Side Effects of Gamma Knife

jimmyb · New User Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Florida

Its looks possible now that i might have gamma knife treatment. I was looking for anyone who has had this done and for you to share any side effects that you have experienced. Please include any positive things as well.
Thank you in advance

Jim

brainman · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:11 pm Post subject: Re: Side Effects of Gamma Knife

I had gamma knife radiation therapy in 2005. I did not have any radiation related side effects except for post treatment tiredness... nothing that a good nap did not take care of. I was also on steroids to keep down any swelling. From my experience and the experience of others who I have talked with, gamma knife is very easy compared to chemotherapy.
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

jimmyb · New User Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Florida

Thanks Jim,

Good to know the side effects are not that bad. Early on when I asked a nurse at the base about it, she tried to scare me and tell me that it can cause very severe swelling, and I would have to be monitored in the hospital for weeks. Thanks for putting that to rest

Jim

brainman · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: Side Effects of Gamma Knife

jimmyb, yes, your brain might swell... that is where the steroids come in. Although you probably will not have to stay in the hospital, it would be wise to have someone drive you to your treatments and limit your overall driving due to the danger of seizures.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

sodapop · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Side Effects of Gamma Knife

Hey Jimmy,

I had the Gamma and had no side effects. They didn't even give me steroids. Try not to worry to much about it. I hope everything goes well for you.
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http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7254

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jimmyb · New User Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Florida

Thanks so much Brainman and sodapop for the feedback. Brainman I differently appreciate the advice about driving. Sodepop nice to hear you had no side effects at all

sodapop · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Side Effects of Gamma Knife

Actually, now that I think back Jimmy, I did take steroids after treatment for maybe a week at most.

The only thing I can think of that you might experience is some bruising and soreness on the spots the helmet is screwed against your head. It doesn't pierce the skin but it is quite tight against your head.

Let us know how it goes.
_________________
Can miracles happen?

http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7254

Sodapop--aka "the survivor"!

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