dose irradiation

[Janusz]

Hi,

I wanted to ask whether the basic orientation about the dose of gamma received them at the time of exposure (GK, CK) and how much it lasted. Maybe you know too, can be distinguished which received the same dose of the tumor and its surroundings?
 
Janusz

[ppearl214]

I'm not sure if I fully understand the question, but will take a stab at this.

In my case, which is not "standard" for CK, I had 30Gy radiation, spread out over 5 days (each day = 6Gy, for a total of 30Gy). I was told by my radio-oncologist that for the surrounding structures, esp. the brainstem, it should take a maximum hit of 12Gy as no radiation process can guarantee that the surrounding structures do not get "touched" by any radiation.

I cannot speak to GK, but in the case of CK, I know of many that have had 18-21Gy done, fractionated, over 3 days. I know of some that had it done in single day as well.  

I think it is unique to each situation... based on location of tumor, hearing levels at time of treatment, etc.

Is this the type of info you seek?

Phyl

[mk]

In GK  the typical peripheral dose is 12-13 Gy (sometimes as low as 10-11 Gy for larger tumors). The dose received at the centre of the tumor is twice this,, i.e. 24-26 Gy.

Marianna

[Janusz]

Thank you for the information.

 Since my doctor learned that what got the tumor dose was 75 Gy and 15 Gy surroundings.  It was the GK done in one day. (I wrote about this in another place).
 I ask because I had a side effect such as numbness of the tongue, a strong burning sensation in the mouth, toothache (it gave away to much) and now remained burning cheek and lips.   
   Can someone something befallen?

 Sorry for my English, this is my second language and I have to help use Google to translate.


Sincerely,

Janusz

[mk]

GK is always done in one dose. The doses you describe seem very high. Such doses were used in the early years of GK, and resulted in many problems in the surrounding nerves. Where did you have your GK done?

The symptoms that you are describing are surely trigeminal nerve related. The trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve) is mainly a sensory nerve, controlling sensation. when irritated it can cause numbness, burning sensations, and even worse pain. It may have received a large dose of radiation, therefore may be irritated. From what I know from other forumites, some medications like neurontin (lyrica) etc may help with some of these symptoms.

Marianna

[Janusz]

 
My GK had the Chicagoland area (...).

 I took different drugs as Cymbalta, Lyric, Gamapentin (I start from 3 x 100 then 3 x 300, 3 x 600 mg), followed by 3 x 600 Neurontin (sometimes 4 x 600) and now Neurontin 1 or 2 x 600 mg + 100 or 300 mg Gamapentin.       Is not this too much?
I take also Fish Oil and Vita B12. Recently I go to a fitness club and short sauna. Have observed slight improvement. What do you think might be good for me, or all together?


 Janusz

[ppearl214]

Please know that Gabapentin and Neurontin are the same medication.  Gabapentin is the "generic" name for Neurontin.  Neurontin (ie: Gabapentin) is usually prescribed for "therapeutic" purpose over 1000 mgs/total per day. I am at 700 mgs/day (for me, it is broken out over 3 times/day to equal grand total of 700 mgs/day). 

Janusz, sounds like you have a terrific plan in place, between the medication plus fitness clube and other holistic remedies. If it is helping you to feel better, sounds like you have a good plan in place.

Wellness wishes to you!
Phyl

[Janusz]

Hi Phyl,

I know that Gabapentin and Neurontin are the same drugs. Physician changing G to the N said that "patients can react difficulty "

I have TN ( trigaminal nerve pain ) and yesterday  MD prescribed Gabapentin 3 x 800 mg/day !!!

I Think that  my GK caused also TN.    Do you think that I'm right?

Janusz

[Tumbleweed]

Janusz:

Taking fish oil is a good idea, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Eating salmon would be even better, as it contains large amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which helps prevent nerve degeneration, in addition to the omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E is also a good nutrient for the nervous system. I cannot say these will help you, but they couldn't hurt.

I hope you feel better soon.

Best wishes,
TW

[ppearl214]

Hi Janusz:

It's interesting that you are noting this at this time.... last night (and over recent months), I have been in communications with an AN'er that is researching treatment options for her 2.2cm AN and she also suffers from Trigem Neuralgia.  AN diagnosed many years ago (she's been in W+W over the years) and the TN reared its ugly head over the past year.  We had the same discussion as to whether the AN was causing the TN or if the TN is a "stand-alone" issue. Since I'm not a dr, I could not answer but noted to her to check on the CK Discussion Forums (http://www.cyberknife.com/forum.aspx) as there is a section on radiation and TN.  May be worth a peek to see how the drs there (they volunteer their time to answer patient questions) are responding to this question... any maybe an answer to your question re: GK and TN correllation. May be worth a peek.

The dose of Neurontin prescribed to you is a "therapeutic" dose (as noted to me by my dr that put me on it as well as my dad, who is a pharmacist).  I know of many at the same dose as you to try to calm down the nerve endings, esp for TN.  Have also heard of Lyrica being prescribed as well for TN.

Phyl

Hi Phyl,

I know that Gabapentin and Neurontin are the same drugs. Physician changing G to the N said that "patients can react difficulty "

I have TN ( trigaminal nerve pain ) and yesterday  MD prescribed Gabapentin 3 x 800 mg/day !!!

I Think that  my GK caused also TN.    Do you think that I'm right?

Janusz

[Janusz]

Thank you so much,

Janusz