Hi folks,
All very interesting feedback. I want to consider all perspectives.
I went to the AN support group meeting at Barrows Neurological Institute last night and one of their top neurosurgeons who preforms microsurgeries as well as GKs and CKs. This hospital is one of only 4 in US that has both CK & GK treatment options. He was saying that it is a more common now for people with tumors <3cm to get radiosurgery except in those who are on the young side - like 20 when surgery might be the better option. Since I am 59, I do not fit in that category! :DThe reason they don't tend to do it up to that size is because swelling is more of an issue at sizes above that. He said the 2 radiosurgeries function very similarily. The statistics for CK so far show better hearing preservation, however, since the statistics are not as extensive and do not have long term results, that is still a question. Also the doses would be fractionated perhaps lowering the chances of swelling.
He said the Gamma Knife Perfexion makes the treatment faster and they can now do procedures further down the spine. Both GK and CK, from what I understand are programmed. So software is involved. The CK has the robotic administration, the other the helmut thing (my words, not his...
). The robot and software is able to adjust for any minor moving such as breathing. The mask is VERY snug having been fitted to the individual's face so moving is quite restricted. The GK head frame keeps the head rigid and is attached to the skull.
He also said with CK if you live here, you come in ahead for all the preliminary work, doctor, and mask fitting. You go home and the doctors do the treatment plan before your next visit. Then you come in 3 days in a row for treatment, about an hour (give or take for tumor size) each time.
Wth GK you come in at 5am get the preliminary stuff done the same day (because the head frame needs to be attached to do it). The doctors analyze the info while you wait with your headress, providing entertainment fo those with you (my words not his
). Then they do the procedure. It takes all morning and then you go home and you are done.
I get claustrophobia ONLY in REALLY small spaces (like an MRI) so I found out you can be medicated for that issue.
I have gotten feedback now from 3 physicians here at BNI and will have my official radiosurgery appointment with yet another physician there on May 5th when I can ask all my questions. FOR ME they all advised against surgery, but so far have not led me to one radiosurgery over another. I did talk with a leading neurosurgeon at the top hospital in India (no kidding). MY friend is from India and her brother is a top official with the hospital. I sent him my MRI and medical details. He also concurred in my case that surgery would not be a wise choice. They have both CK and GK at their hospital as well as the x-knife. He thought I should not do the watch and wait. He said almost the identical description of the guy who answered questions at the ANA meeting. He felt CK or GK were my best choices. Reading between the lines, I see a few advantages to each and a few disadvantages to each and the decision for me is fuzzy. I felt like CK in general it sounds like the reasons it might prevail is the latest and greatest (not their words - mine) in innovation BUT it hasn't been around as long as GK so the long term statistics just aren't there.
To sum up, what I think it sounds like, CK may be better technologically especially for people who have hearing to preserve. However you do not have the tried and true long term statistics of the GK so if you feel like that is a risk not worth taking, go GK, If you feel the statistics for CK have been around long enough and are showing great promise, you might want to consider it a good risk. Don't know if that makes sense but that is what I am thinking at present.
Still taking in as much info as possible about this topic,
Mary