Thanks! Great Forum

[ampeep]

Hi,

I've been visiting this website/forum ever since I was diagnosed with a 1.9 mm AN in August 2013 (don't know the other dims).  Was watching/waiting until early Jan 2014 a followup MRI showed some growth; just had the Gamma Knife procedure this morning.  Was surprised the unit didn't make any noise & I didn't feel any different afterward.  My head does ache where the pins attached the headframe, but I was able to walk our two dogs this afternoon!

I want to thank all of you who have provided info which was very valuable in helping me to cope with this.  It was good to get information on treatment possibilities and issues and concerns that you all shared.

In a way, I feel sort of lucky to have this because in the 5 months since my diagnosis, my optometrist suddenly passed away and my brother-in-law passed away 1 month after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Dec 27 2013.

Keith
 

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Keith ~

I'm pleased to learn that your GK procedure went well.  I'm also pleased that the ANA website discussion forums and our members were of real help to you.  As a support site for AN patients, that is our goal.  I wish you continued healing and early evidence of AN necrosis.   

Jim

[Echo]

Hi Keith,

I hope you have an uneventful recovery and continue to do well.  There is a tremendous amount of support here should you require it. 

Keep well, and keep us posted.
Cathie.

[ampeep]

Hi Jim & Cathie,

Thanks for your well wishes!  After seeing your posts over the past 6 months, I feel like I know you.  It's been comforting, especially since there are no AN support groups in Hawaii.

Amazed that the only side effect of GK was sore pin sites, which feel a lot better today.   My Radiation Oncologist said that one Halloween, he treated his friend, who took photos of him with the head frame!

Pls excuse my error w/ the metric system - my AN was 1.9 cm not mm. 

Aloha,
Keith

[rupert]

Did you have your GK in Hawaii?   I have only visited Maui and loved it.  I now have an excuse to fly out there again. To help start a support group.    

[ampeep]

I had the GN in Honolulu, so it was really convenient.  It's a lot more crowded than Maui.

[Echo]

I've never been to Hawaii, but that's one support group I'd love to join!! 

Cathie.

[mesafinn]

Keith,

I'm glad you're on the other side of the GK and hope you recuperate quickly and comfortably.  Remember, you did have surgery-of-a-kind so give your body time to heal and listen to yourself when you're feeling fatigue and other aspects of recovery.

I'm sorry for the losses you've endured and hope the rest of 2014 is nothing but positive and bright for you!

Peace,

Patrick

[ampeep]

Patrick,

Appreciate your suggestions regarding GK recovery and your very positive thoughts!  Seems a bit weird because I didn't feel anything from the procedure.


Cathie,

Never been to Toronto either - only places I've been to were Vancouver & Victoria, BC.

Take care,
Keith

[ampeep]

Day 4 - just got back from an appt w/ my neurosurgeon.  Pin sites are healing well; asked him about increased tinnitus & slight dizziness that started on Day 2.  He said that's not unusual after GK.

I can resume my normal activities & scheduled my next appt in 6 months.  The 6 month MRI may show some tumor swelling. 

Earlier I'd mentioned that I had a 1 week trip to Japan scheduled for March; he said to call for an appt if I run into any problems prior to the trip.

He looked up my dogs on the internet & said they look a lot stockier than he expected!  He's also a dog person too.