Back home after CK at Stanford

[Tisha]

Well, I'm back from Palo Alto, having had my CK treatments last week.  Honestly, it really was a piece of cake.  I was most nervous about this awful, hacking cough I had.  I went to my doc before I left and she gave me prescription medicine with codeine, which did the trick completely.  Made me really relaxed, too.

Drs. Chang and Soltys were extremely professional and nice.  I didn't feel hurried at all.  Actually, there wasn't much that I asked, because I felt fairly well informed about everything going in.  The technical stuff I wouldn't have understood anyway.  Since I'm so concerned about hearing preservation, he did tell me that some patients are on steroids for a year.  I don't want that, but he said he would put me on some if I wanted.  It's best not to wait too long if the hearing is affected, or it might not go back up.  Since mine does feel full and affected right now, I think I'll call in for some tomorrow.   The CT Scan and Mask only took about 15 minutes, so easy.

I was very nervous the morning of treatment, like I said mostly because of the cough and not wanting to move.  The mask was snug, but I didn't feel that it was too tight at all.  I actually kept falling asleep and the 30 minutes was over before I knew it.  The next two days were a piece of cake.   So, since I didn't have to spend that much time at the clinic, we did a lot of sight-seeing.  My cousin lives there so they took us around a few days.  We went by ourselves to Monterey, Muir Woods, Sausalito, downtown Palo Alto, toured the STanford Campus, Fisherman's Wharf, rode a cable car, took in a movie even.  It was sort of a vacation, too.  California is just beautiful.  I met NE Farmwife and her husband (waving at you both!).  Such a nice couple, it was fun to meet up with them.  I'll PM you later, NE!

I do have fullness in my ear and I'm not hearing as well, but I think it's just because I had the radiation.  I felt a queasy this morning, but it left quickly.  He did tell me that 80% of CK patients DO NOT have any symptoms.   There is also a new study coming out soon.  Anyway, thank you to everyone for all the information and support leading up to this decision.  I'm thankful to have a job where insurance pays for the majority of it.  Take care. Tisha

[MAlegant]

Congratulations Tisha--I hope you recover with a minimum of side effects and that the tumor dies an ugly death. 
Best,
M

[sgerrard]

Hi Tisha,

Another good CK at Stanford experience, I see. Congratulations on getting it done. It sounds like you made the most of your trip to California as well.

It may be a little bumpy in the next few months, but you will manage, and you have a doctor to contact if the need for steroids arises.

Best wishes for a smooth first year as a Postie.

Steve

[ppearl214]

tisha, you "toastie-postie" Congratulations to you!  I know you researched the heck out of your options before hand and you went into this fully armed with info.... you done great! As Steve (and the rest of us....) have noted, the 6-12 mos can have possible bumps, so hang tough... and you know we are going to get you through this....

congratulations! You did it!

Phyl

[Tumbleweed]

Congratulations, Tisha, on achieving postie-hood!!!!! 

I fall into Dr. Chang's 20% category that did have side effects after CK. If you have a setback, I can assure you that it's just a waiting game before you'll feel much better.

You are on the road to recovery!!!!!! 

Best wishes,
Tumbleweed