6 month post radiation mri

[roverlaw03]

Tomorrow, August 14, 2012, is the date for my 6 month MRI, post getting FSR.  The actual 6 month date will be on the 27th.  Should I not loose hope if the MRI does not show any "tumor death" yet?  I had an MRI 2 months after my radiation and they said the tumor was a bit bigger, but could not indicate it if was from swelling, etc.  I had a 2 month MRI as my doctor knows that I am inpatient.

Is anyone else on prednoise a lot?  My radiation oncologist puts me on 20mgs, then reduces each week.  I can function normally with 5mgs for about 2 weeks, but then feel that I need a higher dose to combat the feeling that someone is beating me with a baseball bat on the right side of my head.

I am also on an elipesy (trileptal..sp) drug for the hemifacial spasms.  Has anyone had botox to help them?

Thank you for your help! 

[Jim Scott]

Hi ~

Realistically, the time-frame for post-radiation tumor necrosis and possible shrinkage is measured in years, not weeks, so patience is necessary. 

Jim

[mindyandy]

I remember my first few MRIs post radiation. I too am impatient. Mine also showed swelling and after my yearly MRI it showed a slight decrease. Be patient. Radiation does take a long time to take effect.

Keep us posted.
Mindy

[roverlaw03]

Thank you for the responses.

The MRI showed a little growth, that the doctor said was akin to the tumor swelling and there was a little dark area in the middle of the tumor. 

Hope that you all are doing well and thank you again.

[Vivian B.]

Hello,

I have had a few MRIs since my GK in 2010 and there has not been any swelling or shrinkage reported. When I questioned the Oncologist he said that what they opt for in radiation is no increase in size, everything else is a bonus. Patience is much required in this journey as it is a long one.

Vivian

[luckyone]

I had GK on 4/3, and a follow up MRI on 6/5.  I am also very impatient... to the point where I think I bugged my doctor so much that he scheduled the next MRI in June for 2013. 

My 1 year old daughter's smile gives me the courage and strength to keep going every day.