Gamma Update (Treatment 09/11/13)

[Echo]

Woke up this morning to find both eyelids swollen significantly.  Left eyelid completely covered with a dark reddish bruise.  I was somewhat surprised because I had been using cold compresses on the pin sites and they have been doing great!  I've spent most of the day with cold compresses and looking through tiny slits.  The swelling is slightly better this evening so I'll keep doing the compresses and resting.  The list of things I was to watch for post treatment included the swelling but it was at the bottom of the list and was mentioned as a reaction to the local anesthetic.  I'm not surprised I'm reacting to the anesthetic.  I've had terrible reactions in the past to general anesthetic so it was one of the many reasons I chose Gamma.

Other than the swollen eyelids which are not sore, just annoying, I am pleased to say I feel pretty good!

Cathie.

[robinb]

Hi Cathie-

Glad to hear you are feeling good. I know the swelling will subside soon, so all the best for a continued good outcome.

[Nannybee]

Cathie, here's hoping every day brings you closer to the pre-head frame you. It is the worst part by far.

[Nank]

I had a droopy eyelid for a while but last about 1 week.  Hope your eyes are back to normal soon!

[Echo]

Well the ice packs are finally working.  Both eye lids are almost back to normal.  The bruising is turning a lovely yellowish red colour, however, I now have swelling below the lids in the sinus area above the cheek bones.  My sinuses are a complete mess and I'm quite congested. Honestly not sure if I have picked up a cold or if the all the fluid from the swelling is providing cold like symptoms. Given how swollen the eye lids were there's a ton of extra fluid in my head.   Pin sites are doing excellent!!  Have  very minor headaches occasionally that Tylenol can manage.

Overall I'm doing well.  I was able to walk the dogs today around a couple of small blocks.  Felt good to get outside and get some fresh air.  Looking forward to taking longer walks and finding more energy each day.  I am listening to my body as so many of you have told me to do and taking rests frequently.

Cathie.

[Echo]

It's been one month today since my Gamma Knife treatment.  The only issue I encountered immediately after treatment were the swollen eyelids which swelled and bruised significantly.  Three days of using ice packs and the swelling was gone, bruising gone within the first week.  Separate to my Gamma treatment I ended up with a nasty sinus and bronchial infection that lasted for the initial two weeks after treatment, so needless to say it was a rough few weeks.   I'd like to let everyone know that things are now good!

The biggest change I've noticed so far is the incredible relief I feel at being post treatment.  For the entire year after diagnosis I was constantly thinking about what to do. My symptoms made it difficult to not think about treatment choices.  While I felt relief at finally deciding on Gamma Knife treatment, the biggest relief came after my treatment. It was during my third week post treatment, I was trimming a few plants in the garden and suddenly realized how incredibly good I felt.  I realized I was experiencing a calm peaceful feeling that I hadn't experienced for a long time - there were no little voices in my head arguing over what to do with my AN Alien! 

I know it's early yet in my recovery process and things may or may not change as time goes on.  I still have balance issues I'm working on, and the usual issues I experience with darkness - which is coming earlier in the evening each day, however, today I am thankful all is good and good news is worth sharing!

Cathie

[Jim Scott]

Cathie ~

Congratulations on your one-month anniversary as a 'postie-toastie!  I'm delighted to learn that the stress and tension of having your AN radiation treatment both decided on and finished is lifting your spirits to new heights.  I trust your recovery will continue, unabated.   

Jim