Your Path to Hope Resources

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.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of malignant (cancerous) brain tumor in adults. Cancer cells in GBM tumors rapidly multiply. The cancer can spread into other areas of the brain as well. Rarely, the cancer spreads outside the brain to other parts of the body. Glioma tumors like GBM start in glial cells. Glial cells are vital to nerve cell function. GBMs specifically form in glial cells called astrocytes. GBMs are the fastest-growing astrocytoma (tumor that forms in astrocytes). Types Healthcare providers use a grading system from 1 to 4 to indicate brain tumor growth.

In the heart of Austin, Texas, lies a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complexities of life-altering challenges. Wonders & Worries, a non-profit organization, has been steadfastly dedicated to providing free, professional support to children and teenagers during a parent’s serious illness or injury.  Their commitment to empowering families through difficult times has made them a cornerstone of support within the community.  At the core of Wonders & Worries mission is the belief that children should not face serious parental illness or injuries alone.

Follow-up care is a major part of the brain tumor treatment path. The journey for people diagnosed with a brain tumor does not end when active treatment has finished. Your health care team will continue to check that the tumor has not come back, manage any side effects, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care. After treatment, expect routine physical exams, tests, and MRI scans to monitor your recovery. Due to the potential for tumor recurrence, the frequency of follow-ups will be tailored to your specific case.

Explore practical tips and tricks from people who’ve been through it too, to make things easier as you handle and organize your medical information to helps you stay in control and lower stress during the medical journey. Step 1 Choose the method(s) that work for you in recording information. Are you inclined to take notes on paper, on your phone, or on a tablet? Perhaps a combination of both? Your preferred method of recording information will likely influence how you structure the rest of your organizational system.