Gamma Knife

Yesterday was a LONG day.  

My friend cheerfully offered to drive me downtown, with an arrival time of 6:45am.

I was quickly called in for my MRI.  {They take one the morning of treatment, to confirm the location for radiation.}

Before the scan, I got to change into the lovely paper scrubs.  I laughed because the last time I wore these, the hospital only had XXL.  M is a much better fit.  Also, last week marked my FOURTH FIRST pony tail!!!  {All the times I've had to grow out my hair enough to make a tiny ponytail.  Too bad I had to take it out for the rest of the day into order to have an accurate scan and radiation.}

I had the MRI.  Then, they made me a new mask.  The first time, it felt like paper mâché.  This time, the mask was put into what I like to call a medical toaster oven, heated up until it began to melt, then placed over my face and molded to my features.  Then, they did a quick CT with the mask on, to map out with the MRI for even more precision.  

Then, I waited my turn.  All the other patients there for treatment went with the Frankenstein metal bars screwed into their heads.  They all looked out of it and drugged.  I'm glad I chose the mask.  

I waited and waited, but I had a room and a bed and a tv.  The Price is Right was one.  

I also snacked on cranberry juice and pretzels.  

Then, it was time to begin.  The mask was SOOOOO tight, tighter than when it was molded.  I felt like I was being suffocated.  I couldn't move my lips to speak, so I gave a thumbs up or down to the questions. I could open one eye, which I forced myself to keep open, looking at the blue sky ceiling tiles and talking to myself to keep me awake.  Still and awake---that's what I promised.  However, I was now told that instead of 30 minutes, it would take 48 minutes.  I was up for the challenge.

I keep singing Adele songs that I requested in the background and giving myself pep talks on not moving and staying awake.

Much sooner that I thought, I was being unlocked!  The nurse said that it didn't take 48 minutes because I did so well and they never had to wake me up or readjust me!

I was taken back to my room and Dr. Wardak stopped in.
I told him "I promised you I wouldn't move or fall asleep, and I kept my promise!"
He responded, "You did.  You did great.  We didn't have to stop the procedure and readjust you at all. I'm really happy with how it went.  I think we got those two spots.  I'll just see you again in 3 months!"

I felt like a model patient, keep my word on not moving or falling asleep.  And, for any of you who know about me + sleep, it was a HUGE task to accomplish!

They wouldn't take a photo while I was strapped in, but I got to keep the mask.  You can see how tight it was, so much that it left the waffle print on my face!

No worrying about my brain for another three months!