A cancer diagnosis can be a shock. But a brain cancer diagnosis is even more challenging. A malignant brain tumor can impact patients' thoughts, speech and communication, and motor skills, and perhaps their ability to financially support themselves or their families.
Brain cancer is a rare disease that originates in the brain, spinal cord or nerves. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 people will be diagnosed and nearly 13,000 will die from brain cancer in 2009.
Monica Loghin, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at M. D. Anderson, answers questions on how to deal with a diagnosis and cope with the side effects of both the cancer and its treatment.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
During the first appointment, I always discuss the patient's diagnosis and treatment options. Many patients, however, feel overwhelmed during this appointment and may choose not to discuss details about treatment. In this case, I advise them to take it one step at a time and only gather information that they're able to cope with during their first visit. I suggest having a loved one present during appointments. They can provide emotional support through this process and be an extra pair of ears.
Here are some key questions to ask at a first appointment:
• Is this a definitive diagnosis?
• What type of tumor do I have?
• What are my treatment options?
• What support services are available to assist during my treatment?
What are the treatment options?
Depending on your diagnosis and type of cancer, a combination of the following treatments could be available:
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
Each treatment and the associated side effects are discussed with the specialist managing a patient's care.
As a neuro-oncologist, I manage the patient's chemotherapy. We discuss the side effects and concerns the patient or caregivers may have regarding therapy.
The selection of chemotherapy is based on the type of tumor and functional status of the individual diagnosed with the disease. If a patient is physically or mentally impaired, I choose a therapy with low toxicity. In addition, monitoring the individual's health during treatment is very important. When discussing treatment options with the patient, I share my reasons for choosing the chemotherapy, the side effects and any support M. D. Anderson offers.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
The usual side effects of therapy are:
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
How will treatment impact daily life?
Because chemotherapy impacts each patient differently, it's challenging to anticipate how each one will respond to treatment.
For some patients, chemotherapy may not impact their lives. They can continue working full time and maintain their full neurological functions. This isn't always the case, however. Those receiving treatment may be unable to continue working, which could impact their ability to financially support their families.
My goal is to help patients and family members cope with potential changes in their lives. I explain that treatment can leave patients unable to complete tasks that were once easy for them. They may not be able to think as quickly as before. When psychological effects like these arise, I involve our psychiatry team. The psychiatry team can help those diagnosed and their family members cope with these changes.
At M. D. Anderson, we have an education clinical pharmacologist on staff help monitor each person's care. Every eight weeks, I evaluate patients' responses to treatment and the impact on their health. These evaluations allow me to make any necessary changes to the treatment schedule. If patients are responding to treatment, we discuss whether or not they can return to work -- or do so on a part-time basis.
What services can patients and caregivers seek to help them adjust and cope?
• Look for social workers in your community. They can assist with transportation, parking or support at home. If patients exhibit neurological deficits, social workers can evaluate patients' at-home needs through home health support.
• Sometimes a therapist can help patients and caregivers cope with a cancer diagnosis and the emotional side effects from treatment.
• Many communities have support groups available to patients and their caregivers. These groups offer support and guidance from others who are facing or have overcome similar challenges.
Related article:
Love and Support Help Gulf Coast Resident Cope With Brain Cancer (November Cancerwise FA1)
M. D. Anderson resources:
Monica Loghin, M.D.
Brain and Spine Center at M. D. Anderson
Additional resources:
Brain Tumors (American Cancer Society)
Brain Tumor
Brain cancer is a rare disease that originates in the brain, spinal cord or nerves. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 people will be diagnosed and nearly 13,000 will die from brain cancer in 2009.
Monica Loghin, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at M. D. Anderson, answers questions on how to deal with a diagnosis and cope with the side effects of both the cancer and its treatment.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
During the first appointment, I always discuss the patient's diagnosis and treatment options. Many patients, however, feel overwhelmed during this appointment and may choose not to discuss details about treatment. In this case, I advise them to take it one step at a time and only gather information that they're able to cope with during their first visit. I suggest having a loved one present during appointments. They can provide emotional support through this process and be an extra pair of ears.
Here are some key questions to ask at a first appointment:
• Is this a definitive diagnosis?
• What type of tumor do I have?
• What are my treatment options?
• What support services are available to assist during my treatment?
What are the treatment options?
Depending on your diagnosis and type of cancer, a combination of the following treatments could be available:
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
Each treatment and the associated side effects are discussed with the specialist managing a patient's care.
As a neuro-oncologist, I manage the patient's chemotherapy. We discuss the side effects and concerns the patient or caregivers may have regarding therapy.
The selection of chemotherapy is based on the type of tumor and functional status of the individual diagnosed with the disease. If a patient is physically or mentally impaired, I choose a therapy with low toxicity. In addition, monitoring the individual's health during treatment is very important. When discussing treatment options with the patient, I share my reasons for choosing the chemotherapy, the side effects and any support M. D. Anderson offers.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
The usual side effects of therapy are:
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
How will treatment impact daily life?
Because chemotherapy impacts each patient differently, it's challenging to anticipate how each one will respond to treatment.
For some patients, chemotherapy may not impact their lives. They can continue working full time and maintain their full neurological functions. This isn't always the case, however. Those receiving treatment may be unable to continue working, which could impact their ability to financially support their families.
My goal is to help patients and family members cope with potential changes in their lives. I explain that treatment can leave patients unable to complete tasks that were once easy for them. They may not be able to think as quickly as before. When psychological effects like these arise, I involve our psychiatry team. The psychiatry team can help those diagnosed and their family members cope with these changes.
At M. D. Anderson, we have an education clinical pharmacologist on staff help monitor each person's care. Every eight weeks, I evaluate patients' responses to treatment and the impact on their health. These evaluations allow me to make any necessary changes to the treatment schedule. If patients are responding to treatment, we discuss whether or not they can return to work -- or do so on a part-time basis.
What services can patients and caregivers seek to help them adjust and cope?
• Look for social workers in your community. They can assist with transportation, parking or support at home. If patients exhibit neurological deficits, social workers can evaluate patients' at-home needs through home health support.
• Sometimes a therapist can help patients and caregivers cope with a cancer diagnosis and the emotional side effects from treatment.
• Many communities have support groups available to patients and their caregivers. These groups offer support and guidance from others who are facing or have overcome similar challenges.
Related article:
Love and Support Help Gulf Coast Resident Cope With Brain Cancer (November Cancerwise FA1)
M. D. Anderson resources:
Monica Loghin, M.D.
Brain and Spine Center at M. D. Anderson
Additional resources:
Brain Tumors (American Cancer Society)
Brain Tumor
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