Pittsburgh

[nanramone]

Hi all -

Well, Pittsburgh just called and said they reviewed my records last night. They believe I am an excellent candidate for Gamma Knife. So that is the second opinion that I should not have surgery. I may not be going to NYU after all, but might still seek an opinion from Dr. Galfinos, just to feel good about whatever I decide to do. My records in Pittsburgh will be turned over to Dr Lunsford now, and they'll be back in touch with me soon. I'm still going to New York in May, so will probably plan to schedule whatever I decide to do in June...

This does get easier each day..thanks so much for providing this forum.

Nancy

[sunfish]

Univ. Pittsburgh Medical Center?  They are world class.  I had thoracic outlet syndrome ten years ago, and a vascular surgeon there did surgery for it (removed a couple ribs).  UPMC Shadyside Hospital.  I thought the treatment at the hospital was a little sketchy (nursing shortage), but the surgery was top-notch, and proved highly successful in the long run.   I would definitely have let the folks there do GK for my AN if I hadn't had another option here.

[nanramone]

Yes - and I was also considering Dr. Golfinos, but just talked to his office and found out he no longer accepts CIGNA insurance, so that is no longer and option.

However, the doctor's in Pittsburgh are in my network. I think the signs are all there that this is the best place for me to go.

Wow - this is mentally taxing!

bye for now~

Nancy

[Lizard]

My father went to Pittsburg for an AVM and they did a fantastic job.  I also consulted with the Dr. who did my father's GK, but chose surgery instead.  Its hard when you have surgeons who like to cut and GKer's who like the radiation methods...they each talk conflicting stories, which is why this is the hardest part for many ANer's.  Good luck with yours, go with your gut! 
Liz

[Jim Scott]

Nancy ~

Yes, it looks as if radiation in Pittsburgh is likely in your immediate future.  Thanks for keeping us appraised of your situation.  You'll have our full support in whatever you decide. 

Jim

[sgerrard]

Nancy's going to Pittsburgh, Nancy's going to Pittsburgh... 

Steve

[nanramone]

YES! Dr. Lunsford just sent a second email this morning after having a chance to review my records yesterday - he said I am an excellent candidate for gamma Knife! So I'll talk to my daughter today about meeting me in Pittsburgh.

This now feels so different - it feels like I'm going in to have an outpatient procedure for what is "a benign growth on the hearing nerve" (thanks to Jim from a different thread), where as before I was feeling so afraid...It really has become easier to deal with this!

Our emotions can really make things difficult for us - I'm grateful for this forum.

Nancy

[Lizard]

Congrats on your decision....very exciting! 

[DHJ]

Good luck Nancy. I like the outpatient treatment approach.Might try that myself.    Best wishes dave