you to share. If you'd like a friend to keep in touch, send me a personal message, maybe we could be email buddies. I wish I could do more to help xXx