Day 5 - Confetti!
 

So, today was my final day of zapping the new (and now cooked) bug in my brain.

All went tremendously well as usual... hallelujah! I had absolutely no side effects at all. 5 days, 20 minutes each day, we zapped the 2 mm sucker from 21 different angles. It didn't stand a chance.

Now I just wait and see what fabulous new weird haircut I will end up with after this round ;). Shouldn't be as freaky as last go round I am guessing... I hope not.

We videotaped my visit today, and if it is of any decent quality at all, I will figure out how to post it for all to see... so that you can see just how really, truly easy and painless IMRT targeted brain rads can be.

Sounds neat! Congratulations, we'll be 'waiting' (for the video).

I hate when I miss whole things. Didn't know you were getting zaptrons again, Brenda. Glad it's over and you feel well. I look forward to seeing your video. I think that's a fantastic idea. We should all start filming different procedures. It would help others so very much. I am going to ponder this a bit more. Even filming me might be good - it would sure show how to do things "my way or the highway". LOL. Tomorrow is my PET-CT. Yikes, I hate these tests! xo Flori

hey NED in the head... after this week I am too! And I am swiss cheese in the head, too!

Glad you are doing well, twinkie. Don't let inscanity get to you too much...

XO

Well done Brenda glad you have well and truly sizzled it! So pleased you have not had any side effects, that is such good news

I hope the video turns out as it would be such a brill idea to show it on the board.
Just to show my ignorance I do not know what IMRT is or if its different than gamma or cyber knife?
Does it affect your hair growth? I take it thats what you mean about hairstyle.

Ellie

You're a true warrior, Brenda!
Powering through another battle, with grace!

Now go celebrate:)

Brenda
Glad the zapping is over...now on to the important things, like living! You are an inspiration to all that experience brain mets.....you make it seem like a piece of cake...cheesecake! Cant wait to see the hairdo!!!

Since confetti and cheesecake are covered, I'll take the balloons. Brenda, another chance to tell you that 'you rock'!! Thought of you all week as I felt the confident healing energy leave Rhode Island and head west to you.

I have pictures of Ed's Gamma Knife and wanted to post them but thought I might scare some. I think a video is a perfect way to take the scary part out since there is sound. If anyone wants to see those pictures just ask, it would be an honor to share.

Oh, and I will take care of the clean up, this looks like it is going to be a 'rocking' celebration!! Congrats Buddy, never had a doubt!!>>Believe51

IMRT is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. Essentially, the machine is a Linear Accelerator... and the beams used are the similar to Gamma or Cyber, which are mostly just brand names. It does make my hair fall out in oddly shaped areas wherever the beams are directed. Since this was just one small tumor in the left cerebellum, I am hoping that I don't get as many crazy mangy looking bald spots as I did last year when we targeted 5 little brain bugs... but, only time will tell.

Here's a video - it's not mine, but it's the one of my doctor, Dr. Timothy Dziuk - who is a ROCK STAR. All of his patients absolutely adore him, including me (he is our Patch Adams). At about 3:49 in the video you will see a woman getting snapped down onto the table in an immobilization mask, and that is how my treatment was accomplished every day for 5 days...

This is a fantastic and informative video - I encourage everyone to watch it!

http://www.youtube.com/TimDziuk#play.../1/5kkCw30Jb7s

Thanks Brenda. The doctor has some communication skills. He made a complex procedure pretty easy to understand. A good doctor with communication skills? No wonder you have such high praise for him.

So happy for you brenda
 

You are such an inspiration. You always seem to maintain your sense of humor through everything you go through.

Its makes us all feel great. Hope you do too

Oh geez Irene - without the humor, I would be a miserable cuss. Sometimes I am even with the humor. :)

Too weird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Twinkie for sure...

