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CourtneyL · 05-12-2009, 01:36 PM

Hi DW,

I just had Gamma Knife 3 weeks ago to destroy 10 tumors in my brain. My onc and the first radiologist we met with recommended whole brain radiation but I pushed for Gamma because it is way less invasive and has a pretty high success rate and minimal side effects.

The morning of my procedure, I was getting fitted for the metal cage when my nurse asked if I wanted to be interviewed by a local news station who was doing a story on Gamma Knife and a lady who's stupid insurance company wouldn't approve the procedure. I gladly volunteered to speak out - hoping it would help this woman's cause. The piece just aired last night and is a good little story about the Gamma Knife procedure. It shows me in the sexy metal head frame and also includes footage of me in the machine. This should give you an idea about what you're in for. You can view the story at:

http://cbs5.com/investigates/cancer....2.1007394.html

I agree with the other posts here. Gamma Knife rocks! Didn't really have any side effects to speak of. I will get a follow-up scan in a few weeks to make sure that it worked its magic and that those nasty suckers are gone.

Wishing you all the best!

05-12-2009, 01:36 PM	#14
CourtneyL Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 260	Gamma Story (featuring me!) on the News Hi DW, I just had Gamma Knife 3 weeks ago to destroy 10 tumors in my brain. My onc and the first radiologist we met with recommended whole brain radiation but I pushed for Gamma because it is way less invasive and has a pretty high success rate and minimal side effects. The morning of my procedure, I was getting fitted for the metal cage when my nurse asked if I wanted to be interviewed by a local news station who was doing a story on Gamma Knife and a lady who's stupid insurance company wouldn't approve the procedure. I gladly volunteered to speak out - hoping it would help this woman's cause. The piece just aired last night and is a good little story about the Gamma Knife procedure. It shows me in the sexy metal head frame and also includes footage of me in the machine. This should give you an idea about what you're in for. You can view the story at: http://cbs5.com/investigates/cancer....2.1007394.html I agree with the other posts here. Gamma Knife rocks! Didn't really have any side effects to speak of. I will get a follow-up scan in a few weeks to make sure that it worked its magic and that those nasty suckers are gone. Wishing you all the best! __________________ 4/17/08: Dx Stage IV at age 30 - extensive mets to liver, lungs, and bones. Er/Pr-, Her2+++ April 08-Aug 08:Taxotere, Cytoxan, Herceptin, Zometa - complete response! Sept 08-Dec 08: Herceptin +Zometa for maintenance. Jan 09-April 09: Brain mets. Add Tykerb. Watch and wait. April 09: Gamma Knife 10 brain mets, add Xeloda. Sept 09: Gamma Knife to 1 brain met. Nov 09- April 10: Lung progression, add Gemzar to Herceptin, Zometa. May 10- Sept 10: HER2 Vaccine Trial Sept 10: Add Tykerb for more brain mets. Oct 10: Gamma Knife to 7 brain mets. Dec 10: Switch from Zometa to Denosumab. Jan 11: Gamma Knife to 3 brain mets. March 11: Gemzar/Herceptin for lung/bone progression. April 11: More brain mets - Intrathecal Herceptin June 11: Ixempra/Herceptin for lung, soft tissue progression. Aug 11: Gamma Knife Sep 11: Abraxane/Herceptin Future: NED Send me a PM if you'd like to follow my journey on Caringbridge.