GK is done...finally!

[tatianne]

Im back and im relieved that finally my GK treatment is over.

The day actually went by quite quickly and considering Im sitting here typing, I guess Im feeling ok...other then a mild headache and tenderness at the entrance points of the mask, all is good. Im a little tired since Ive been up since 330 am but sleep will be soon.

I will tell you some details of the day.
Woke up at 330 am to dress, shower and apply a cream to my forhead to freeze the area.
Left the house at 5:00 AM, I live two hours from the facility.
Got to the GK clinic at the CHUS hospital in Montreal Quebec at 730 am.
At 8 I was called in to the GK unit, given some happy pills, a catheter (SP?) for injections.
Within minutes my doctor was there to put on the mask, at that point the nurse injected me with more happy stuff.
Having the mask put on was a little uncomfortable, but this feeling didnt last long and I adjusted quickly to having it on.
Then I was taken down for an MRI...I found this to be, for me, the most uncomfortable part of the day. They put this very heavy helmet like thing
over the mask on you head and something else that weighs you down at the neck...very heavy and a lot of pressure for a 35 minute MRI.
But, I got thro it, over all it wasnt so bad and I shouldnt complain.
Within 45 minutes of completing my MRI, I was in the GK machine. The set up is much more comfortable then the MRI, its completly quiet and I had some nice quiet music to listen to. I actually fell asleep during the treatment, probably from all the happy drugs...lol I was in the GK machine for 36 minutes.
I came out, and felt like normal, (well so far)....within 30 minutes the mask was removed, wounds were disinfected and I was out the door. I left the hospital at 1:20....
So now,
I will rest and put cold compresses on my eyes that are slightly swollen.
I have to say that the over all experience was very positive. The staff at CHUS was amazing and helpful and kind.
I thank God for this wonderfuly advanced medical technology...I thank God for all my friends and family who have been so supportive and I thank God for
all of you on this board who are always here to offer support, love and compassion.
I pray that this bugger will die a quick death and shrink away to nothing, not to be seen again !
Thanks again everyone
God Bless
T

[leapyrtwins]

I pray that this bugger will die a quick death and shrink away to nothing, not to be seen again !

Sounds like a great prayer to me; I'll join you in it.

Thanks for the update.  It's wonderful to hear you had a positive experience.

Now get some sleep!  Up at 3:30 a.m.    You must be exhausted.

Jan

[Jwh]

Congrats on being a postie!  Keep us posted on how your feeling.

Jen

[Sefra22]

Congratulations T! I remember my GK treatment day as being very long as well.  I had some soreness for a couple of days where the pin sites were in the back, and found that a heating pad really did the trick to soothe that.

Lisa

[Vivian B.]

Hi Tatianne,

Congratulations on your treatment. I am glad it went well. Just relax now and know that it's over and with time,  your prayers will come true and we will all pray with you. It is very comforting to hear that this treatment is available and so uncomplicated and to hear that everyone does well with it during treatment and after treatment. Keep us posted on how you are doing. One question, when will you have to go for another MRI?

[tatianne]

tks everyone....I took a long nap and when I woke up I noticed my an ear sounds like there is an echo...anyone experience this ? It couldnt be swelling already ?

Vivian, my next MRI will be in 6 months, Nov 09...and I will have a hearing test as well at that point.

Back to sleep some more...

T

[Vivian B.]

Hi tatianne,

Thanks for replying. I just wanted to know how the process works after treatment. I can't answer your question but I can wish you sweet dreams!

Vivian

[mk]

Tatianne,

congratulations on the completion of your procedure. I hope you had a good rest and you will feel better today. Make sure to take it easy for the next couple of weeks. I tooknaps during the day after my GK, and made sure I rested at regular intervals. I never felt the profound fatigue that others have mentioned, and it might have been because I really took it easy.

Does the "echo" you mention feel like sounds are a bit distorted? I had distortion on and off before GK and up to about 4-5 months post GK. It was more noticeable in my noisy classroom! It has totally disappeared now.
Ibuprophen has generally helped me with mild symptoms, and it is an antiinflammatory so it can certainly help with inflammation issues. If this becomes bothersome you may want to try it.

Marianna

[28Lisa]

Congrats Im sure all your worries have subsided

So happy for you

((hugs))

[tatianne]

Hi Marianne, thanks for your reply..
Yes the sounds feel slightly distorted, perfect description..but i can still hear at the same level..i tested it by talking on the phone.
Maybe there is some mild swelling.
I have been resting and I will continue to do so. Thursday Im back at work....grrrrrrrrr but I have no choice at this point.

Its exactly 24 hours since my treatment and my pin holes are feeling better, headache is gone. I guess now its a wait and see thing until my MRI in November,
life will go one as normal.

[Sue]

Hi Tatianne,

A Post Toastie at last!  You made it.  Sounds like you remember more of your procedure than I did.  Weird little experience, isn't it?  But, yes...Thank God for modern medicine.  I am so happy for you.  I remember when you first posted and you were so scared.  You've come a long way, baby!

Take care,

Sue in Vancouver, USA

[EJTampa]

Hi T!
 
Congratulations on getting through your GK!  I'm glad to hear that the headaches were short lived, but too bad about having to go back to work so soon .
 
Take care and keep us updated,
 
Ernie

[Jim Scott]

Tatianne ~

Congratulations on the successful and relatively uneventful completion of your Gamma Knife treatment!   Your description of the experience was informative and will be useful for those contemplating GK.  I was pleased to read that your headaches have gone and the 'pin holes' feel better.  Best yet was the news that your hearing has remained stable.  Rest is good but it's too bad you have to be back at work so soon.  Well, I'm sure you'll be up to it and as you stated, 'life goes on as normal (or something close to it.).   Stay well - and thanks for the post.

Jim