Anyone had brain surgery before?

So I am done with all treatment. I have a MRI every 4 months now for the rest of my life. More than likely it will come back, but in 2, 5, 20 years who knows. It has the gene markers to become a lot more malignant hence the aggressive treatment. Swallowed well over 1300 pills in 12 months. 30 sessions of radiation, and 9 months of chemo. Including 30 or so blood tests as often my platelets or blood levels would drop to dangerous levels and one couldn't continue with chemo.

Only symptoms I have now is tiredness.

Radiation was OK, felt tired near the end of the 6 weeks, it wasn't painful or anything. Lost most of my hair.

Chemo was super tough, to feel constantly sick was a tough one to go through.

All in all R500 000 spent, all paid for from my hospital plan and gap cover. Phew.

Getting on with my life as best as one could do, the MRIs are always nerve-wracking but hey it could be worse. At least I have a chance.

Not posting here to get sympathy. But if there is anyone who wants to chat go ahead via pm that may be going through the same thing. Brain cancer is a funny one, not much support in SA.

Attached some pics of the radiation and chemo if anyone was interested.

Here is to life!

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Strongs. The regime sounds exhausting but you've been through so much just hang in there.

How are you feeling mentally? Positive or a bit down?

P.S. Congrats on completing your treatments.
 
That's rough, to put it mildly. Glad you made it thusfar. I don't know if this gives you a new perspective on life or <insert cliche here>.

Strongs and perhaps someone else can also benefit from your posts.
 
Sorry to hear bud. Wishing you strength and a full recovery
 
paul5186 said:
So I am done with all treatment. I have a MRI every 4 months now for the rest of my life. More than likely it will come back, but in 2, 5, 20 years who knows. It has the gene markers to become a lot more malignant hence the aggressive treatment. Swallowed well over 1300 pills in 12 months. 30 sessions of radiation, and 9 months of chemo. Including 30 or so blood tests as often my platelets or blood levels would drop to dangerous levels and one couldn't continue with chemo.

Only symptoms I have now is tiredness.

Radiation was OK, felt tired near the end of the 6 weeks, it wasn't painful or anything. Lost most of my hair.

Chemo was super tough, to feel constantly sick was a tough one to go through.

All in all R500 000 spent, all paid for from my hospital plan and gap cover. Phew.

Getting on with my life as best as one could do, the MRIs are always nerve-wracking but hey it could be worse. At least I have a chance.

Not posting here to get sympathy. But if there is anyone who wants to chat go ahead via pm that may be going through the same thing. Brain cancer is a funny one, not much support in SA.

Attached some pics of the radiation and chemo if anyone was interested.

Here is to life!

905628eb47603d184b2238e11c90f597.jpg
d2fe790bb60174f78513f03e7cf8ca6b.jpg
d1fbad84e719f486fd79d1a55d7b750b.jpg
e0a0333accca4c58c7b4b1994e264d88.jpg
7974511646fd64712a163a8b706314d7.jpg
ffb27cfd79832d29b550618bbdbf44fc.jpg
6fdd8bb7eaf8f903e6d43c346ab66efe.jpg
Click to expand...
Wow, man. I don't have any words or can imagine what you go through. Strongs!
 
maumau said:
Strongs. The regime sounds exhausting but you've been through so much just hang in there.

How are you feeling mentally? Positive or a bit down?

P.S. Congrats on completing your treatments.
Click to expand...

Have good days and bad days. But overall optimistic I think. Something I have had to realise is that "we guys" bottle stuff up and don't let anyone in. It took me a long time to actually express how I was feeling even to my wife.
 
paul5186 said:
So I am done with all treatment. I have a MRI every 4 months now for the rest of my life. More than likely it will come back, but in 2, 5, 20 years who knows. It has the gene markers to become a lot more malignant hence the aggressive treatment. Swallowed well over 1300 pills in 12 months. 30 sessions of radiation, and 9 months of chemo. Including 30 or so blood tests as often my platelets or blood levels would drop to dangerous levels and one couldn't continue with chemo.

Only symptoms I have now is tiredness.

Radiation was OK, felt tired near the end of the 6 weeks, it wasn't painful or anything. Lost most of my hair.

Chemo was super tough, to feel constantly sick was a tough one to go through.

All in all R500 000 spent, all paid for from my hospital plan and gap cover. Phew.

Getting on with my life as best as one could do, the MRIs are always nerve-wracking but hey it could be worse. At least I have a chance.

Not posting here to get sympathy. But if there is anyone who wants to chat go ahead via pm that may be going through the same thing. Brain cancer is a funny one, not much support in SA.

Attached some pics of the radiation and chemo if anyone was interested.

Here is to life!

905628eb47603d184b2238e11c90f597.jpg
d2fe790bb60174f78513f03e7cf8ca6b.jpg
d1fbad84e719f486fd79d1a55d7b750b.jpg
e0a0333accca4c58c7b4b1994e264d88.jpg
7974511646fd64712a163a8b706314d7.jpg
ffb27cfd79832d29b550618bbdbf44fc.jpg
6fdd8bb7eaf8f903e6d43c346ab66efe.jpg
Click to expand...
Proud of you bud! I'm very glad you posted this, thank you.
 
paul5186 said:
Have good days and bad days. But overall optimistic I think. Something I have had to realise is that "we guys" bottle stuff up and don't let anyone in. It took me a long time to actually express how I was feeling even to my wife.
Click to expand...

Yes, talking about things is cathartic, at least you've realised it and have started opening up.

The surgery must have been a worry for your wife too.
 
Meh, got news on Wednesday that it's progressing and quite fast. On the left of the picture is the fuzzy tumor which is now squashing my brains ventricle. Off on Friday to get some second opinions on treatment. As this was clear in September last year.
da9d8598a94e248cc4a869da6a596067.jpg
 
paul5186 said:
Meh, got news on Wednesday that it's progressing and quite fast. On the left of the picture is the fuzzy tumor which is now squashing my brains ventricle. Off on Friday to get some second opinions on treatment. As this was clear in September last year.
da9d8598a94e248cc4a869da6a596067.jpg
Click to expand...
Wow. That sucks. Let us know after the consult.
 
paul5186 said:
Meh, got news on Wednesday that it's progressing and quite fast. On the left of the picture is the fuzzy tumor which is now squashing my brains ventricle. Off on Friday to get some second opinions on treatment. As this was clear in September last year.
da9d8598a94e248cc4a869da6a596067.jpg
Click to expand...
**** man, good luck ...and hope all gets sorted with least amount of drama
 
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