I get to my scan today, and am sitting in the "don't move a muscle" room, waiting for the hour to pass. My onc comes in and asks if I WOULD MIND BEING FILMED!!!!! I'm sorry, I am still just bowled over by the timing of this. Last night I kept thinking about what a great idea you had on the filming real things to help others realize what it's like to go thru the different things we endure. WEIRD. Weird. WEird.

Some people are working on a Documentary called Jump for the Cause. 180 Women Sky-divers to raise one million bucks for Breast Cancer. Last time they raised $500,000. Anyhow, as part of their documentary they want interviews with survivors. They filmed my Pet to show the process to include that as well. They interviewed me after. I asked what they wanted me to focus on, since I have such a Lonnnnnggggg story:) Then they say, well quite honestly, most people have been only addressing the "rah-rah" aspect of survival. Would you be willing to talk about real issues, feelings, etc. Me? Ha-ha. There ain't no sugar coating in floriland. I told them my segment should be called my way or the highway, real stories of survival.

Honestly, it's creepy weird that this happened today. xo Flori

Brenda,

Thank you so much for the video and the learning. I am so happy for your results and knowing that you are feeling well. God bless you and keep up the good spirit.

Paty

Brenda,

Congratulations on completing the brain rads! I am sure the results are great and you will continue to be NED in the head.

hugs,
shobha

That's wonderful to hear!
Hugs, Diane

Congratulations, Hucklebuck! Thanks for being you!

Brenda-

Glad your zap treatments are over, warrior woman.

all the best from Canada
caya

Thanks Brenda, glad I asked you to explain. It seems like it might have helped others to understand this procedure as well.

Love Ellie

ooooohhh the idea of a cooked bug in your brain is a good one...all shriveled up and poof...it's gone!!!

Great news!
 

Brenda!

I missed the whole prior/ness, too. Congrats though, for sure :) That's a LOT of rad beams for that little bug. I'm positive he's in bug hell, lol

xoxopatty

WIERD most definitely!!
 

Flori - WOW! First, I can't think of anyone better "qualified" to be interviewed with this specific focus the intent!

Second: It is one of those cases of reality following thought. Or whatever the right saying is... Comes out as just very WIERD!! - at first. Probably when it first happens to you, or so close to 'home' for others...

Go get 'em, dear. You know, because of your history with this crappola and you being YOU, I thought right after reading your post: "I'll bet someone recommended you when they went in asking." I still tend to think that!

Oh man, I sure wish-hope that I'll get to see it... I do know it will be awesome, Flori.

Lots of little hugs along the way, and just be you as you are, no nerves or second thoughts.

xoxopattyz

Brenda,

I agree with the others. You are truly a BC warrior woman. Glad your treatment is over.

Amelia

Two of my absolutely all time favs...
 

http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/clip_art/gs...celeb-confettihttp://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/clip_art/gs...humbs-up-final Hutchy! You always amaze me, then I always why?! Ever bright, fun and funny. Flori is also on this same wave length as we all know. You gals! AWED...

You know how there are no coincidences? How we think of someone and suddenly the phone rings, after 6 mnths or more? We draw things to us. Hence, Flori Super Star, speaking for us all, ever eloquently. My Way Or The Highway, In Your Face Truth and Humor. I JUST LOVE YOU TWO! TRULY!!

Andi

Congratulations, Brenda! You are one of my personal heroes.

congratulations!

Man, Brenda, you are brave, Girl! Brave! I am happy for you and Flori that you are both now officially NED in your heads! Rock on!

Hey Brenda - talk about only the best will do! Great video, great doctor, great treatment - congratulations!!
And Flori our famous, honest movie star with ESP!!

You girls ARE amazing AND inspirational http://her2support.org/vbulletin/ima...ons/icon10.gif

Blessings
Hermiracles

Brenda
I have to say you sure know how to adjust your sails
and keep on your journey. Take care and know
we are the wind at your back. Such good news.
Take care
patb

Congrats Brenda, and am sure this sucker is dust by now:)