ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: windy on January 04, 2011, 09:07:49 pm
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I had GK in Aug. 08. I have not had what I would call an easy post treatment experience. Last year I posted my GK post treatment experience for the sole purpose to share in case others had a post treatment experience that did not go exactly smooth. A trouble free post treatment period is what any patient hopes for, but does not happen in every case. My objective was to help someone if they had some hurdles to overcome in their post experience path.
Even in the midst of my post treatment experience I felt sure my radiation had worked. Much to my dismay, I was told on my two year anniversary in Aug. 2010, that my tumor had grown, almost 2 mm in a 8 month period. My neurosurgeon told me it was not usual. He wanted to see me again around 4 - 5 months later for another MRI scan. As my treatment was in Pittsburgh, I also sent my MRI scans for their opinions, as well. I was told they saw cases of growth like mine in 4 to 5 percent of the cases with a 2% chance of resolve!! Needless to say, those are very small percentages and not the kind you want to be in for sure.
I was put on MANY, MANY, prayer lists. I really needed them, as I had already been told I was not a good candidate for surgery due to immune issues, so I really needed the radiation to work.
I went back last week and found out my tumor had not grown at all and had a possible 1 MM shrinkage in one angle. I was thrilled!! I felt prayers had been answered!! The neurosurgeon said he felt I was "probably out of the woods" and "they would not have to do anything drastic at this point". I am now back to a one year MRI schedule. I still have some issues, but am so relieved to have this news that I feel more accepting of them.
If your path is not always easy or not predictable, do not give up hope. Things can still turn out well! I hope I hear an equally good report at the end of this year!!
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Great news Windy! I'm a STRONG believer in the power of prayer!
K
*thankful*
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That is truly wonderful news - just what you needed. Prayers for continued progress.
Grace
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Hi, Windy ~
Thanks for the good news! Although, as you noted, radiation treatments cannot be guaranteed to be 100% successful for every AN patient, the odds of re-growth are quite small and if you find yourself within that small statistic, it can certainly be discouraging. However, now that you're no longer part of the re-growth statistic group, I want to offer you my congratulations. Like you (and many others) I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer. That being the case, I have no problem attributing the complication-free success of both my surgery and radiation procedures to the many, many prayers that were said for me, as well as my own, of course.
Your admonition to those struggling with the fear (or the reality) of a AN re-growth is well taken and like you, we look forward to your receiving an equally positive 1-year MRI report.
Jim
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Fantastic news, Windy!
Congratulations!!!
Jan
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windy .....
Adding my well wishes on the good report. Also add me to the list of believers in the power of prayer. I truly feel my excellent outcome is directly attributed to the many prayers being said on my behalf.
Best thoughts for a continued good recovery.
Clarice
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Hi Windy,
you know how happy I am for you. I wish you will keep getting such good results.
Marianna
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Thank you all! I appreciate your thoughtful responses. It means a lot to me!