Four years ago after experiencing severe headaches and dizziness my neurologist ordered an MRI of my brain, and a small brain tumor was discovered. Turned out to be a benign meningioma that was lodged in an inaccessible place at the base of my skull. I decided to live with the occasional dizziness and watch it.
Over the next several years MRI’s revealed no growth, but recently my hearing began fading a bit and my gait less steady. The MRI revealed the tumor had grown and filled the narrow space, untreated it would destroy the nerve.
Twenty years ago it meant difficult brain surgery, then a noninvasive alternative called the Gamma knife; a high-intensity radiation beam that destroyed tumors was discovered. This procedure required that your head be immobilized by screwing a frame into your skull to keep you from moving while the beam was delivered. The newest technology is called the Cyberknife which requires only that a mask to be molded of your face which is then clamped down on the table. The Cyberknife delivers high-intensity radiation with sub millimeter accuracy because while it’s doing that it is constantly taking pictures of your brain keeping the tumor in focus at all times. If you move, cough, twitch or sneeze the Cyberknife automatically recalibrates, and keeps the beam directly on target.
The neurosurgeon/radiation oncologist created the program for the treatment that required five consecutive days of radiation, and his technician, Steve would deliver the treatment. Steve a gentle, easy to talk to soul, described how he’d create the mask, which was a replica of my face, through which I could breathe easily, but wouldn’t be able to speak or move my head. I said I didn’t like feeling trapped, but Steve said since I had no problem with the MRI machine, it wouldn’t be a problem. He wouldn’t be in the room with me, but assured me that he’d be watching me during the entire procedure, and would always be with me. Steve asked what kind of music I liked and would play it in the treatment room.
Last week I put the mask on for my first treatment, and when Steve clamped it down it was so snug I could hardly quiver my nostrils (see pictures). My initial reaction was this might be more than I can handle. Steve saw me fidgeting and touched my shoulder; “it’s going to be okay” he said, breathe in slowly… there’s plenty of spaces in the mask, slowly, see how easy it is. I’m right here watching you, you are not alone”… and I believed him and felt his healing hands.
The Beethoven let me go to my quiet place and I was OK until my back started aching. 45 minutes is a long time to lie still, and I needed to shift my legs and arch my back. That was the hardest part, so I brought a sheepskin to lie on for the following treatments.
This is the future of medicine; early detection, prediction, prevention and robotics. Biotechnology can manipulate our bodies and cure tumors but it cannot replace the need for human contact and healing touch. Making a relationship, a healing connection with the people in whose hands you place your life is the difference between healing and curing. Healers will touch your soul, help you hear your music and participate in the dance to health at your side.
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YIKES! I’m with you – I would be twitchy – I’m sure my nose would itch. Be sure to write and keep us apprised of how you are doing. I’m so sorry that darn thing is flaring up again.
You are a one oF a kind DUUUUUUUDE ! SCHLAG !! I got choked up because my bro had to go through that —–and then I had to smile when I saw the pictures because it showed another part of you that can never be beaten down by whatever is thrown at you…….even if you have to keep your mouth shut for once. Tell Elaine to keep laying her hands on you. It’s very healing.
Laughing at the irony of you putting on a mask created especially for your healing “ceremony”. Hope you get to keep it. Think I’ll go put on the mask I made with you and meditate on how much I love you and value your life and Spirit! Sending shaky hugs and blessings for your full recovery-Love, Rick
Thanks all, my mouth was actually shut for 45′ but recovered without any disuse atrophy. :O)
Dr. H,
As usual you continue to teach. I can say that I know what you mean about the mask and am so thankful for those angels in the medical field that have that calming presence. I think that too many forget their purpose or lose their way. I am so thankful that you are healed and cured! You did this healing with so much grace and dignity. Thanks for teaching and healing others.
Brenda
OMG…I thought it was Freddie, and I was seeing a “slasher” movie.
We’re thrilled that the procedure was successful…You have a magical way of experiencing the process, and a wonderful way of communicating your reaction.
And, yes, science is magical!
Carl, I can’t help but remember that mask worn by Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs.
Guite a resemblance.
Russ
Carl, I was interested to read of your experience. I have a similar condition, though it is not yet certain whether the tumour (part of which is on the trigeminal nerve, while part extends to the base of the brain) is benign or malignant. There is no cyber knife facility in Australia, and only one gamma knife facility. Alas, the gamma knife treatment (which is one session only) costs $25,000 which is quite out of the question for me. I’m about to have (rather reluctantly) a standard operation on the lower part, for diagnosis purposes and to remove as much as possible of the tumour. I’m not at all confident that the procedure will be beneficial. Please send some healing vibes for 10 August.
Hi Carmel:
I’ll be with you in thought and prayer on Aug.10, you are not alone and blessed, C.
Thank you C. I should have said 9th August … it will be 10th here in Australia.
I’ll be there both days with love and blessings :O)
Then I am twice blessed. X Carmel
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this topic here on your site.
This is a great writeup, I learned a lot from it.
YIKES! I’m with you – I would be twitchy – I’m sure my nose would itch. Be sure to write and keep us apprised of how you are doing. I’m so sorry that darn thing is flaring up again.
Thanks, and it’s all good now. :O)