ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: Tumbleweed on July 05, 2008, 04:35:33 pm
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Has anyone been required to have their hair cut for CK treatment (to fit the mask)?
Thanks,
Tumbleweed
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I don't believe they do - but then again, I had surgery so I'm not certain.
I'm sure someone who had radiation will give you their input.
Just wanted to say good luck Tumbleweed. Hope everything goes as planned ;D
Jan
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Thanks, Jan.
Tumbleweed
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Hi, Tumbleweed -
Though my hair isn't long, I don't think it would have made a difference. My CK mask was made with me lying on a specialized table with a narrow head support that has anchor stubs where the mask is secured. Before forming, the mask material is dampened so it's soft & flexible (it's sort of like an open-weave cellulose cloth) and then it's draped over the face from hairline to chin, and extending down the sides of the face to the anchor points on the table.
The technician (Larry, if you go to Stanford) molds the fabric to your facial features as the mask hardens. It's quite open, structurally, and easy to breathe through. You can see through it too. (and it makes a nifty Halloween costume)
It leaves your crown open and doesn't wrap around the back of your head at all, so I see no reason why long hair would be a problem as long as the back of your skull fits securely into the molded "pillow" they custom make to support and stabilize your head.
You can always post an inquiry on the Cyberknife site - I'm sure it won't be the first time they've been asked that.
Best wishes with your adventure!
Adrienne
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Thanks a ton for your detailed answer, Aardvark. That's very helpful!
Best regards,
Tumbleweed
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I don't know how it would be with a woman with a lot of hair but there was no need for my husband to have his hair cut. I do have to add that about a month after the treatment, he did develop a bald spot that was round and just about the size of the CK cone that the rays came out of. He wore a hat for awhile and it seemed to grow back quickly.
Good Luck,
Sheryl
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Hmmm... hopefully I won't get a bald spot. Dr. Chang said I wouldn't. I'll be going on a week-long biz trip beginning 2 weeks after treatment and hope to look normal. Thanks for the warning shot, Sheryl.
Best wishes,
Tumbleweed
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Hi Tumbleweed!
I had CK done the end of May. When I went to get the mask fitted, the technician, stuffed my hair into my blouse, so as to get it out of the way. I asked her if that is what the staff would be doing during treatment days. Her answer was "yes, more than likely". I knew I would not be able to stand the sensation of feeling my hair tucked into my blouse for 40-60 minutes, so I chose to get it cut. It was totally a personal choice and not required by my CK staff.
You may want to ask what (if anything) they will do with your long hair on treatment days.
Take Care, and Best Wishes,
Annette
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Hey Tumbleweed,
I have one-length hair down to my um....derriere... and at the time of my CK... was at that length as well. Didn't have to cut my hair one iota. Instead of using ponytail holder (which would press against my neck), I just pulled it back and laid it flat under the neck rest. Was no bother during treatment... and had the funniest looking "mask hair" after treatment :)
See my frappr link below (in my sig line). Then, scroll down to see the pics of me during my CK (select the link for "More photos", then scroll down the page again). You will see my hair length and my face/hair in the mask.. and mesh mask face/hair post CK.
Honestly, should be of no issue/concern. :)
Phyl
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Hey Phyl - is that the picture with the nice white teeth???
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Tumbleweed -
I know it's kind of early, but any update on your CK treatment yet?
Been thinking of you and hoping all goes well :)
Jan
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I had Gamma Knife for my 2nd tumor (surgery on the first) on April 29th. No, they did not cut my hair, but I did lose a little about 2 weeks after. Good luck to you!
JTomes
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Hey Phyl - is that the picture with the nice white teeth???
Yeah, yeah, yeah.... ;D
Tumbleweed, hope you are doing well!
Phyl
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Thanks, Jan and Phyl, for your well wishes. I just got home after getting CK at Stanford. Feeling pretty wiped out. Very fatigued and weak, mild disequilibrium and shortness of breath (comes and goes), slightly queasy, and a numb head. I feel like the back and top of my skull has had a mild shot of novacaine and I'm not totally "with it"/in my body. I hope that's nothing I should worry about.
Thankfully, I have no facial symptoms or headaches. Ate a balanced meal for dinner and am starting to feel considerably better.
Thanks again for the well wishes. It's wonderful to have the support of others who have been here before me.
Tumbleweed
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funny thing isn't it? No, no hair cut, as you found out by now. At the time, I wondered if I'd have to shave my beard!! I didn't, for those of you who might wonder... :)
Ciao, Lorenzo
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tumbleweed-
glad to hear you have come OK through the CK, and that you're feeling better after dinner. Hope you are feeling completely back to yourself in no time!
Carrie
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Thanks, Carrie!
Best,
Tumbleweed
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Hey, Tumbleweed -
glad to hear that the CK is over and that you are doing well.
Keep up the good work ;D
Jan