stand4hope Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 It was a long day (11 1/2 hrs.), but Don's SRS procedure went very well yesterday. The only side effect so far is fatigue. He slept all night (even with 10 extra mg. of Decadron, for a total of 14 mg) and slept a lot today. The procedure itself only took 1 1/2 hrs. to treat the 5 brain mets. It took about 2 hrs. to get registered, talk to the nurse and the doctor and get fitted with the halo, and the rest of the time was waiting. We arrived at 6:30 a.m., and the procedure didn't start until 4:30 p.m. Don slept most of the time because they gave him Valium and pain pills. They told us ahead of time that the fitting and computer planning is all done early in the morning for the convenience of the neurosurgeon because he has to spend the rest of the day in OR. We told them that we were happy the treatment was available but that it seemed very unfair to the patient to have to wait all day with that steel halo screwed into their head. They agreed, but it's just one of those things that's out of their control. At least this time, they had a TV in the room, and I had a recliner, too. The last time it took 12 hours, and there was no TV and I had to sit in a straight-backed chair all day. This time was much better and we knew ahead of time about the wait, so we went prepared with TV Guide, laptop and crossword puzzles. I was very grateful for the medication for Don because they couldn't get his glasses on at all with the halo which meant he couldn't see the TV or work his crossword puzzles. He was very angry, but had taken a CD player, headset, and some tunes, settled back, let the pills work and was snoring away in no time at all. Now, we wait for the 6-week scan. Of course, that's usually too soon to tell anything and the real results won't come for about 3 months. He'll have a CT scan way before then to see if the Alimta is working on the bones and liver. Thanks for all the PMs and emails. You are the best friends ever! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Oh Peggy, I am praying that this is really a big help. I'm glad it went well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJAS Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy, We just got back and I popped in quick just to check Don's progress. I'm so thrilled to see that things apparently went well. You both are in my prayers as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Glad your day went pretty well but it sure was a long one. Interesting when we're grateful for things like a TV and recliner when we have to wait around for hours and hours! Prayers that 6 week scans go well and continue to after that. Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenl Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Dear Peggy So glad to hear that things went relatively smoothly. Fingers crossed that it has done the trick! Love Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jana_W Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy I am so glad to read that Don has had his treatment. I am hoping to be reading about good scan results in another 6 weeks or so. Jana xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Glad to hear that Peggy. Prayers for the best. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Thinking of you both and fingers crossed Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy, Whew! Glad to hear from you and to know you both made it home after a relatively comfortable day. Soooo glad DH was able to sleep through most of it. I know now comes the wait, so I wish peace and good times until then. love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy, I'm so glad to hear that things were a bit easier for both of you this time around. Glad Don had some good meds to help ease the discomfort and anxiety of the wait. I'm really glad that you had a television and a comfy chair. I'm praying that the results from this procedure are good ones!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 We are glad it is over..........prayers for success. Much love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Oy, what a long day! I'm glad Don was able to snooze thru a lot of it and that you had a comfy chair and something to occupy your time. But you're right....it's a terribly long day and terribly unfair to the patient to have to wear that metal halo for so many hours prior to the procedure. Thank goodness they sort of knocked him out...as I'd want to sleep too with that thing on my head Your post sounds positive, though, overall...and you know you have all our positive thoughts behind you. Hoping for good news along the way as they check on things, and hoping too, that the Alimta is working!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy, So glad that's over as I'm sure you and Don are. Now, let's hope and pray it worked and that the Alimta is also doing it's job. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Peggy, I'm glad for you that this part is over and it went relatively well. Know that you've got my prayers daily while you are waiting. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Peggy, sounds good so far. Hoping the news will be good, good, good. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Dear Peggy, I have been waiting to hear from you and as long as the day was at least it is over. You know you have my orayers always that Don does well with his treatments and medications and that the 2 of you can spend some good quality time together while you wait for the next set of results. God is watching over you both my friend. God bless you both, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finster Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 Hoping for great results... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 Peggy, I am SO glad to hear your news. What a relief, for sure. I am hoping for only the very best for Don at this time! I was away from the computer a few days and have gotten a little behind...so sorry this comes a little late. Wishing continued improvement and good news for you both. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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