Had Gamma Knife treatment this past week. I did a considerable amount of research, primarily in peer-reviewed abstracts, papers, this and hospital websites in addition to serious consultations with my doctor. We reviewed all of the options. At first, mircosurgery seemed to be the option of choice. It was after completing several more advanced diagnostic tests that the radiosurgery became at least as viable as the microsurgical approach. I pretty much had a choice between two: translab microsurgery or Gamma Knife. With a 90% or better chance that the GK would be successful in stopping the growth and the major surgery still an option in the event that the GK was not, I chose the GK as my first option. One question that I asked was whether I was potentially complicating my situation later on if the GK did not succeed. The response is that techniques may improve over time. So, if we have to revisit this a few years down the line, there may be better ways to deal with it just a there have been improvements leading up to now. The one option that will not be viable should it come to be in the future is one that does not exist today (and might never) and that is a pharmacological treatment. The GK effects both the molecular structure and the blood flow to the growth (at least that is my lay understanding--I am a patient, not a doctor, so read with that in mind) so nothing would get through.
I've had a good experience. While my understanding is that an acoustic neuroma is a major condition with potentially serious consequences if you do not manage it, actually going through the process of diagnosis and treatment has been a remarkably straightforward. Perhaps I am fortunate in that every step of the way I was referred to the right people. I also took time to learn what I could and carefully considered my options.
The Gamma Knife itself was not that much more complicated than an MRI, except for the headframe. I was in and out of the hospital in about 7 hours, start to finish. For most of that time, except for when they placed the headframe on, I was alert and active. My energy was fantastic afterwards and, several days out, the only real indication of the treatment is a little residual effect from the frame, a little swelling and two little punctures on my forehead where the frame pins were and slightly more pronounced areas on the back of my head where the weight of my head exerted more pressure and the pins went in a little deeper. Other than a good headache for about a half hour after they removed the frame and then a dull ache, mainly at the pinspots, for the next day, effect has been minimal.
The actual effect of the Gamma Knife is not revealed for some time, so how this all plays out will not be known until we see future scans and the exposed area has time to react. What I can say at this point is that the effect of the treatment itself had a minimal impact on my day to day. I was able to walk out of the hospital, eat, and pretty much resume normal activity without interruption. I gave myself a little down time from work (it is brain surgery after all and if that doesn't qualify for sick time, I don't know what will!). I was physically and mentally able to handle personal and business matters by email and phone the next day. I was also on a Spinning bike getting a modest workout and my energy was good the following afternoon. My family has begged me to stay quiet but I have had the energy to do more.
I give tremendous credit to my team throughout this entire process. I was totally prepared and everyone I enountered conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism. I wouldn't wish an acoustic neuroma, or any ailment, on anyone...but if you have to go through something like this, the people you meet along the way make a difference
