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Whole brain radiation for breast cancer: Anyone else?

Posted by boogz @boogz, Dec 17, 2025

I have stage 4 breast cancer that’s metastasized to my bones, and I have numerous spots in my brain. Mayo wants to do full brain radiation on me. I’m wondering if anyone here has had it as the side effects are gnarly. Quite concerned about the long-term side effects, which contain short-term memory loss that’s progressive, chronic dizziness, it just goes on and on. Hoping to hear from someone that has had full brain radiation, not gamma knife, not spot treatment but full brain radiation.

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Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Apr 14 9:36am
In reply to @mssewest "I completed 10 treatments in February this year. I don’t feel like myself at all I..." + (show)
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I completed 10 treatments in February this year. I don’t feel like myself at all I walk with a cane and walker ad can barely take care of myself😩Don’t feel like doing much of anything. Her2 positive.

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@mssewest I just wanted to check in. What kind of support do you have right now? I'm also wondering if palliative care is available to you--it should be. That would be pain control, maybe some visiting medical help, I think it varies from program to program but could be useful. Palliative care is not hospice--it is just an add on to treatment and I have two friends who are really benefitting from it. Also do you have any therapies--physical, occupational--that have been prescribed? These might give you more strength in your own home.
I'm sorry for your ordeal, and you sound understandably exhausted. You might have a nurse navigator/oncology social worker who can talk with you about things that might help? Thinking of you and hoping things improve.

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mssewest | @mssewest | Apr 15 8:37pm

I just completed 10 whole Brain Radiation Treatments Feb 3. Lightheartedness. Not feeling like myself or near at all. On a bunch of meds also. Off balance, can barely do anything for myself. I’m looking for. A support group that is geared towards Whole Brain Radiation treatments. Can you find one on here?

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