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Meningioma: Getting ready for radiation, any tips or advice?
Brain Tumor | Last Active: Jun 2 9:23am | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Hello. I had the Gamma Knife Radiation done last March. I had a 6mm Meningioma. I went in at 6:30 and walked out at 3:30pm. It was an amazing experience. My Dr. watched it until it hit a certain size. He referred to it as the size of a strawberry (hence it was known as the Strawberry). The only part that I didn’t like, was, that they had to attach my head to a halo contraption. They didn’t do it, until I was anesthetized, but, had to unscrew it from my head post treatment, it wasn’t painful, but, just the thought of 4 screws in your head is hard to imagine. I was told that the Gamma Knife would either keep it from growing or it will slowly shrink in size. I know it sounds scary, but, it wasn’t. Make sure you have an amazing surgeon and facility where it is performed. I had mine done at The Univ. of Pa. Do you know why, the radiation wasn’t done in the first place? Just curious. Good luck.
Replies to "Hello. I had the Gamma Knife Radiation done last March. I had a 6mm Meningioma. I..."
I had Gamma knife procedure a year ago but no anesthesia for the mask. They put needles in my skull where the screws go for local deadening and that was the only pain involved. Fortunately it was very short time. The rest went fine.
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The Gamma Knife procedure was one of the options, but I think because of the placement of my tumor, they felt the conventional radiation would be better; less radiation at a time and hopefully no side effects or very little. I am not sure why radiation wasn't done to begin with - maybe because my tumor was a Grade 2 and not Grade 3. I am so happy it went well for you! They made a mask for me to wear each time and that gets connect to a head form they made to fit the back of my head and then the face mask gets attached to that. The goal for mine is to stop the growth. Shrinking of the tumor most likely won't happen. The doctor doing my treatment plan seems very knowledgeable, so I am comfortable with him. Best wishes for no future growth!