Greetings from a new postie!
I just had radiosurgery yesterday using the Trilogy system and I wanted to share some of the experience. First of all, I absolutely loved the "happy pill"! Wow, that ativan is one terrific drug. Very highly recommended, whatever "flavor" of radiation you choose!
My sister was the official recordkeeper of the event and we haven't compared notes yet, so this is what I remember. First came the ativan and an IV of decadron and an anti-nausea medication. Then came the headframe, which wasn't bad the first time they put it on. Unfortunately it was too high, and it had to be removed and put on a second time. Even with the ativan and double shots of lidocaine, that was bad. My poor holey head! But after it's on, you really do adjust to it. Within 10 minutes I was aware of it, but it wasn't uncomfortable at all.
Then back to a room with a bed, recliner, tv and room for family to hang out. I was allowed to eat breakfast...but that proved challenging. Have you ever tried to feet a goat through a chain link fence? Maybe it was the ativan at work, but it was hilarious just trying to get a bite of food through the headframe. As you can imagine, when you're in that frame of mind, time goes by very quickly.
Around 1:30 the planning was complete they bolted the headframe to the Trilogy bench. At first, it was fine. However, after three sets of x-rays and corresponding adjustments, the ativan had worn off and my neck and lower back were in spasms. But it was manageable. Eventually, everything lined up and I had a series of 5 beams. The actual treatment took about 10 minutes.
The headframe came off easily, and I was able to leave (after taking a couple tylenol and sitting impatiently through 30 minutes of observation). Except for the headframe issue, it was not a bad experience.
Today I've had small fever off and on, but no headaches, nausea, fatigue or facial issues. I even went into work for 3 hours. The pinholes are annoying but they're healing very fast. The radiation doc checked in with me mid-day and we're both pleased with the way things are going.
I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and good wishes and most especially for the support during the months of indecision and confusion before I decided on a treatment. Y'all are the best!
Betsy
