I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2010. The tumour had been missed by my GP for 18 months, so I was operated on immediately to perform a biopsy, which was fortunately benign. Two months later, I was operated on again to remove part of the tumour. Due to the position, only part of it could be removed. A decision was made that I didn’t need radiotherapy and the tumour would be monitored with regular scans.
In December 2011, a week after a scan, I was called and asked to meet with an oncologist. I went along and he told me there had been a slight increase in the size of the tumour. He recommended a further operation to de-bulk the tumour and then I would be considered for Radiosurgery.
Once the third operation was over, I went to meet with my oncologist again, he said a meeting had taken place and the decision was made that I would benefit most from CyberKnife Radiosurgery. At the time, there were no machines in Birmingham, so I was referred to St Barts in London. This still wasn’t guaranteed: I had to go to London to meet the team. They told me a meeting would take place to discuss my case and they would be in touch. Luckily, I was accepted.
The treatment happened over three days and each session lasted about 45 minutes. It was painless and I was able to leave the hospital after each session. I was told that the CyberKnife treatment would stop the tumour from growing, but it would remain the same size (this wasn’t a problem). Two years on, I have had three scans and the tumour has reduced slightly at each scan. I have now been put on yearly scans; at one time, I never thought this would be possible.
I’m so grateful that my oncologist recommended CyberKnife Radiosurgery, (a machine that I had never heard of at the time of being told). Due to the machine, I should go on to live a long life and, for that, I’ll remain forever thankful.