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jojo · 11-25-2005, 03:45 PM

Hello Barbara,

I also experienced a craniotomy, and according to my surgeon, it was relatively easy to proceed my surgery, mostly based on the location of the lesion, so the operation took only half the predicted timeframe. My lesion was also very close to the surface, but was situated in my lower left cerebellum.

The 2nd tumor that grew back in the same spot which was previously treated with gamma knife (for the 1st tumor, I mean). They said it could be necrosis, but because of the size increase in a short time (by studying my follow-up brain MRI's), this gave us the push for the craniotomy.

It turned to be an active tumor, after all, but the good news was that it was found to be half the size we had previously assumed. Plus, it didn't give my surgeon a hard time to take out the full of the tumor / necrosis. So, it was the tumor AND necrosis altogether. The necrosis was surrounding the outer side of the tumor.

Brain surgery may be quite a complex procedure, but based from my own experience, it was very quick & rather easy recovery for me. This surprised my family, including myself. I even wanted to leave the hospital the NEXT day!! All I had for any effect of post-surgery was just a stiff neck, nothing else. Unfortunately, as much as my surgeon wanted to discharge me at my request, I had to remain there for a few more days, so they could check if my drainage didn't have any problems at the disconnection. The drainage was actually poked through my spinal cord -- this is where surgical fluids drains go through from brain surgery.

Oh! Have you had radiation seeds implanted in your previous craniotomy or do you intend to have the seeds in your upcoming operation? I had mine implanted in my craniotomy.

Though, our situations differentiate on the fact that I had the craniotomy only once, and the result was from my gamma knife treatment, whereas your medical team want to re-check your crainotomy area. I am almost certain that you will fare well & quickly, Barbara -- I send you best of luck & wishes for good health.

And happy holidays! :-)

11-25-2005, 03:45 PM	#4
jojo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Francisco Bay Area in California Posts: 176	For Barbara H Hello Barbara, I also experienced a craniotomy, and according to my surgeon, it was relatively easy to proceed my surgery, mostly based on the location of the lesion, so the operation took only half the predicted timeframe. My lesion was also very close to the surface, but was situated in my lower left cerebellum. The 2nd tumor that grew back in the same spot which was previously treated with gamma knife (for the 1st tumor, I mean). They said it could be necrosis, but because of the size increase in a short time (by studying my follow-up brain MRI's), this gave us the push for the craniotomy. It turned to be an active tumor, after all, but the good news was that it was found to be half the size we had previously assumed. Plus, it didn't give my surgeon a hard time to take out the full of the tumor / necrosis. So, it was the tumor AND necrosis altogether. The necrosis was surrounding the outer side of the tumor. Brain surgery may be quite a complex procedure, but based from my own experience, it was very quick & rather easy recovery for me. This surprised my family, including myself. I even wanted to leave the hospital the NEXT day!! All I had for any effect of post-surgery was just a stiff neck, nothing else. Unfortunately, as much as my surgeon wanted to discharge me at my request, I had to remain there for a few more days, so they could check if my drainage didn't have any problems at the disconnection. The drainage was actually poked through my spinal cord -- this is where surgical fluids drains go through from brain surgery. Oh! Have you had radiation seeds implanted in your previous craniotomy or do you intend to have the seeds in your upcoming operation? I had mine implanted in my craniotomy. Though, our situations differentiate on the fact that I had the craniotomy only once, and the result was from my gamma knife treatment, whereas your medical team want to re-check your crainotomy area. I am almost certain that you will fare well & quickly, Barbara -- I send you best of luck & wishes for good health. And happy holidays! :-) __________________ *Blessings & Peace,* ~jojo~ 1st Dx: May '03 at age 35 Stage 3b 6cm IDC tumor 17/18 + nodes Neoadjuvant: 4x A/C dose dense; 12x weekly Taxol & weekly Herceptin Left Mastectomy: Nov '03 27x Rads Stage 4 since June '04 Still on maintenance Herceptin since the very beginning Currently on Abraxane (3 weeks / 1 week off)