simonecimar Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 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!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 CONGRATULATIONS, TAMMY!! I AM SO VERY, VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS!! OF COURSE I WILL PUT YOU IN MY PRAYERS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 Thats Great Tammy...I hope you have a complete recovery from this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockynrobyn1977 Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 That is Great news Tammy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonecimar Posted February 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 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!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 Very happy for you, Tammy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Great News Tammy! Do you know where and how long ago your method of treatment was developed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonecimar Posted February 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECatw Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Wonderful news! I hope all stays well for a smooth recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy-Ann Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Tammy!This is wonderful news and indeed a good day for you! Thanks for sharing. There is nothing like a happy ending to something so scary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Very interesting! Thanks for the details. I think there is a similar procedure in prostate cancer...It's amazing the medical advances just keep on coming, even in a "broken system"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelina Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Great news Tammy...keep the faith and continue in good health! Booyah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle4ec Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 Fantastic, Tammy! I know the news has to be such a relief for you! It sounds like you made a good choice for your treatment.Best of luck in the future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOMMY TUNES Posted February 25, 2010 Report Share Posted February 25, 2010 This is BEAUTIFUL news. In these tuff times it seems like everytime someone tells you something it is depressing. But not you Tammy. Thanks for sharing such wonderful news with us. I am so happy for you. TOMMY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 That's wonderful, Tammy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmichel Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 Very good news indeed!...Congratulations on your continuing recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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