radiation necrosis

tedgbear1

My best friend had gamma knife radiation about 18 months ago and about 4 months ago started feeling numbness on her left side and slurred speech. Since then it has grown into almost a stroke like severity. She was recently told that she is suffering from radiation necrosis and a couple of days ago was told her condition is likely to remain the same. I can't find much on radiation necrosis-can anyone direct me where to go on the web for more info? My friend, God love her, is the strongest person I know. She laughs about her condition, and calls herself a certified "leftist". I sit in awe of all of you out there who are going thru the same ordeal with such courage!

TenderIsOurMight

Dear Tedgbear,



I am so sorry to hear of your best friends medical problems. It is hard to see someone suffer.



I take it your friend had the gamma knife radiation surgery for breast cancer brain metastasis. One side effect which may occur is indeed radiation necrosis, and another is swelling around the tumor area.



Radiation necrosis is a radiation induced dying off of tissue, both good and bad. The effects of it are visible MRI yet it's really a pathologic diagnosis, meaning something seen best under the microscope to diagnosis. That is probably why you can't find much about it on searches.. I did a quick PubMed search for you, and only five articles came up for breast cancer and said pretty much the above.



I am sorry for your friend and her stroke like symptoms. A really good neurologist and neurosurgeon working with her is necessary, and I'm sure she realizes this.



It's so wonderful to see you help your friend, as she struggles with this and breast cancer. Thank you from all of us, for giving back in such a meaningful way. It's October, which is breast cancer awareness month. I'm sure you realize more about breast cancer than most ever will.



Take care of yourself too,

Tender

Bettye

I have taken 49 treatments in the Hyperbaric Chamber, due to the Radiation.  They have diagnosed me with Radiation Necrosis of the breast.  I have been in torment for over 1 and 1/2 years.  Is hter any relief?

TenderIsOurMight

Hi Bettye,

I'm sorry to read of your struggle after radiation for breast cancer. I take it you have an open, non healing area on the breast for which the Hyperbaric Chamber treatments were given.

Could you tell us a little more of your situation?

Glad you found us and posted.

Tender 

Bettye

Yes, I have an open wound.  The Hyperbaric Chamber is healing it, but the pain, swelling and burning is still there.  Is there any hope.

nora70852

Bettye,

Did the doctors tell you why they thought you developed radiation necrosis? Did you have any predisposing conditions? I ask because I am a physician and I had a patient with your condition and we were not able to determine why she developed necrosis.

I feel for you. I hope your pain dimishes soon. I notice you posted in May. Has there been any progress?