| June
25th
I am happy to report, you need not fear gamma knife radiation
surgery, but embrace it. Years ago, tumors of the brain were
a death sentence. But with today’s technology you have
the opportunity face brain tumors on better battle grounds. |
My X rays |
A few of my
Gamma Knife team |
Part of the frame |
Preparing me
for the frame |
| My
Gamma Knife team consisted of Dr. Simpson, Dr. Dacey and three
nurses – Charlotte, Joyce and Kim. There were two other
interns involved, but I don’t know their names. The procedure
began with a CAT scan and a MRI. I was a little scared when
I went in, after all they were going to attach a device, called
a frame, that they screw into my skull with four pins, and
then zap my brain tumors with 201 cobalt radiation rays (Praise
God). The frame kept my head from moving and ensured that
the radiation beams were directed with the utmost precision.
|
Sizing the frame |
Betadine head :-) |
The frame & pins |
The frame |
| These
201 beams converge into one focal point. The dose of radiation
is optimized to hit only the tumors, without damaging the
healthy tissue. The nurses first measured my head to place
the frame, then betadine was used to cleanse the skin, which
left a lovely orange look to my forehead. |
The pins |
Joe 'field-testing'
my frame |
Sizing my frame |
Sizing my frame |
| There
is virtually no pain except the initial stick from the needle,
much like getting a shot of novacaine when you go to the dentist.
I felt pressure when they attached the frame to my head, but
no real pain was involved. |
Waiting with
my mom Jill |
Sizing my frame |
Sizing my frame |
After applying
the frame |
| I
have such a wonderful support structure that it really reduced
a great deal of my anxiety. I recommend you have your support
team with you, it really helped me. |
More waiting :-) |
More waiting :-) |
More waiting :-) |
More waiting :-) |
| The
procedure began at 7:00a.m. and ended at 2:00p.m. The after
effects included feeling tired, and my eyes got puffy for
a few days. Here I am, several days later, typing this up
on my computer. I was informed that the tiredness will affect
me for a few weeks. I will let you know…….. |
My mom Carol |
My husband Dave |
My sister Meegan |
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| Thanks
for stopping
by my site |
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