Have you heard of Cyberknife treatments being broken into 5-6 with 1-4 weeks in between?

This is so different then what I have read about others.

Any ideas?

Robin, My initial plan after my embos was 8-10 CK sessions over a year period. When I met with the radiation oncologist, who works with the stereotactic neurosurgeon, I asked similar questions and got the impression it was almost "experimental". He was very candid with me and said "I'm afraid I'll hurt you." I don't know all the in's and out's regarding radiosurgery, but the oncologist mentioned calculating the volume of my avm and effective radiation dose. Because of the size, I think it concerned him. Three years later and I am doing very well with few headaches and no noticeble symptoms. Wishing you the best in your decision. I am happy with mine. -GK

It is Dr. Whitworth that came up with the plan. It seems that this is what Dr. Samson was trying to lean me towards without coming out and saying it. I asked Dr. Samson what happens if it doesn't cure it. He said we could radiate again or do surgery but surgery would be much safer at that time.

I just can't make up my mind to do something or leave it alone. My family is very much against surgery because it is high risk. I just didn't think it would be that many sessions and that long in between. I do know Standford U said that they could do Cyberknife on it also with no embolizations. I wonder if UTSW is looking at smaller doses of radiation with giving the brain time in between to lesson the risk.

It was Dr. Whitworth that also presented my plan. However, when I met with the radiation oncologist following my embo's, he seemed almost baffled that this was even an option?! I did notice that ur avm is significantly smaller though, so maybe CK is not such a bad idea? My biggest fear with cyberknife was radiation necrosis, and new, possibly worse symptoms. Sorry I can't be of more assistance. Wishing u the best! -GK

Who was the radiation oncologist? I thought Dr. Whitworth was. Now I am just confused. I know they said I would not have to do embolizations with Cyberknife but would with Gamma Knife.

I met with Dr. Timmerman in March '10 at the Sammons Cancer center on the UTSW campus. They mainly treat cancers there, but I believe that is where the actual Cyberknife is located. The radiation oncologist works together with the neurosurgeon, Dr. Whitworth, to both map out the avm and determine the most effective, safe dose of radiation. Dr. Whitworth is a neurosurgeon that specializes in sterotactic radiation, deep brain stimulation and other advanced techniques. I hope this helps, keep us updated on ur decision. -GK