“I wanted the best treatment available and am grateful for CyberKnife,” says Sogna who chose CyberKnife radiation therapy to treat her brain tumor.
“I felt really confident about CyberKnife. It doesn’t get more precise.”
When the 57-year-old grandmother first noticed soreness in her eyes, and that her left pupil was larger than her right, she never imagined an MRI scan would lead to discovering a brain tumor.
“It was very scary. When I had the MRI they sent me a text with the images before I had the official report. I’m no doctor, but I thought I could see a dark spot. I called my doctor straight away the next morning.”
Fortunately the tumor was a benign meningioma. While relieved it was not cancer, Sogna still faced uncertainty as doctors monitored the growth.
Six months later, follow-up scans showed the tumor had increased slightly in size.
Because the growth remained minimal, surgery was not considered the best option and Sogna was referred to a radiation oncologist who recommended CyberKnife treatment, a highly precise form of stereotactic radiosurgery.
“I wanted the best treatment available,” says Sogna.
In February 2026, Sogna underwent three CyberKnife treatment sessions in one week.
“I was treated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each appointment was so quick, only about 20 minutes. It was amazing. I’d have treatment and then go shopping straight afterwards.”
Aside from some fatigue after her second and third sessions, Sogna experienced very few side effects.
“A few weeks afterwards I felt a bit tired and could taste something funny in my mouth, but that was it. I’ve had no ongoing side effects.”
Sogna was also surprised by the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the team that treated her.
“The staff was wonderful. They were always smiling and laughing and made everything so easy. They were so helpful.”
The music she listened to during her treatment sessions was from her favorite Korean K-pop band, BTS.
“It made the experience more comfortable and even a bit of fun,” says Sogna.
Today, Sogna is back enjoying life on the farm where she and her family grow grapes and avocados. With three sons, and 10 grandchildren, she is focused on enjoying every moment.
Reflecting on her experience Sogna says, “When something doesn’t feel right, explore all your treatment options.”
And she recommends CyberKnife treatment to others facing a similar diagnosis.
“The whole procedure was excellent. If I ever had to do it again, I’d have no hesitation at all.”
Sogna was treated at 5D CLINICS CyberKnife Radiosurgery in Melbourne, Australia
Brain tumors, both cancerous and benign are treated often at the CyberKnife Center of Miami with great success.
Key CyberKnife treatment benefits for brain tumor treatment:
Non-surgical and non-invasive
No head frame is required
Good tumor and cancer control
Reduced incidence of common cognitive side effects
Treatments may be completed in as little as 1-to-5 treatment sessions within 1-to-2 weeks
Most patients can continue normal activity throughout treatment
Typically does not require interruption of chemotherapy cycles or immunotherapy treatments
Patients previously treated with whole brain radiotherapy may also be candidates for CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery treatment (SRS)
Patients treated with SRS can be retreated
Call the team at CyberKnife Miami with any questions or to set up a consultation at 305-279-2900. They are among the most experienced worldwide, and go to our website now to learn more about CyberKnife for brain tumor treatment.