Hello pb
congratulations on setting a date. This is one of the most important milestones.
I don't think that hearing loss happens immediately after the procedure (if it does it is very rare). There are two types of hearing loss: one due to damage to the nerve itself - this is is seldom a sudden occurrence, it happens gradually over time, so there would be a steady decline, and is usually non-reversible. The other is due to the AN swelling and pressing the nerve, and/or to reduced blood flow which essentially chokes the nerve. This is the one that can cause the sudden losses that you see frequent reports of in the forum, and can be treated with steroids.
The rule of thumb generally is that the better the hearing you have going in, the better the chances to preserve it.
Recovery time also varies from person to person. It is not uncommon to experience fatigue after any radiation treatment, so it is a good idea to generally take it easy. I planned to take a week off after my GK, but it turned out that I didn't need it at all. I could have gone to work the next day - but I did take it generally easy for a couple of months after the procedure, trying not to overstress myself and taking naps here and there.
Except from a few exceptions (like one recently reported on the forum), the pin holes are not such a big deal, but may cause some bruising and swelling. I didn't read carefully the note they gave me after my treatment, which recommended to use some cold compresses to relieve swelling, so my forehead for slightly swollen for a couple of days. Also some pain on the pin sites and along the jawline may not be uncommon during the first months after the treatment - ibuprofen worked for me.
I am sure that your grandson would appreciate your looks with the head frame on.Good luck with your treatment and keep us posted.
Marianna