Homepage > Pittsburgh News

O'Connor's Symptoms Worsen; Brain Radiation Starts Early

POSTED: 11:40 am EDT August 17, 2006
UPDATED: 6:58 pm EDT August 17, 2006

Mayor Bob O'Connor began radiation treatments Thursday to address what UPMC Shadyside called "worsening symptoms" related to the cancerous tumors in his brain.

The original plan announced by doctors called for whole brain radiation to start next week, and for a shunt to be surgically implanted in O'Connor's abdomen today to redirect fluid buildup from his brain.

Instead, the surgery has been shelved and the radiation schedule has been bumped up to Thursday and Friday. That will be followed on Monday by a radiation treatment targeted directly to his tumors, the hospital said.

The abrupt change in the mayor's treatment strategy came as the result of a headache and increased lethargy that developed overnight, the hospital said.

Those symptoms are believed to be caused by increased fluid buildup in his brain, according to the hospital.

More than a month after being diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma, a brain scan does not show significant shrinkage of O'Connor's tumors, doctors said Wednesday.

The new brain scan clearly shows he still has active lymphoma in four places, doctors said.

O'Connor's first radiation treatments will target the entire brain, with higher doses hitting the tumors and lesser doses hitting the normal areas, doctors said.

Dr. Stanley Marks acknowledged a chance of 10 percent or less that the treatments will carry a side effect of neurocognitive dysfunction, especially because of the mayor's age.

While O'Connor is disabled, Deputy Mayor Yarone Zober continues to run the city in his absence.


Related Links:
More Allegheny County News


Links We Like
You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

Sponsored Links