Your Path to Hope Resources

What is the NIH (National Institute of Health)? Established in 1887, the NIH has been at the forefront of medical discovery for over a century. It is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing billions of dollars annually to support scientists and institutions across the nation and around the globe. Its mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and apply that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

Plus Therapeutics is a U.S. clinical- stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative, targeted radiotherapeutics for adults and children with difficult-to-treat cancer.  Their mission?  To solve the toughest challenges in oncology by improving the efficacy, precision, and convenience of radiotherapeutics.New to Plus Therapeutics is the ReSPECT-GBM Clinical Trial featuring a helpful guide for patients with glioblastoma.  This booklet is a study guide for patients that breaks down the ReSPECT-GBM clinical trial in simple yet educational terms and answers patients’ frequently asked questions. It explains what the clinical trial is, how it works, patient eligibility, risks/benefits, and what happens on each …

An ependymoma is an accumulation of irregular cells, forming a tumor in either your brain or spinal cord. It falls under the category of primary central nervous system tumors, originating directly in your brain or spinal cord rather than migrating from another location. Ependymomas typically exhibit slow growth and seldom extend to other parts of the body.Classified as a type of glioma, ependymomas initiate in glial cells. These cells play a supportive role for neurons in your brain and spinal cord.

In the realm of healthcare, confidence in your medical team, from nurses to neurosurgeons, is crucial for successful treatment and recovery. Nurses are your frontline caregivers, providing not just medical care but also comfort and support. Trusting them can ease anxiety and promote better adherence to treatment plans.Moving up, specialists like neurosurgeons handle complex surgeries and conditions. Trusting their expertise directly affects surgical outcomes and recovery. Research shows that patient trust in surgeons correlates with better overall results.But it’s not just about nurses and surgeons. Anesthesiologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals all play vital roles in your care. Trust in …

Glioma is a collective term referring to a group of tumors originating in the glial cells of the brain, which provide support to the primary brain cell type, neurons.These tumors commonly occur in the cerebral hemispheres, the brain’s largest outer section responsible for vital functions such as movement, speech, cognition, and emotions. Gliomas can also initiate in the brain stem, regulating essential functions like breathing, blood pressure, and heartbeat. Additionally, they may develop in the optic nerves and cerebellum—the part of the brain overseeing balance and non-cognitive functions.

DIPG, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons. The name diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma describes how the tumor grows, where it is found, and what kinds of cells give rise to the tumor.Diffuse: Diffuse means that the tumor is not well-contained – it grows out into other tissue so that cancer cells mix with healthy cells.

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that starts near the brainstem in the cerebellum. The tumor is fast growing and can spread to other areas of your brain and spinal cord. Medulloblastoma is more common in children than adults. PopulationWhile medulloblastoma is rare, it is the most common pediatric malignant (cancerous) brain tumor. Approximately 20% of childhood brain tumors are medulloblastomas. According to the American Cancer Society, about 500 children are diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year in the United States. There are four known subtypes of childhood medulloblastoma.

Receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumor can be overwhelming and daunting. However, effective communication with your medical team can play a crucial role in understanding your condition, exploring treatment options, and ensuring the best possible care. Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to communicate effectively with your medical team after a brain tumor diagnosis:Establish Open Communication Channels: From the very beginning, establish open and honest communication with your medical team. Let them know your concerns, questions, and preferences. Creating a comfortable environment for communication can help alleviate anxiety and foster trust.

Losing a loved one is the hardest thing anyone will have to go through. Brain cancer does not discriminate, and it seems always to impact the greatest people. In March of 2016, my mom was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, and my life turned upside down in an instant. After nine short months of treatment, radiation, Avastin, and immunotherapy, nothing else could be done and we had to move her into hospice. During those nine months, anticipatory grief struck deeply. Despite assuming the role of strength for my family, I …

Anticipatory grief is a complex emotional process that many brain tumor patients and their caregivers experience as they face the challenges of a serious illness.Anticipatory grief refers to the mourning and emotional preparation that individuals undergo when expecting the eventual loss of a loved one. For brain tumor patients and caregivers, this process often begins upon diagnosis as they confront the uncertain future and potential changes in their lives.Dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis adds distinctive challenges to the anticipatory grief experience.