Feeling thankful!

[Petrone]

Great news. My latest MRI on Friday showed no changes from my last MRI one-year ago. Prior to Gamma-knife treatment in April 2013, my AN measured 1.8cm. It swelled to 2.1 cm following GK and I experienced 3 months of severe, post-GK side effects (headaches, dizziness, imbalance, etc.). 3-years later, my AN measures 1.4cm. No long-term post-GK side effects. I've adapted to diminished AN-side hearing and constant Tinnitus. My doctor said I may begin spacing MRIs every two years going forward. 

So, my AN treatment was successful and I'm leading a normal, healthy post-AN life. For that, I will be grateful and thankful until my last breath. I hope some of the newbies coming to this forum gain some hope by hearing that there are successful AN treatments and outcomes. I will keep those of you who continue to struggle with AN related issues in my thoughts and prayers. 

Be well,
Petrone         

[mcrue]

Awesome news Petrone!

I hope to be right where you are in 3 years. I also presented with a 1.8 cm AN going in for Gamma Knife treatment on March 3, 2016.

While the significant hearing loss on the AN side and constant tinnitus can be devastating, it sure beats many alternatives (and avoids surgery). "Adapting" and "acclimating" to the new lifestyle are the right words, although some days are better than others.

Congratulations on your continued success.

[MG]

Great news Petrone! I am having CK in June. Did they do just one session of GK? Do you know what the number of GY's they used? I am so confused about the number. They say 13 GY will help with facial preservation or even 12.5GY. Thanks for keeping us updated on your journey.

MG

[mcrue]

I'm also interested in how many GY's Petrone received?

I made it very clear to my doctor that I would rather have "less than more" when it comes to radiation. I received 12 GY's.

Gamma Knife is usually a one-shot deal.

[Patti]

When did you experience the 3 months of trouble?  I an 6 months out and am wondering if this is the worst of it (which isn't bad!).  What a relief for you!

[Petrone]

I received a single session of GK in 2013.  Sorry, but I'm not sure how many GY's I received.  I may have known that back then, but I just don't recall anymore. 

To Patti, my post-GK trouble began 8-9 weeks after treatment. It happened quite abruptly. I remember being in my office one day when I suddenly had trouble hearing people talking right next to me. A few days later, what I called "ice-pick" headaches began. The headaches were debilitating. I could barely function for several weeks, but I mostly kept it to myself and muddled through. Dizziness became so bad I sometimes had trouble walking to my car after work. Even taking a shower was a challenge because I could barely maintain my balance whenever I closed my eyes to rinse off soap or shampoo. My doctors were pretty useless during this entire period, despite my pleas for help. They said things like, "we have NO idea what could be causing all of the symptoms you're describing." I felt extremely frustrated, even hopeless. Then, about 10-12 weeks after the post-GK side effects began, they gradually began to subside. By about 6 months post-GK, I was pretty much back to normal.

It's been said on this great forum many times that we're all different and no two people have the same experience. I'm sharing my experience with the hope that it may help others who are facing post-GK side effects. I hope your post-GK side effects eventually subside, just as mine did. Never give up!   
 
Petrone   

           

[Janey]

Good news, Petrone.
I had GK on April 29.  It is so helpful to hear the status of those that have traveled the road!
Congratulations!

[PaulW]

Small ANs often end up getting 13Gy while bigger ones will get 12-13Gy

[Patti]

Thanks for the information, Petrone. 

[tdlight]

Congratulations!!!