ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: Doc on December 31, 2009, 12:34:41 pm
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It's official, my first CyberKnife Treatment is Monday, January 4th. I'll have a total of five treatments; the 4th thru the 8th. We did a simulation run thru last week, so I have a good idea of what to expect, including what its going to be like wearing the restraining mask for an extended period.
I start taking the Dexamethasone tomorrow; twice a day until gone. I also have a prescription for Diazepam to help me relax which I'll take when I arrive for each treatment. All standard stuff I imagine. The radiation oncologist is the same Doctor that treated my wife for breast cancer four years ago. He's a good man who I trust and we like very much. Treatments will take place across from Kennestone Hospital at the Wellstar Cancer Center in Marietta, GA.
That's it, now you know!
Best wishes for the New Year!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Doc ~
Thanks for the update. It appears as if you have everything lined up and are ready to go next week. You'll have the hopes and prayers of many going with you. You'll be O.K.
Jim
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All the Best Doc, all the best.
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Hey, Doc! Happy New Year and what a way for you to start! Let us know how things go next week...hope this is the last of the procedures for you, know you're ready for a break. Think I told you that I met Dr. McLaughlin last year - he does seem like a great guy...and we know he's got a great machine over there!
How did things go when you met with Gaye?
Cindy
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Hi Cindy,
Yup, Dr. Mc is a good guy! I don't see Gaye until the 11th of January but over the last couple of days, and maybe I'm dreaming here, I've felt the neatest sensations in my left cheek and lips...kind of like an electrical shock running thru the area...I think maybe things are starting to spark back to life in there...gosh, I hope so. Meanwhile I can't wait to start my visits with Gaye, I'm certain she'll be able to help! I'll keep you guys posted as I make my way thru the CK Treatments.
Hope you had a good New Year too!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Good luck, Doc B.
Hope everything goes well ;D
Jan
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Best wishes, Doc, I hope your CK goes as smoothly as mine went. And that the little rascal gets good and zapped.
Steve
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Be thinking about you this week! Just know all will go well.
Thoughts and prayers.
Clarice
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Doc,
Happy New Year and good luck with your treatments!
Keep us posted on your progress.
Prayers all around.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Thanks everyone, as always I appreciate the kind words of support. Certainly hope this is easier than the Translab surgery I had back in July--has to be!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Here's wishing you smooth sailing through your CK treatments, Doc.
My advice (as a toastie postie who had CK) in a nutshell: arrive early at your appointments so you can take your anti-anxiety meds early (so they are fully "kicked in" before they start zapping your tumor). If they let you bring music to listen to, choose something nice and soothing, and play it at a low volume so you can hear any communications from the technicians over the intercom (if they use one). (They'll probably periodically let you know how much longer you have to lie there til they're done, etc.) Then, when treatment starts, close your eyes and think about how CK is helping you regain your health. Watching "The Eye" move around your head is kinda freaky (to me, at least), so I just recommend you keep your eyes closed, think positive thoughts and groove to the meds.
CK was a blessing and miraculous for me. You will do great. We'll be thinking of you on Monday.
Wishing you all the best,
Tumbleweed
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Best wishes on your treatment next week Doc! I hope your treatment goes extremely well. TW just offered some great advice. I think you will be in very good hands with the doctor you know and trust. It makes for a special physican/patient relationship! Keep us posted!
Windy
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Doc
Dr Phyl says your gonna rawk it! :) Hang tough... look for the "eye" ;).... bring fun music with you... and know I'm cheering you on! :)
Dr Phyl
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All the best tomorrow, and this week Doc. We know you're gonna ROCK it!!!
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Heading into the Toaster here shortly...I'll post and update this afternoon...thanks everyone for the kind words of encouragement and support!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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See an update of my first CyberKnife Treatment today with a video I shot in the room with the Robot and stuff @ www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com) or just follow my "Globe" link to the left.
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Hey Doc,
Hope you survived your first day of CK. Will be thinking of you this week.
Great news on the little twitchies on the cheek and lip. I remember being soooo excited when I got my first twitch.
Getting great little fuzzy sensations on my left face too- still waiting for movement around the mouth.
Anyway, back to YOU>
Take it easy. How's your eye holding UP?
things are getting better, slowly but surely.....
Maureen ;)
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Hey Maureen,
Everything is going well, with CK Treatments and especially the Eye. I haven't worn a patch in days...the last procedure did the trick. Posted on todays CK visit at www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com) with some more pictures.
Take Care!
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Doc ~
Congratulations on your successful CK treatments! Thanks for the link...great photos!
Jim
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Love the window Doc, You're doing Fabulous. All the best.
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Hello Doc!
I LOVED the cyberknife (aka toaster) video. Actually it would make an excellent patient ed video for CK since it doesn't look too scary. ;) Sounds like you are doing very well with your treatments. Keep up the good work!
I'm bookmarking your blog. I have a some AN and non-AN friends (all survivors) that are going to love it. Looking forward to more dog pics.
Cyndi
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Hi Cyndi,
Thanks as always...blogged some more about todays third treatment w/more pictures @ www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Great Blog! I bookmarked it.
