Question about after Brain Surgery & Cyberknife - 1249191

sherrys
Posts:212

I had a tumor removed from my cerebellum in July and had cyberknife in August. The only side effect I had was about 3 weeks after the cyberknife, I had dizziness. That is gone now. Now I have 3 "bumps" on my head. One is at the very top of my scar and hurts if I press on it. The other 2 are near the scar and hurt to press on as well. I'm afraid to find out what they are. :(

My question is, do I call my oncologist, the radiation oncologist, or the surgeon? Thank you!!

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Reply # - October 18, 2012, 06:34 AM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

If they aren't where the screws for a "halo" for the radiation were placed, I don't think the radiation oncologist would be the leading choice. For things that are right along where the scar is, I'd say the surgeon is a good first choice, if that person is reachable. It sounds most like an infection could be the cause -- you really wouldn't expect to see new metastases right at the skin in this situation.

The oncologist also might be able to offer some insight.

Good luck.

-Dr. West

Reply # - October 18, 2012, 07:44 AM

sherrys
Posts: 212

Thank you much for the quick answer. The thought of an infection is particularly concerning to me because after my surgery I was readmitted to the hospital for a superficial infection at the wound site that had to be cleaned twice. I was on a 7 week course of IV antibiotics after I came home. Do you think it's possible that it's the same infection?

I called my oncologist's office and left a message with the nurse and am waiting to hear back from them. From experience, I know the surgeon is impossible to reach unless you're in the hospital.

Reply # - October 18, 2012, 09:14 AM

catdander
Posts:

Dear Sherry I hate you are returning to this issue. My brother's family has had problems with recurrent infections for some time. I'm sure it's dependent on the infection and how persistent and or resistant to drugs it is. Let us know what the doctor says.

Reply # - October 18, 2012, 01:45 PM

catdander
Posts:

Perhaps you might call them just to make sure you didn't lose the call back? wink wink.
I like to beat around the bush like that so I don't have to be outwardly aggressive even though we all know I am. What's that called, passive aggressive?

Reply # - October 19, 2012, 06:01 AM

sherrys
Posts: 212

I'm not aggressive either, but I do need to learn to be more so.

The nurse called me back but it was clear she had not spoken to the dr. She said it was probably stitches under the skin that will work their way out. Well, I had staples and the surgery was in July. Lol. She said the tingling and pain is from loosing hair, but she said if it started to seep to call back. I think I'm going to try - again - to reach the surgeon.

Reply # - October 19, 2012, 07:08 AM

catdander
Posts:

I didn't mean I wasn't aggressive, I mean I am aggressive but in way where I don't let the other person walk away or hang up until I get an answer without getting angry. I always thought to call it insistent but D's onc calls it being a bulldog. Sherry, I hope you are able to get input from your surgeon or onc before the weekend. This doesn't sound like a worrying situation you need to go through. Perhaps your husband can be the bulldog in this situation or you can pretend to be a pushy needy patient? It's alright, you've gone through unimaginable pressures.
See I'm just going on on this post. That's kind of how I get when I want my way and I want you to get the answers you need.
Enough Janine
Keep us posted.

Reply # - October 19, 2012, 09:00 AM

certain spring
Posts: 762

And mine after that! I am useless. And I sympathise, Sherry - I've had several instances of people trying to fob me off with silly explanations. A well-informed nurse with a hotline to the doctor is worth his/her weight in gold.

Reply # - October 20, 2012, 10:26 AM

catdander
Posts:

Thanks, good to know I'm helpful.
But I hate they didn't call back. boo. Keep poking, I bet if you call twice Monday you will hear back. Let them know of your specific worries about it; remind them of the infections, even when leaving a message.

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