Topic Categories: Medical: Healthy Coping

Caregiver Questionnaire

JPH Guide

M: Second Opinions

Medical

Medical - Exploring Options

Medical: Comfortability with Medical Team

How to Look For Second Opinions

You Are Not Alone: Stories From Parents Of an Adult With a Brain Tumor

Sue on grieving as a family: "You each have your own grief journey and you have to own it."

In Your Own Words: A Caregiver's Perspective

Glioblastoma Awareness Day: Staying informed and Finding Hope

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most complex, deadly, and treatment-resistant cancers. More than 14,490 Americans are expected to receive a GBM diagnosis in 2023.  It can affect anyone—men, women, and children—regardless of age, background, or lifestyle. GBM does not discriminate based on gender, socioeconomic status, region, age, or political affiliation. Every year, on the third Wednesday of July, GBM Awareness Day is observed to acknowledge the profound impact of this devastating disease and to emphasize the national imperative to advance research, raise awareness, and take action toward finding a cure for glioblastoma.Glioblastoma Awareness Day is a vital opportunity to …

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You Are Not Alone

See stories from people who have been there before. I'm _________, who has a brain tumor.

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Caregiver Questionnaire

Caregiver Stories (Homepage)

Medical

Medical - Diagnosis

Medical: Healthy Coping

Difficult Conversations Prior to Treatment

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

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Caregiver Questionnaire

Caregiver Stories (Homepage)

M: Clinical trials 101

Medical

Medical - Diagnosis

Medical: Alternate Treatments (Outside SOC)

Advocating for a Patient's Rights

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

Read More

Caregiver Questionnaire

JPH Guide

M: Brain Tumor 101

Medical

Medical - Diagnosis

Medical: Healthy Coping

Where Can I Find Help and Resources?

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

Read More

JPH Guide

Medical

Medical - Diagnosis

Medical: Healthy Coping

Patient Questionnaire

You Are Not Alone: Stories from Newly Diagnosed

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

Read More

Caregiver Questionnaire

E: Support Services

JPH Guide

Medical

Medical - Post Treatment

Medical: Healthy Coping

Caregiving After Treatment

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

Read More

Caregiver Questionnaire

Caregiver Stories (Homepage)

Emotional

Medical - Diagnosis

Medical: Healthy Coping

Caring For a Child (adult) With a Brain Tumor

A second opinion involves having a different doctor assess your medical records and test results, providing an alternative diagnosis and treatment suggestion. The second doctor’s opinion may align with the primary one or propose a different approach with additional recommendations. This process can offer alternative explanations for your treatment strategy. Brain tumors are complex so second, or third, opinions are sometimes needed. Here are several reasons to contemplate seeking a second opinion before finalizing any treatment decisions.

Feel Empowered and Take Control
By seeking a second opinion, you will naturally become more informed about all of your available treatment options and even have a better sense of possible side effects of each. Many patients say that learning more about their condition and treatment helps you feel more in control of your health and ensure you are making the best decision for you.

Confidence and Peace of Mind
A second opinion can help you feel more comfortable that you are choosing the right treatment plan and if both doctors agree on a course of treatment, you will feel extra confident in your plan.

You Have Been Told There are No Options
If one doctor has said that your condition likely will not respond to treatment, or your choices are extremely limited, another doctor might be familiar with additional options unknown to the first and explore them with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking a second opinion.

Find a Doctor You Really Like
Most doctors understand that patients have the right to a second opinion and often encourage it. You are under no obligation to be treated by the first doctor you see if you feel that another doctor better meets your needs. When meeting with a new doctor, pay attention to the nurses, office staff, and environment to make sure that you choose the best team for your treatment.

Discover Alternate Treatment Options
Not all hospitals and doctors have access to the same treatment options. A second opinion could lead you to a more advanced treatment or to one more tailored to your individual needs.

Second Opinion Fears
Some patients may be concerned that the primary doctor will be offended if you decide to seek a second opinion.

A good doctor will understand that you will want to seek a second opinion and will encourage you to do so in order for you to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Keep in mind that they would likely do so if they were in your position as a patient.

Honesty is important in your doctor/patient relationship, so it is a good idea to keep your doctor informed of your final choices of how to move forward with care.

Remember, if a doctor is insulted by your choice to get another opinion or pressures you in any way, they may not be the best choice to engage with in the future. Additional emotional stress between doctors and patients has been shown to keep patients from healing as fast as they could otherwise.

Read More