craniotomy info please
 

My daughter is scheduled for this on Monday and of course we are scared to death. If anyone has had this done please let us know if you have any advice and how yours turned out. Also what type of recovery did you have and what side effects did you have if any from the surgery and do you feel it was worth it all? My best to you all
joyce

Re: craniotomy info please
 

Joyce,

My craniotomy in October 2008 went very well. The tumor was in the left frontal lobe, and my brain has been clear since the surgery. Initially, I was followed up with a brain MRI every 3 months which has now been increased to every 4 months.

I was in the hospital for 4 days. The worst part was the tight bandage around my head, which was cut off after 2 days. At home, I took Decadron for 4 weeks, which is a steroid to reduce swelling. While recovering, I took a walk every day. After a week, the surgeon's office removed the staples.

I went back to work after 4 weeks. Six weeks from the date of the surgery, I had targeted radiation to the brain (5 dosages of IMRT in a week). The radiation oncologist withheld Decadron, which is often administered with radiation, but he would have added it if I felt the need. Perhaps a feeling of pressure in the head? In any case, I never did feel anything. My hair fell out in that spot, but my part covered the bald spot. At the time of surgery, my head was shaved about 1 1/2", just about a 1/2" above the hairline, from the center of my forehead to about the middle of my left ear. I wore a wide headband until the hair grew back.

Good luck to your daughter! Let's us know how she's feeling.

Joan

Re: craniotomy info please
 

Joyce,
Sorry I do not have any information about craniotomy, even though I almost had one 3 times this year, but I want to let you know I'm thinking about you and your daughter, and praying that the craniotomy was a sucess, and that she will have a quick recovery.
I hope she is doing well.
Hang in there.
A big hug for both of you, and lots of healing prayers.
KarlaV.

Re: craniotomy info please
 

I am here more than 7 years after my craniotomy. I also work full time and am currently NED on Tykerb and Herceptin. If you research my name on this site you will find my posts about my experiences. At the moment I just do not have time to rewrite the whole story.
Thinking of you and wishing you the best.
Barbara H.

Re: craniotomy info please
 

I just had my brain surgery on 11/17/11. I was in the neuro ICU for one night, then the oncology floor for 1 night and then went home. I walk every morning. I am on steroids ( but coming off them), anti-seizure med, pain meds ( take only occasionally) and vitamins. Recovery has been very easy!!! Some fatigue and difficulty with math. Have a hard time with frustrations (mainly to do with 3 kids!!) but I think that's more due to the steroids!!