Were you or was your loved one recently diagnosed with a brain tumor?
Whether you are a patient or caregiver, one of the first things you may choose to do is gather information and find out how to get support. Yet this can seem overwhelming. Many people say, "I don't even know where to start!" This section is designed to help guide you through gathering information one step at a time. It covers the following topics:
Questions to Ask
The following ten questions provide a starting point for what you may want to ask your healthcare professional. Be sure to have a notebook ready to write down the answers.
- What is the name and grade of my tumor? Is it a primary or metastatic tumor?
- Is my tumor benign or malignant?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the possible side effects of each treatment option?
- Which treatment would you choose if you had my tumor?
- If I am more interested in quality of life rather than how long I live, which treatment would you recommend?
- Are there any clinical trials for which I am eligible and, if so, what questions are those clinical trials asking?
- If I wanted a second opinion from another neuro-oncologist or neurosurgeon, who would you recommend?
- What factors do you take into consideration to predict how I am going to do?
- How can I reach you or someone else in your office if I have questions after today?
Publications to Read
As you begin to gather information, it may be helpful to review NBTS's publications, which you can find here. The following are some especially helpful publications:
NBTS Treatment Center Database
It is common to wonder where to go for treatment. NBTS Treatment Center Database is designed to help you find a brain tumor treatment center that provides the services you may be seeking. You can search by your zip code or state, or by a treatment center name.
If you are unsure of what things you should look for in a treatment center, you may want to read the fact sheet entitled Issues to Consider When Choosing a Brain Tumor Treatment Center.
Find Support
As you learn more about brain tumors, you may also find it helpful to connect with other patients, survivors, and caregivers. The Find Support section of NBTS's website can connect you through online Message Boards and a list of Support Groups across the country. Everybody is different in how they reach out for support, but it is helpful to know that you are not alone, whether you are a patient, survivor, or caregiver.
