ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: dalemccl on February 10, 2017, 10:15:27 pm

Title: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: dalemccl on February 10, 2017, 10:15:27 pm

I have a 19mm AN, which has grown from 16mm 1 year ago when it was first discovered on an MRI that was done because I had sudden almost complete hearing loss in one year. Other than hearing loss in that ear, I have no other symptoms other than slight tinnitus in the tumor ear.   The other ear is good.  Because of the growth and tumor size my neurotologist has recommended Cyberknife treatment.  He has referred me to a Radiation Oncologist with whom I have a consultation appointment in a couple weeks. 

I saw a youtube video today in which a doctor discussing AN said that patients who have had previous radiation treatment for a medical condition are not good candidates for CK or GK for an AN.

As a youth I had very bad facial acne and went to a dermatologist in the mid-1960s when I was 19 or 20 years old (I'm 71 now).  He treated it with several treatments of some type of radiation directed to my face. (It didn't help).  I think it was X-rays.  (It was not realized at that time that such treatment was a bad idea.)   Would this radiation treatment 50 years ago possibly cause the Radiation Oncologist to say I am not eligible for CK for the AN because of too much previous radiation? 

Title: Re: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: sharonov on February 11, 2017, 07:23:49 am

The best way to find out is to ask the radiation oncologist.  Most will give a free phone consultation.  Though I never sought CK, I learned from this forum (and from attending AN conventions) that the CK guru is Dr. Chang at Stanford, and I've read that he gives free phone consultations.  Can't hurt to give him a call, anyway. 

Title: Re: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: dalemccl on February 11, 2017, 11:59:17 am

Thanks, sharonov.  I appreciate the suggestion but I'd feel funny calling Dr. Chang at Stanford since I don't plan to get the treatment at Stanford.  I'm far away -- in northeastern Indiana.  One of the local hospitals here has a CK device.  (Coincidentally, the Radiation Oncologist I am going to meet with in two weeks is also named Dr. Chang.) 

I'm hoping one of the doctors on this forum, or someone else who knows the answer, will also reply.  I don't want to worry needlessly for the next two weeks before my appointment about being ineligible for CK. Or I'd like at least to know going into the appointment whether previous radiation treatment will be an issue for eligibility. 

Title: Re: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: PaulW on February 11, 2017, 02:58:43 pm

My Goodness... Radiation for Acne... They were great in the 60's!!
Radiation for Asthma, ( I Nearly got that!) They were going to push Radium vials up my nostrils to make my Adenoids less sensitive!
Radiation for Tonsils and Ringworm.. Surprised they didn't use it for constipation as well LOL

I am pretty sure the radiation treatment for Acne will not stop you from having CK.
But you do need to tell your radiation oncologist.
I believe the X-Rays given off from the Radium Treatment, didn't contain much energy and as a result did not penetrate deeply.
 

Title: Re: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: dalemccl on February 11, 2017, 03:13:21 pm

Thanks, PaulW and Citiview.  That is reassuring.

Title: Re: Eligible for CK if had radiation to face for acne as a youth?
Post by: JLR on February 12, 2017, 06:14:04 am

Don't feel awkward calling or emailing dr Chang. I live in NY and he has been amazing all through pre., post surgery. You can email him and he will answer you quickly.  I have even sent him scans. He really is the Guru!  Joan