HER2+ and MRI Scanxiety

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Elderberry
Elderberry Member Posts: 993
edited June 2019 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I am getting a full MRI on May 21. I go to liver mets a lot and see some who have also developed (later) mets to brain. How many of you had MRI that showed nothing except the liver mets already diagnosed?

I am freaking out about the stats that show HER2+ have a higher likelihood of mets to the brain.

Can someone please calm me down?

I am so new to all this crap that I think I might implode.

Best wishes to all


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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry, sorry you’re feeling anxious. I may not be able to calm the fear because the stats are our reality but I will say that, if caught early, Brain mets can be very treatable for years in many cases. Again, years, not just weeks/months.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    Cheers and thanks.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2019

    I can offer my own experience. HER2+ and I've had 2 brain MRIs so far, one was because I had a really bad day of severe dizziness last summer. Clear scans both times.

    It is good to know they can be treatable for years, if or when need be. Thanks illimae for sharing that.

    I don't know if this will help but when I have anxiety I try to convince myself to keep my thoughts focused on today and not to live through the thing I am worried about before it actually happens.

    Enough work to deal with what is actually happening today, right?

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  • ADDK
    ADDK Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry, as Illimae said HER2 pos. cancer is more likely to spread to the brain. I recurred with IBC, and have had extensive skin mets for over a year, spread to lymph nodes and the opposite breast. I´ve just had my last brain MRI as part of a clinical trial that I signed up for. All clear. Yes, your cancer may spread to your brain, but not right now :-)

    I´m so sorry about your anxiety. Could you work on becoming a weirdo like me? I really never worry about scan results. What´s there is there, and my worries won´t change that, just make me miserable. Sending you gentle hugs.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    ADDK: I'll try NOT to worry but worry is deep in my DNA. Happy to hear your brain scan was good. I am a total weirdo but not in the worry department. Where in DEenmark are oyu?

    Olma61: Thanks for your words as well.

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  • MissouriCatLady
    MissouriCatLady Member Posts: 977
    edited May 2019

    Elderberry, I have to admit, I did not know this. Just browsing today and came across your post. Illimae, you were one of the first people I saw on this site when I came here after diagnosis. You always have positive thoughts to share, thank you. Olma, I am going to write that down, "keep my thoughts focused on today and not to live through the thing I am worried about before it actually happens." Reminds me of this..."Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy." ... I often think about faith, something I need to work on. My brother told me the day of my diagnosis to trust in Him and look to Him for strength. I know not everyone is a believer, but perhaps those words can offer a little peace of mind. To be honest, when I read your post I felt anxiety, and had to think about those words again, and Illimae's post. My mom had colon cancer in the 1980s and things are so much better today. Herceptiin, and other drugs, are saving lives. This community is one of the best places to go and look for the answer you are looking for, I know that much. Sending you my best wishes, Elderberry, hugs and love. Lisa

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    Hi MissouriCatLady: Great quote as well. I should pin it to my fridge

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  • ADDK
    ADDK Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2019

    Elddrberry, I’m in the Copenhagen area. I just remembered the talk I had with my MO as I recurred. I said well, it’s going to spread to my brain soon (cf. the stats), so I guess it’s going rapidly down hill with me. She replied: Oh, no, no. This is no longer the case for brain metsters, they can go on for years.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2019

    ADDK: so say others.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited June 2019

    illimae and others: Had my MRI and everything is ALL CLEAR. My MO was pretty sure it would be but ran the scan just to be sure. YAY. Thanks to all who wished me well.

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