O'Connor Begins Brain Radiation

Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor did not having more surgery Thursday.

O'Connor's medical team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center announced Thursday morning that the mayor would not receive surgery to redirect fluid buildup in the brain to his abdomen.

Instead, he began whole brain radiation treatment, which will continue on Friday followed by intensity modulated radiation therapy, treatment targeted directly to his tumors, on Monday to address worsening symptoms related to his primary CNS lymphoma.

Doctors said radiation therapy was moved up as a result of symptoms overnight that included headache and increased lethargy and that led to a postponement of a procedure to internalize his drain.

The symptoms are believed to be due to fluid buildup in his brain that increased Wednesday night.

To improve these symptoms, the medical team adjusted the level of fluid output to enable it to drain more effectively.

Surgery to internalize the drain has been postponed until fluid levels improve.

Previous Stories: August 16, 2006: Mayor O'Connor's Doctors Change Course Of Treatment August 14, 2006: Doctors: Mayor O'Connor Regaining Strength August 11, 2006: Mayor O'Connor Becoming More Alert August 9, 2006: Mayor Resting After 3rd Chemo Treatment August 7, 2006: Deputy Mayor Named For Pittsburgh August 6, 2006: Mayor O'Conner Undergoes Surgery August 2, 2006: O'Connor To Remain In Hospital August 1, 2006: No Plans For O'Connor's Release From Hospital July 28, 2006: Doctors Update Mayor O'Connor's Condition July 27, 2006: Mayor Appoints Interim Chief Of Staff July 26, 2006: O'Connor Tolerating Second Chemo Treatment July 26, 2006: Pittsburghers Sign Banner For Mayor July 25, 2006: Giant Card, Banners On Display For Mayor July 24, 2006: Mayor To Begin Physical Therapy July 19, 2006: Mayor's Cancer Treatment Delayed July 18, 2006: Doctors Lessen Mayor O'Connor's Medications July 17, 2006: Mayor's Hospital Stay Extended July 14, 2006: Doctors: O'Connor Showing Progress July 13, 2006: O'Connor Runs City From Hospital Bed July 12, 2006: O'Connor Resting After First Chemo Treatment July 11, 2006: City Pulling For Mayor's Recovery July 11, 2006: Mayor O'Connor Diagnosed With Cancer July 8, 2006: Mayor O'Connor Released From The Hospital July 7, 2006: Mayor O'Connor Hospitalized