Congats on your successful treatments, although I must admit that mask DOES look scary! :D
Lyn
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The CK Machine at Kennestone is broken today and a technician has to come in from out of town to make the necessary repairs...what a shame and terrible inconvenience for patients. No local service means they can't ensure treatment continue on schedule only adding to the frustration and stress associated with being subject to things that are way out of your control, an Acoustic Neuroma Tumor notwithstanding. Not a happy camper today and have no idea when they'll be able to complete my last two treatments now...that sucks! I also have paid plane tickets for business travel next week and important business meetings that will have to be changed...hope this doesn't get me in trouble with the job.
Doc
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Hi Doc.
Hope the technician fixing this machine is fast and very smart!
How do you feel?
Cyndi
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Now they've cancelled tomorrows treatment too...they're waiting on a spare part...what a darn shame a piece of equipment and program so critical to the care of so many isn't better managed and maintained. The Hospital doesn't have an aggressive spare parts stocking program in place to preclude prolonged down times...that sucks! They've taken what is already a stressful time even worse. It will be sometime next week now before I can finish my last two treatments....argh! This has also made a mess of my work schedule too...I have to attempt to reschedule all of next weeks out of town appointments...and pay airline ticket change fees out of pocket...snap...the company could give a crap about the CK machine being down.
Not a Happy Camper!
>:(
Doc
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Dang Doc,
What is it with you anyway :D I thought "Yes, finally something that is NON complicated and without immediate BAD side effects!"
It just figures, Murphy's law and all that.
I guess they can't afford to have 2 machines?? or have FED EX delivery of the part? jeez..
Hopefully your out of town appts and your company will understand. Stretch the truth. "The remainder of my brain tumor still needs to be shrunk down, sorry!" Keep the humor, I know it's hard!
Hang in there. The airport is not a fun place now a days anyway...
Grrrr, >:(
Maureen
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Sorry about the crappy situation Doc. I wish I could wish it better. Hang in there.
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No way! I hadn't seen this thread in a day or so and was just getting ready to tell you to "enjoy" your last day of zapping, only to read about the delay due to malfunction! What are the odds that the CK machine would go out the week YOU are having treatment?!? Sorry, Doc, know you're so ready to be done with all this...but, you know you will get through it and later this will just be one more chapter in your very interesting story...book, perhaps?
Cindy
(Be careful on the roads out there - you know how we get here in GA with these winter storms ;) )
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Thanks all...the machine is still down...still no idea when they'll continue my treatments; two remaining. More on my blog at www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com).
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Game On...my treatments resume in the morning...on a Saturday no less...the Doctor himself called and shared the news, they got the part and fixed the CK machine! www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
WooHoo!
Doc
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Hey, Doc ~
Congratulations! What a ride!
Jim
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Glad to hear it, Doc. Let's get 'er done!
Steve
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Had number four of five Treatment this morning - blogging at www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Doc,
So glad to read that you were back in the Toaster today and that you'll finish up tomorrow!!!!!!!! IMHO, Jason (can't remember if he is from Halloween or Friday the 13th) needs to ditch the hockey mask and replace it with a CK one.
Cyndi
PS - Hope Freddie is doing well. :)
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Hey Cyndi,
Yes, it was great to get back on the treatment trail...only one more left. Freddie's doing great, sleeping next to me as I type this...that's my boy!
Take Care!
:)
Doc
Always Blogging @ www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
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CK Complete - Five Up Fiive Down - Blogging at www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Hi Doc,
I am sorry I caught this late. I have been under the weather lately. I am so glad you are done. I hear it was quite a ride. I like your videos and the toast. When I think of radiation I always think of a frying pan for some reason. Your toast sounds and looks better. You have been through quite an ordeal and hopefully this will be it. You are on your way to complete recovery. Keep us posted.
Vivian
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Doc,
Congratulations on finishing CK!!!!!!! Your blog has helped educate me about CK and what to expect during the treatments. The only question I have is about the noise levels - is it like an MRI?
My next MRI is on St Patrick's Day. I'll be wearing green for that appointment!
Cyndi
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Doc,
See your schedule wasn't totally screwed up with the machine being broken! Hope you were able to keep your appts, or did you have to change them, just to turn around and go anyway?
Good thing about pessimism is you are pleasantly surprised when things DO work out.
I'm eternally optimistic,and sometimes that's a bummer, because then I get dissapointed when things DON'T go as I expected.
Hmmm,
Maureen
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Doc, congrats on becoming a toastie postie. Now the healing begins. Just know that if you begin to feel worse, that'll pass very soon. Before you know it, you'll be feeling great. Any rough patches are part of the process and don't last long.
Best wishes,
TW
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I got a card from the CyberKnife Team - www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
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Hey doc,
Read your blog. The lovely thank you letter forgot the :
"P.S."- Sorry the machine broke halfway through your treatments! Thanks for your patience!
You really are on top of everything- vestibular retraining, nerve stimulation, and working a full load.
I'm impressed. You've come so far :) :) :)
Keep up the humor!
Maureen
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Thanks so much Maureen, for your kind words and support over the months since I've started my journey back...! And yeah, they missed a point or two didn't they!
You Take Care!
;)
Doc