Never go into anything with real high hopes. It is better to be a little optimistic than put all your hopes into a new medical treatment. I am not saying what we heard today is all bad but we still did not get the "yes, we can cure you" answer we were hoping for, maybe Monday.
We had our appointment with Dr. Mansur, a radiation oncologist. Dr. Mansur does Gamma Knife radiation treatments to treat brain tumors. First we were with Dr. Mansur's nurse. She did the usual blood pressure, Michaels was a little high, and temperature. Then she pulled out a folder with Gamma Knife information. She went over the information and explained how the Gamma Knife works.
The Gamma Knife is a machine that delivers a very precise beam of radiation. It can have up to 192 beams of radiation focusing on a tumor in the brain. It is usually a one time treatment, unlike the standard radiation treatments which can go on for weeks. A helmet is actually screwed into your head. After the helmet is on you are taken to get some detailed MRI's. The doctors then analyze the MRI information and set the Gamma Knife's 192 beams to focus on the tumor only. This usually takes a couple hours for the doctors to set up. Once the machine is programmed and ready the helmet on your head is attached to the machine. You will not be able to move your head during the procedure but the rest of your body can be moved. They said most people listen to music or sleep through the process. Once the Gamma Knife is done the helmet is removed and you are finished. The whole process usually lasts 4 to 5 hours.
Next a resident doctor came in and talked with us. He went over some medical history then again explained the Gamma Knife. He thought Michael would be a good candidate for the procedure. But also mentioned surgery may be another possibility along with some chemotherapy. Shortly later Dr. Mansur came in and gave Michael a series of test. The test were to check his strength and coordination. He was amazed how well he did after having three brain surgeries.
Dr. Mansur then gave us his opinion. He first said Michael's tumor was a very critical one because of it's location, so close to the brain stem. He then stated he thought another surgery may be the best solution but needed to run his case by some neurosurgeons. Michael said he did not want another surgery, three have failed already. We wanted to know if the Gamma Knife would work. He said it was a good possibility but would like to meet with several specialist in a board meeting to discuss all options before deciding. He said he wanted the most aggressive treatment to cure the cancer, not just slow it down. He then went on to tell us the Gamma Knife, as with brain surgery, was not without risk. With the tumor so close to the brain stem the radiation may do some permanent damage.
So Dr. Mansur set up the board meeting for Monday with all the top specialist from Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center. We left there not sure what to think. All we can do is wait for their recommendations and hope surgery is not a part of it. We are hoping they say the "cure" is to do the Gamma Knife along with chemotherapy.
Another long weekend of waiting...talk to you Monday
We had our appointment with Dr. Mansur, a radiation oncologist. Dr. Mansur does Gamma Knife radiation treatments to treat brain tumors. First we were with Dr. Mansur's nurse. She did the usual blood pressure, Michaels was a little high, and temperature. Then she pulled out a folder with Gamma Knife information. She went over the information and explained how the Gamma Knife works.
The Gamma Knife is a machine that delivers a very precise beam of radiation. It can have up to 192 beams of radiation focusing on a tumor in the brain. It is usually a one time treatment, unlike the standard radiation treatments which can go on for weeks. A helmet is actually screwed into your head. After the helmet is on you are taken to get some detailed MRI's. The doctors then analyze the MRI information and set the Gamma Knife's 192 beams to focus on the tumor only. This usually takes a couple hours for the doctors to set up. Once the machine is programmed and ready the helmet on your head is attached to the machine. You will not be able to move your head during the procedure but the rest of your body can be moved. They said most people listen to music or sleep through the process. Once the Gamma Knife is done the helmet is removed and you are finished. The whole process usually lasts 4 to 5 hours.
Next a resident doctor came in and talked with us. He went over some medical history then again explained the Gamma Knife. He thought Michael would be a good candidate for the procedure. But also mentioned surgery may be another possibility along with some chemotherapy. Shortly later Dr. Mansur came in and gave Michael a series of test. The test were to check his strength and coordination. He was amazed how well he did after having three brain surgeries.
Dr. Mansur then gave us his opinion. He first said Michael's tumor was a very critical one because of it's location, so close to the brain stem. He then stated he thought another surgery may be the best solution but needed to run his case by some neurosurgeons. Michael said he did not want another surgery, three have failed already. We wanted to know if the Gamma Knife would work. He said it was a good possibility but would like to meet with several specialist in a board meeting to discuss all options before deciding. He said he wanted the most aggressive treatment to cure the cancer, not just slow it down. He then went on to tell us the Gamma Knife, as with brain surgery, was not without risk. With the tumor so close to the brain stem the radiation may do some permanent damage.
So Dr. Mansur set up the board meeting for Monday with all the top specialist from Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center. We left there not sure what to think. All we can do is wait for their recommendations and hope surgery is not a part of it. We are hoping they say the "cure" is to do the Gamma Knife along with chemotherapy.
Another long weekend of waiting...talk to you Monday
