simonecimar

Thanks Pat and Tony!!! Dr. Lundsford brought the procedure to UPMC sometime back in the 80's. I am not sure where it was initially developed but he opened the first gamma knife center in the United states back then. I know they use it on the acoustic neuromas.. and I think they use it on some malignant tumors as well. The procedure involves a "halo" (the same as you see when someone has a broken neck) being put in place which actually acts as a guiding mechanism. You go into an MRI with the halo on and it "marks" the exact location of the tumor. With that information, the gamma knife (radiation equipment) is programmed to deliver somewhere over 200 rays to the targeted area, thus minimizing any damage to the tissue around it. Mine sits pretty close to my brainstem so "minimal damage" was a necessity!!!! Anyway, other than a little loss of hearing and ringing in my right ear.. I have had absolutely no other deficits. I guess I am pretty lucky!

Thanks so much ladies. Dr. Lunsford is my neurosurgeon... he is a miracle worker in my eyes!!!! Back when I had the procedure done, he asked me if I was worried... of course I was but I told him I had no choice but to overcome it. He reminded me of that today and told me that I had indeed overcome it!!!

About 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma... this is actually a benign tumor that grows VERY SLOWLY on the 8th cranial nerve. At the time of diagnosis I was told that I had probably had it for about 15 years. I had a choice between have it removed (a full blown craniotomy) or having a Gamma Knife Procedure (mega radiation to the tumor and it's parimeter only). Since I couldn't bring myself to have my head opened up, I chose the gamma knife. I have been going every 18 to 24 months for follow up MRIs which had showed it stabilized and stop growing. Today I had a follow up and the tumor is actually becoming smaller..... other than a mild hearing loss in the right ear and some ringing.... there are no residuals and it doesn't appear I will lose anything further!!! This is a good day!!!

I started making a spinach/strawberry salad (got it from a caterer in Indiana, PA). It's fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, a small amount of chopped red onion and a small amount of chopped walnuts and then a strawberry or raspberry vinagarette (Add that right before you serve). It's REALLY simple but REALLY good!!

Okay, you've got the sauce and meatballs.... I'll bring a great spinach/strawberry salad!!!

Starting Over is probably my favorite composition of Eric's. I was at first taken back a little when I realized what he was really saying.... but the more I listen to the song the more I get it, and the inclusion of "such language" I think just adds to the depth of emotion that the song is about.. it is pure, raw uncensored emotion pouring out to us through both lyric and music.... just my thoughts...

Tell you what Wendy... I'll make the homemade spaghetti sauce/meatballs, you bring the Frozen Delights (with salt of course) and we'll meet mid-country!!!

I'm not a big chocolate eater. Like Miss M, I can pass it up. Sweets aren't my thing unless it's a sweet drink. Salt...I am a sodium addict! I am not a Vegan like Shelley, but more a Veggie. However Ira, I do enjoy ribs. Beef ribs. But given a choice of pasta or ribs...I'll take grain over meat anyday. Ok, unless one adds a meatball or two with my pasta. Then I'll have both.

Ahh, a man after my own heart

Welcome to the board PaulMaul. I had never heard Starz before, thanks for turning me on to them!!!

I don't know how anyone eats that stuff.. BTW, call me Tammy

We lost our Boxer Timmy a few weeks ago. He was just 2 years old. He slipped out the door and went straight to the highway. It has been such a shock to our family. Timmy was such a part of us. I had a cat Midnight for 17 years when I was younger and having to make the choice to put him to sleep was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

Liver... I just can't bring myself to try it!!!

For any of you guys that saw it.... my boys want to see it (ages 9 and 11) Any advice?