Gamma knife surgery

[Poncegirl]

I had a Gamma Ray treatment yesterday hoping to stop the progression of my AN. Traditional surgery not recommended due to age ( healthy active 78). feeling quite well, slept well last night but a bit weak today. High hopes the treatment works

[Bob36]

Hope you’re feeling ok. I had gamma knife in 2014 and successful so far. No growth since and have a check every 2 years now. I had a bad headache afterwards - but that was more to do with the frame they screwed in to my head! Good luck and take care.

[Poncegirl in reply to Bob36]

Thank you Bob, really appreciate your reply. Six months for the next MRI and hopefully this works. I was surprised the areas where the pins were put in left tiny little cuts.

[Bob36 in reply to Poncegirl]

I had the frame on for a number of hours and the headache when it was removed was horrendous! But short lived. I had an MRI at 6 months, then yearly and after (I think it was 3 years), it went to every 2 years. At 6 months they told me it was - and I quote “necrotising nicely”! They made no assurances at 6 months, so don’t be worried! Mine has shown no re growth so far and I’m 9 years on. Take care.

[Poncegirl]

Hi Bob, what was the size of the tumor when the Gamma Ray was done. Mine was 1.7 cm

Had the frame on a couple hours, CT with it on then the Gamma

[GGourmet in reply to Poncegirl]

Hi there, a 1.7cm tumour is well within the capacity for gamma knife.

The limit is usually around 3.5cm. Once the tumour is that large, the amount of radiation required overlaps too close to the tumour and can cause brain damage.

For you, it is not really your age but anyone with a 1.7cm tumour would be treated with gamma knife, in preference to invasive surgery which has a much higher change of resulting in permanent nerve damage.

[Poncegirl in reply to GGourmet]

I had the Gamma Knife a week ago today. Still somewhat fatigued and a bit off balance but the balance was also prior before. Appreciate your reply.

[whitefishbay]

I hope it went well and you feel fine. Next step for me....

[Poncegirl in reply to whitefishbay]

Went very well, hopefully for you too....