Gamma Knife to be scheduled :(

[skamper]

Met with the Neurosurgeon and Gamma Knife specialist today.  Remaining piece that was left in is measuring 1.5 cm and sits on the 7th nerve.  They want to do Gamma Knife to shrink it as much as possible to keep it from growing and causing any problems.  I'm super nervous about the whole thing but they were very reassuring.  It's just a lot to take in in one appointment.  So much to learn and understand about the whole procedure.
The neurosurgeon's office will call with the appointment date.
Scared and nervous,
Susan

[cindyjarrett]

Susan,

I had gamma knife on October 12, 2012.  I was at the hospital for six hours total that day.  They put me to sleep just long enough to do the headframe.  I was only in the gamma machine for 38 minutes.  You also will have to have an MRI after the headframe is attached.  I was very calm through the whole procedure and feel you will do just fine also.  If you have any specific questions, just let me know.  It has been over two months and I feel great.  I sometimes get a pressure feeling in my head if I am stressed or if it is late in the day. 

Cindy

[robinb]

Hi Cindy-

Where did you have the GK done? I have mine scheduled for 1/23 at UPMC w/Dr. Lunsford; very freaked about the head frame.

[nftwoed]

Hi Susan;

  With GK dosages as low as they are nowadays ( 11 - 13 gy. ), I believe you will do fine as the facial nerve is the most resilient of the 3 in the area. It also has regenerative capability.
  I wouldn't allow a little facial weakness ( if that occurs ) at first to scare you.
  Best wishes!

[cindyjarrett]

Robin,

I had gamma knife at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  I was going to go to Pittsburgh.  However, I went to the Mayo Clinic and UVA and after they both said the same thing, I chose UVA since it was close to home.  I have heard nothing but great reports for Pittsburgh.  Good Luck.  If you have any other questions, just message me.

Cindy

[leapyrtwins]

Prayers, Susan.

Jan

[skamper]

Thanks everyone, I had my gamma knife done on the 16th, Wed.  I almost passed out as they screwed in the last screw.  They had to drop my bed and elevate my feet.  Stayed like that for about 15 minutes or so.  Rest of the day, my husband says I was pretty pale.  The procedure itself was only 28 minutes total.  In and out three times though.
Felt good afterwards, just really tired from the whole day.  Have soreness at bolt sights and headaches.  I can't seem to sleep well since Thursday night.  Has anybody had that problem?  It's driving me crazy.
Glad it's over, MRI in April to see if it worked!
Thanks again.
Susan

[arizonajack]

  I almost passed out as they screwed in the last screw.

I just had my GK on Tuesday and was given a general anesthetic so I was asleep for about 20 minutes while they put the head frame on. When I woke up it was all done and my scalp had been anesthetized. Didn't feel any discomfort. Got a little soreness now at the pin sites but that's clearing up. The GK took about 30 minutes, frame off, got dressed, got some final instructions from the nurse, felt fine, and was out the door.

Seems like everybody's experience is different.