Photo Essay - Day of Gamma Knife Treatment
Below are a series of photos taken November 12, 2001 the day of my Gamma Knife treatment. Over the last 18 years, my tumor has shrunk considerably (see ‘Neuroma MRI’s‘ link at top). I consider the Gamma Knife practically a miracle tool for the treatment of small to medium size Acoustic Neuromas.
I checked into St. Anthony's hospital at 6:00 am. After paperwork was completed, they checked my temperature, blood pressure, and respiration.
Next, they inserted an IV, took some blood samples, and ran a blood clotting test.
Once I was set, they rolled me down to the gamma knife center and into the first gamma room. Here I saw the metal bracket that would be screwed into my head. I know this was necessary for pinpoint location of gamma treatments
After placement of the metal bracket, I waited to be taken into the MRI room.
More close-ups showing bracket placement.
My wife, Marilyn, was able to wait with me and lend loving support before being taken for my MRI.
I was moved to the next room for my MRI, a procedure which lasted about 40 minutes. It was necessary to be attached securely to the MRI table so the exact location of the tumor could be noted.
After about an hour, the doctors had determined a gamma treatment from my MRIs. I was then taken to the gamma knife room where I saw the gamma hood that would be used during my radiosurgery.
Dr. Johnson of the gamma knife center makes final adjustments to my head frame before treatment. Corinne, the gamma center nurse, was also a tremendous help throughout the process.
As I sit waiting for final treatments, the 3.5 million dollar Leksell Gamma Unit can be seen behind me.
The Cobalt-60 gamma radiation was shot equally through 201 holes in the gamma hood. Each separate hole only receives 1/200th of the total dosage, so radiation through the brain is minimal. The spot of focus for all of the radiation concentrates exactly inside the tumor at an accuracy of around .2 mm. For a tumor of my size (1.2 cm), the series of treatments I received lasted about 40 minutes.
After treatments had been completed, the head frame was removed, and I was taken up to a room in the hospital to stay until the next morning. I had few side effects - a little nausea and headaches from the head bracket. Overall, the side effects were less than I expected. I was released at 8:30 AM the next day and went back to work a couple days later.