[Joan M]

Karla,

I too was disappointed about having surgery rather than targeted radiation alone, but all has worked out so far.

The radiation oncologist said he could do only radiation if I wanted that but thought I would get better control with both surgery and radiation. 95%, as opposed to 50% with surgery alone and about 70% with targeted radiation alone. My tumor was in my front, left lobe.

Out of all my surgeries, the craniotomy was the easiest. There was some discomfort initially in the hospital because they wrapped my whole head extremely tightly in an Ace-type bandage. My hair was sticking out of the top. I looked like a cupie doll. They offered painkillers but I declined and just muddled through it. After two days they took off the bandage, and I had staples from the center of my forehead just above the hairline, down to about the middle of my ear. About two inches of my hair was shaved from my head in the same area. The rest of my hair was fine.

I was not given anti-siezure medication prior to surgery which is sometimes given prophylactically. I had the surgery at a major NYC cancer institute and they don't believe in it unless I was already taking that kind of medication.

I had to take a steroid (Decadron) for a month, and after a while it started to drive me crazy with nervous energy and difficulty sleeping. After about six weeks I started targeted radiation (IMRT) of five doses over one week. Fortunately, my radiation oncologist suggested I try the radiation without steroids. I think steroids are usually given for swelling, but he wanted me first to try without it.

Take a deep breath and let go. You'll do fine. You're in my prayers.

Hugs,

Joan