Author Topic: GK treatment center question  (Read 2134 times)

drumfest

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GK treatment center question
« on: August 05, 2022, 04:52:26 pm »
Hello All,  Has anyone received Gamma Knife treatment from UPMC and specifically Dr L. Dade Lunsford and/or his team?  If so, how was your experience?  I'm still gathering information on numerous surgical & radiosurgical centers if/when I need to push the treatment button.  Not looking forward to it as my tumor appears to be growing albeit slowly.

Thank in advance!  Take Care,  D
Diagnosed 4/2022 L sided AN 1.2cm.  stuffiness/clogged sensation w/slight hearing loss but good WRS.  Occupation: Professional musician.  No treatment yet

donjehle

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2022, 12:15:21 pm »
Hi drumfest!

One of the reasons we like it when someone posts their experience on the ANA Forums is that it can sometimes help others when they are trying to decide which specialist they want to choose.

So, I went to the Home page of the forums (doing the search only gives the most thorough results when it is done from the Home page and not the current page you are on).  Then I typed, "Dade Lunsford" in the search field (the one with the magnifying glass), and when I did the search, it printed almost two dozen posts about Dr. Lunsford.  I did not read them; I will let you do that.  And some of the posts might not be helpful to you.  But I'm hoping that some of them will be.

When people share the experiences they had with specialists, both good or bad, it can be a benefit to the rest of us.  So, I want to encourage you (as well as anyone reading this thread) to share their honest opinion of the doctors and medical center they went to.

I am sorry that your tumor is growing, but at least it is giving you time to carefully choose your best options for your treatment.

Best wishes on your journey!
Don
Burning Tongue, Loss of Hearing & Balance, and Tinnitus led to MRI. Very small AN found on 11/23/2021
While watching and waiting, lost significant hearing. WRS now at 12% (down from 100%). Was fitted with CROS system on 3/7/22.  Stable MRI on 7/29/22
No treatment yet.

drumfest

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2022, 12:29:14 pm »
Don,  Thank you very much for spelling out how you did your search.  I used the search button and found those results.  I did search earlier, but I must have been in the wrong area.

I look forward to offering my findings in the future so they may be of help to any & all.

Best of luck to you as you go about your journey too!

D
Diagnosed 4/2022 L sided AN 1.2cm.  stuffiness/clogged sensation w/slight hearing loss but good WRS.  Occupation: Professional musician.  No treatment yet

donjehle

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2022, 12:46:28 pm »
I made the same mistake, too, drumfest.  That's why I try to tell others to be sure to do it from the Home page.

I'm looking forward to hearing your story soon!

Thanks for sharing and posting!
Don
Burning Tongue, Loss of Hearing & Balance, and Tinnitus led to MRI. Very small AN found on 11/23/2021
While watching and waiting, lost significant hearing. WRS now at 12% (down from 100%). Was fitted with CROS system on 3/7/22.  Stable MRI on 7/29/22
No treatment yet.

drumfest

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2022, 12:36:24 pm »
Hello All,  Just an update on my research:  I feel quite confident is seeking GK treatment with Dr Lunsford, the Mayo Clinic or Dr Steven Chang.  These people/centers seem to have extensive experience without question.  If there's another GK expert that you all can recommend, please share.  I've read & watched an awful lot from the ANA website & their youtube channel, etc on GK providers and these three seem to be very reputable.

I've also checked with Dr Friedman (UCSD) & Dr Link & Carlson (Mayo) if surgery becomes the treatment choice.  These gentlemen seem to be high level experts when it involves cutting so, if there are others in the surgical realm that I should add to my list, please share.  Again, I have checked out many surgeons through the ANA, etc and these were the ones that stood out to me.

Thanks for reading and continued good luck with your journeys & health.

d
Diagnosed 4/2022 L sided AN 1.2cm.  stuffiness/clogged sensation w/slight hearing loss but good WRS.  Occupation: Professional musician.  No treatment yet

donjehle

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2022, 06:49:49 pm »
It sounds to me, drumfest, that you have thoroughly researched it and have made a choice which seems great for your situation.  The doctors you have mentioned are all very good in my opinion.

Thanks for the great update!
Burning Tongue, Loss of Hearing & Balance, and Tinnitus led to MRI. Very small AN found on 11/23/2021
While watching and waiting, lost significant hearing. WRS now at 12% (down from 100%). Was fitted with CROS system on 3/7/22.  Stable MRI on 7/29/22
No treatment yet.

robinb

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2022, 08:27:54 am »
Hi-

I had GK with Dr. Lunsford almost 10 years ago, very happy with this choice. You can read through my experience on the discussion board and reach out if you want to talk.

-Robin
AN Diagnosed 11-2012 right side
13mm x 7.2 mm
Gamma Knife 1/24/13
UPMC w/Dr. Lunsford
Officially a postie toastie!
See my treatment journal at: http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=18291.0

donjehle

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Re: GK treatment center question
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2022, 05:37:47 pm »
Burning Tongue, Loss of Hearing & Balance, and Tinnitus led to MRI. Very small AN found on 11/23/2021
While watching and waiting, lost significant hearing. WRS now at 12% (down from 100%). Was fitted with CROS system on 3/7/22.  Stable MRI on 7/29/22
No treatment yet.