Category: Caregiver Stories (Homepage)

A brain tumor patient will encounter numerous specialists and need to make a multitude of decisions throughout their journey. With these factors and more, navigating cancer care can be overwhelming.  For patients with glioblastoma (GBM), management is even more challenging due to their poor prognosis, feelings of isolation, need for treatment, and cognitive decline associated with this rare and progressive disorder. For these reasons, shared decision-making (SDM) must be integrated into standard practice so that patients’ expectations and goals are considered when discussing and weighing the risks and benefits of treatments.

After a diagnosis of brain cancer, it is likely that surgery or some other treatment will be recommended to remove or shrink the tumor. These treatments can sometimes alter a patient’s mental status and/or ability to communicate. This possibility makes it all the more important for families to consider executing various legal documents to ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored. While it may seem morbid to discuss what treatments or measures should be taken to keep someone alive or comfortable, these documents can help provide guidance and reassurance for …

Written by Lisa Lenrow | Brains for the Cure Ambassador I got married late in life, having met my husband at 49. Three years after our blind date, Jon proposed.  As I had been dreaming about …

Today, May 10th, marks Ependymoma Awareness Day! May 10th was chosen to bring more awareness to this rare brain tumor type because of the 10 different molecular groups of ependymoma. What is an ependymoma? According …

And How Does It Impact Brain Tumor Treatment? Anyone who tries to keep up with the latest science on emerging brain tumor treatments will quickly encounter the term blood-brain barrier. Usually it will come up …

Information on treatment options and guidance on making decisions. Your medical team will work with you to create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Brain tumor treatment depends on many factors including: the results …

Written by: Courtney Benisch | Regional Relationship Coordinator for Head for the Cure and Brains for the Cure Ambassador The past year has been tough mentally, physically, and emotionally. In an all-consuming time where we are …

Written by Kim Asbury, Brains for the Cure Ambassador and Caregiver My sister, Lori Jo, and I have always had a very close relationship even before she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Considering she was …

Mitch’s wife, Allie, was diagnosed with a grade III anaplastic ependymoma brain tumor in 2016. He, along with Allie’s parents, fill the role of being her caregivers. As a caregiver, your focus is typically on …

When treating a patient, no matter their diagnosis, a doctor learns about the patient, but also their family and friends. Dr. Nick Avgeropoulos wants to know the answers to many questions, so that he feels …