Gama Knife

[Ntash01]

Any experiences to share regarding experience and side effects?

Chemo has been stopped and waiting for GK treatment to get a little pest under control that’s pressing on a nerve. Currently popping steroids daily to reduce swelling, and I must say the energy I get is on another level. Probs why I’m not feeling depressed or teary. I’ve been referred to a hospital in London for treatment because I think it’s specialist equipment 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Timing is not great - but when would it be🙄 planning to travel over Xmas period but now worried if that’s even possible. Last time I had radiotherapy it was everyday for 2 weeks, not sure if Gama is the same? Thanks in advance for any kind of info.

Nx

[Roarlion]

Hi Nx,

I had Gamma Knife on October 11. The procedure is challenging but it depends on how many spots you have. I had 14. The great part is that it is one day procedure than you are done! Very professional, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and physicist . No real side effects. Amazing! No chemo for two weeks. Steroids for 10 days.

BUT I must tell you that my husband waited for over 5 hours in the waiting room in Philadelphia. Masks were not required. He got Covid . I got Covid six days later than pneumonia. All managed from home. Certainly not feeling well during my recovery. Still not feeling up to par. Had chemo yesterday. Tough month but not because of Gamma! PLEASE take every precaution around the holidays.

Denise

[Ntash01 in reply to Roarlion]

Dearest Denise

Thank you so much for your time to respond with so much detail- I’m so a appreciative x

14 spots definitely sounds challenging- I have 2 spots that require zapping. So sorry you picked up so many other health issues after leaving the hospital- I keep reminding myself to wear a mask to avoid catching it during this winter month - I don’t want to have COVID jab on top of everything else…so much drugs.

Good news that’s it’s a one trip job. I normally take myself to appointments, I know how long they can be but this occasion I won’t risk it.

If my appointment for the treatment isn’t soon, I may have to cancel holiday. Hoping to hear by next week and then it depends date for app.

Take good care and I hope you get back to a good place soon x

[Iwasborntodothis]

My sister had this procedure in 2015? I stayed with her all day and it was a long day for sure. The metal head gear they put on you to hold you still in the scans and knife procedure is pretty medieval looking. She had a clear scan after this procedure and the "wounds" from the metal frame bothered her more than anything else if I remember correctly. She had already had full brain radiation so this was a much more positive experience. So, headgear placement and scan, wait for results and calculations for the lasers, then actual procedure, then removal of headgear, then home? I dont remember if follow up scan was that day or later.

[Ntash01]

Thank you so much for sharing your sisters experience. The full brain radiation scares me so much, but I guess until I go in for treatment anything is possible. I’ve learnt to stop guessing what’s next because I’m never right, curveballs all over the place! I shall be prepared for a long day. Should be happening within the next week or so and by the grace of god all will be well. Consultant called me today with a list of ‘what if’ but I can’t let cons sway me not to have it… pros outweigh everything.

Tc IwasBorn…. Wishing you well

N