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Metastatic Breast Cancer: Whole brain radiation side effects

Posted by Karenatmayo @karenatmayo, Sep 4, 2017

I finished whole brain radiation two weeks ago (10 treatments) and am suffering horrible side effects. Doctor checked me out 3 days ago and said everything looks ok but I am miserable with NO appetite, feel nauseous, head feels like it's being squashed in a vice, headaches, dizzy, weak, extreme fatigue. I am taking memantine to hopefully prevent memory loss. I am suffering and feel miserable, cannot function, cannot eat. I am hoping some of these side effects will go away but not optimistic. I am age 68 with metastatic breast cancer spread to bones, lymph nodes, brain - a rather grim diagnosis. Feeling miserable.

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dianamiracle | @dianamiracle | Jan 19, 2020

Hydrate with the water ten - the ph is ten and is alkaline - helps to hydrate without the added sugars and chemicals. Add avocado and walnuts to your daily food intake.

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lorijeannichols | @lorijeannichols | Jan 3 12:14pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @cshaf19, welcome to Connect. I'd like to bring @wendeth into this discussion. She too had..." + (show)
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Hi @cshaf19, welcome to Connect. I'd like to bring @wendeth into this discussion. She too had whole brain radiation for breast cancer. Is that correct, @wendeth ?

Cshaf, did you know that there is also a breast cancer group on Connect here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/
You may wish to join the discussions there, in particular this one:
Metastatic breast cancer: Anyone else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metastatic-breast-cancer-to-the-bone/

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@colleenyoung I just finished 10 rounds for MBC (lymph nodes, spine, lungs, liver, now brain). Whole brain radiation. I was first diagnosed in 2017 and t's been a long hard ride full of chemo and all the shit we have to deal with. And I can honestly say, this whole brain radiation was the MOST DIFFICULT and awful part of it. Truly. But what frustrates me the most was both my oncologist and radiologist, AND the nurses said I would have zero side effects.

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mssewest | @mssewest | Apr 12 1:42pm
In reply to @lynniesf "@karenatmayo I did whole brain radiation this past October for breast cancer mets to brain (I..." + (show)
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@karenatmayo I did whole brain radiation this past October for breast cancer mets to brain (I also have it in bone and lungs). I am 41 years old.I had almost exactly your side effects. I didnt eat, lost a lot of weight. Spent a lot of time in bed and a few hospital visits. It DOES get better, but takes a fee weeks if not longer after your last treatment. Very important to stay HYDRATED If nothing else. Protein drinks like Ensure, pedialyte or Gatorade all have a little extra for your body. My hair on the other hand hasn't even started to grow back....least of my major worries. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Sending healing thoughts your way.

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@lynniesf
Yea, hair is the least of my worries. Was the breast cancer Her2 positive? Are you able to take care of yourself? Like cook, clean, bathe, etc? Or do you have someone helping you?

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mssewest | @mssewest | Apr 12 3:00pm

I often keep wondering how I’m going to die. Like is the cancer going to eat away at my body and brain, cardiac arrest since I have a low heart ejection fraction or what. Not going to lie, I’m SCARED!

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mssewest | @mssewest | Apr 12 4:27pm

So sorry you’re going through such horrible side effects. Did the radiation oncologist prescribe Decadron (steroids) for you?

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