ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: Tisha on January 19, 2009, 06:45:16 am
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Well, I'm back from Palo Alto, having had my CK treatments last week. Honestly, it really was a piece of cake. I was most nervous about this awful, hacking cough I had. I went to my doc before I left and she gave me prescription medicine with codeine, which did the trick completely. Made me really relaxed, too.
Drs. Chang and Soltys were extremely professional and nice. I didn't feel hurried at all. Actually, there wasn't much that I asked, because I felt fairly well informed about everything going in. The technical stuff I wouldn't have understood anyway. Since I'm so concerned about hearing preservation, he did tell me that some patients are on steroids for a year. I don't want that, but he said he would put me on some if I wanted. It's best not to wait too long if the hearing is affected, or it might not go back up. Since mine does feel full and affected right now, I think I'll call in for some tomorrow. The CT Scan and Mask only took about 15 minutes, so easy.
I was very nervous the morning of treatment, like I said mostly because of the cough and not wanting to move. The mask was snug, but I didn't feel that it was too tight at all. I actually kept falling asleep and the 30 minutes was over before I knew it. The next two days were a piece of cake. So, since I didn't have to spend that much time at the clinic, we did a lot of sight-seeing. My cousin lives there so they took us around a few days. We went by ourselves to Monterey, Muir Woods, Sausalito, downtown Palo Alto, toured the STanford Campus, Fisherman's Wharf, rode a cable car, took in a movie even. It was sort of a vacation, too. California is just beautiful. I met NE Farmwife and her husband (waving at you both!). Such a nice couple, it was fun to meet up with them. I'll PM you later, NE!
I do have fullness in my ear and I'm not hearing as well, but I think it's just because I had the radiation. I felt a queasy this morning, but it left quickly. He did tell me that 80% of CK patients DO NOT have any symptoms. There is also a new study coming out soon. Anyway, thank you to everyone for all the information and support leading up to this decision. I'm thankful to have a job where insurance pays for the majority of it. Take care. Tisha
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Congratulations Tisha--I hope you recover with a minimum of side effects and that the tumor dies an ugly death.
Best,
M
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Hi Tisha,
Another good CK at Stanford experience, I see. Congratulations on getting it done. It sounds like you made the most of your trip to California as well.
It may be a little bumpy in the next few months, but you will manage, and you have a doctor to contact if the need for steroids arises.
Best wishes for a smooth first year as a Postie.
Steve
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tisha, you "toastie-postie" :) Congratulations to you! I know you researched the heck out of your options before hand and you went into this fully armed with info.... you done great! :) As Steve (and the rest of us....) have noted, the 6-12 mos can have possible bumps, so hang tough... and you know we are going to get you through this....
congratulations! You did it! :)
Phyl
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Congratulations, Tisha, on achieving postie-hood!!!!! :)
I fall into Dr. Chang's 20% category that did have side effects after CK. If you have a setback, I can assure you that it's just a waiting game before you'll feel much better.
You are on the road to recovery!!!!!! :)
Best wishes,
Tumbleweed