Gamma Knife Surgery - from the patient's perspective

Monday AM ..5:45

Rich will be with me.

One last try before invasive Brain Surgery

Thanks for praying it does the job this time.

I am NOT afraid.. but I don't need four more

holes in my head.!! LOL

My Latest MRI

I had an MRI last Monday..I got called yesterday to come consult with my

neurosurgeon.

Doctor said this (we were there for 2 1/2 hours.) Rich was suppose to

work out of town, but he stayed here and took me to see my doctor.

Dr. Kloppenstein

I had 3 options. ( the tumors are the original set) only 3 of the five. I have had

3 different batches of tumors..over the last two years

They have gone thru gamma and whole brain but they ARE growing again.

My Options

Do nothing..just watch them and reduce brain swelling with steriods. Just putting off

further treatment that will be needed.

Treat again with Gamma Knife..could work..may not..but if it doesn't we are

back at option 3.

Brain surgery.. 3 separate areas of the brain..one is somewhat deep..

all will be drilled..cut out ..sewed up..then on to the next tumor

all done in one day.

in the hospital for 5?? days then home with steroids to reduce

brain swelling and hopefully off steroids in a matter of weeks.

I have another MRI tomorrow AM..it's called functional MRI

and Gamma Knife this coming Monday. All the doctors discussed

my case and they all agreed. we can try gamma again..but surgery

may be imminent.

I'll be glad to get this resolved. I'm tired of whining about it.

LOL

Brain Tumors are TOAST

I'm home!!

Here's my bandaged head from the screw holes

Just four two in front two at the back side of my head.

Two pumpkin heads.

I convinced Rich to take a picture of me.. I'm the one WITHOUT

the lights.!! Don't you love my Hannibal Titanium Mask??

After about 7 hours of procedures, meds, IV's, MRI, Gamma Knife procedure planning

and 15 minutes of the Gamma Knife....we are home. The tumors should have been

burnt senseless and the tissue will just be absorbed by my body.

All went well ..I had the same nurse..same Gamma Team from last July

a new Neurosurgeon ( Click here to read about *and see* Dr. Klopfenstein) and a Resident .

Piece of cake compared to the Whole Brain Radiation &

the first Gamma Knife.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

EDUCATE YOURSELF, GIVE TO KOMEN FOUNDATION,

RUN A RACE, FEEL YOUR BOOBIES

TELL A FRIEND ABOUT MY BLOG

I can offer hope ..experience, what to expect and prayer. I'd

love to be someone's "Breast Friend"

I have a new neurosurgeon and

he's handsome.!!! LOL

I go in tomorrow at 5:20 AM, Rich will go also.

They will do the Gamma Knife procedure and

just ZAP that cancer out of there.

Doctor says check ups every three months are

essential and if I have more cancer lesions

every 6 months or every year..we can

handle them. I like his attitude.

I'll try to get Rich to take a picture

of me in my Hannibal mask tomorrow.

I may be gone all day, so I'll post later

this week.

The sun is out, the bugs are swarming and

I'm going outside to enjoy it.

On another note, Hunter is doing great!!

If he keeps progessing as he has he may

be released from the hospital in a week or so.

Check his blog

My BFF Marcia (Hunter's grandma) had a birthday Saturday..don't know

why she'd disclose her age, but she did.

fondly,

A Hair Update

Remember this?? Bald from chemo & a black eye from hitting my eye with the Swiffer as I was cleaning??
Here's my hair today.
I hate my side profile..LOL (I've gained weight too!UGH UGH UGH)
These two bald spots are from the Gamma Knife when my 5 brain tumors were removed. I think the 2 largest were here & that's why I don't have 5 spots. It may be permanent, but my other hair will grow over them. I still have a red spot where the "crown" for Gamma Knife was screwed to my skull. I also have two tiny holes above each eyebrow. Here's the top on my head..
The back of my head
Yep, I have hair..GRAY and GRAYER for now. Can you believe someone told me she liked my carefree hair??? LOL, she had no idea that I would NEVER EVER EVER cut my hair this short..I just said , thank you!! teehee

I caught a summer cold, sore throat, body aches, face aches, Hubby was so kind to share his with me.

JOYS

using hair gel

my hair looks a lil curly

being a wife, mom, grandma, friend, woman

my sweet hubby

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I'll be choosing the winner on 8/26/08

The Latest News!! IT's Better Than We Thought

All I can say, is thank heavens for headaches!!

That headache that started 2 weeks ago was a warning

sign. I had it for over a week, told my Dr. Mammolito

when I went to her for my follow up (she's my breast surgeon)

Last Tuesday,

she had me go THAT day for a head MRI & had my results

sent to my oncologist (Dr. Prager) that same day. I got a call that late

afternoon.

The headaches are from edema (swelling).. I for sure have tumors

in my brain , they will search for more tomorrow.

Today Rich and I went to "Gamma Knife Center" for

our appt. Tomorrow at 6 AM we will go in for the

radiation procedure. Most of the day, it will be VERY precise

radiation to destroy just the tumors. The docs will do a head MRI

every 8 weeks for about 2 years to watch for more developing tumors.

We are delighted it will be a one time procedure..the outlook is excellent & we are praising God for the ease of it.

Please pray for us tomorrow..I know God will be with us nd all will be fine.. I'm only a BIT cautious of the CROWN

I will get screwed to my skull!!
EEEK, but it will be fine.

Thanks to all of you for caring!

With Love In Him, Deena