ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: jb on March 17, 2008, 10:43:52 pm

Title: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: jb on March 17, 2008, 10:43:52 pm: I just had a new MRI today, so I thought I'd post some before/after pics again. It's hard to believe it's been 7 months since my treatment already.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh53/jrm5c/pre_post_rad2.jpg)

Haven't followed up with my neuro yet, but it doesn't seem like there's much change since December. I was hoping for some shrinkage, but seem to still have the big "mushroom cloud" going on. Maybe next time.
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: Dan on March 18, 2008, 01:34:33 am: jb,
Like you said it doesn't look as if there is any shrinkage but it does look like the thing is getting darker. Dark clouds "Mushroom clouds" may be bad news but from what I have learned here is darkening AN'S is GREAT NEWS. I'm sure the neuro will only have good news.

Dan in Germany
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: ppearl214 on March 18, 2008, 05:46:22 am: jb,

Looking good to me! :) As shared in the past, the shrinkage may (or not) occur minimally, but its tumor core death that makes the difference! :) Mine shrunk slightly, now 2 yrs post-CK but, as explained to me by a few drs (my surgeon, my CK team and the kind docs of the CK Patient support board), as long as it is not growing further, as well as core death, you are certainly on the right path!

Congrats on purdy films!

Phyl
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: sgerrard on March 19, 2008, 12:16:06 am: I'll trade you my boring "no change" MRI for your interesting "black hole" MRI... :D

I bet it goes back to the original size pretty soon. I don't know if it will shrink smaller than that, but there is no way it is growing any bigger now.

How are you symptoms doing these days?

Steve
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: jb on March 20, 2008, 11:37:12 pm: Steve, I may take you up on that offer... It would be a nice science project if it weren't taking place next to my brain. :)

I can't complain too much though. My symptoms still come and go, but are generally improving. No more pressure-cooker headaches with pulsating tinnitus lately, so that's a relief. My hearing still fluctuates and is distorted, so I'm still on-and-off prednisone to try to manage that. I called the doc's office today and they decided to switch me to the infamous Decadron for awhile after reviewing my MRI. Not sure how I feel about that, but they say it may help with the "significant edema."

I also have a hearing test on Monday. I'm expecting to flunk it, but if I'm loaded up on Decadron who knows??

Hope you're doing well,
JB
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: Sue on March 21, 2008, 02:43:47 pm: Decadron? You might make plans to wax your driveway the first days you take that stuff. Amazing what you'll be getting done! That's about the only really awful memories I have of my whole AN experience, is the after effects of Decadron. But, I guess it does good things while it makes your life miserable for awhile.

Hang in there,

Sue in Vancouver
Title: Re: MRI at 7 months post-CK
Post by: Betsy on March 21, 2008, 07:57:40 pm: Hi JB, it looks like youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve got a nice bit of necrosis going on there. As Dan says, that is a good thing! Good luck with the decadronÃ¢â‚¬Â¦.it really does help with the swelling.

Best wishes to you,

Betsy