Dear friend diagnosed with four inoperable brain tumors: How to adapt?

Posted by braidingstrands @braidingstrands, Jun 19 2:00am

How can I best accompany her at this time? How to adapt to the end of one part of life and this time of tests and treatments? And saying goodbye to longer term plans for the future?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain Tumor Support Group.

elisabeth007 | @elisabeth007 | Jun 19 8:09am

how about encouraging her to get a consultation w top neuro-surgeon? Maybe there is hope that only the best of best neurosurgeons might be able to handle

kc2 | @kc2 | Jun 19 11:40am

I also have an inoperable brain tumor. Your post is missing any actual medical options for your friend - radiation, chemotherapy, etc. - only tests and treatments. I concur with elisabth007, get consultations with top doctors where you live - I travel hours to get to Duke Cancer Center in Durham, NC. At 73 years old, I'd be content if tumor stops growing. Just started chemo - Temodar. As far as emotional support - be strong and encouraging. A good sense of humor helps me. Found the best advice in a fortune cookie "Real courage is moving forward when the outcome is uncertain."

pnf24 | @pnf24 | Jun 19 1:02pm

Is your friend receiving any treatments? What types of tumors does she have? Some are slower growing than others.

braidingstrands | @braidingstrands | Jun 22 2:43pm

Still waiting for biopsy results… very recent…

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 29 12:27pm

Hi @braidingstrands, I know the words brain tumors and inoperable immediately bring to mind that the end is near. And you are asking very good questions. To help prepare you and your friend for what is to come, it sounds like you need more information. Not all brain tumors are the same. Some are benign while others may be cancerous. Some are slow growing, others may not be. Some tumors never need treatment and people die with the brain tumor not because of it.

Has your friend since learned more about her diagnosis and the type of brain tumor they are dealing with? How are you doing?

braidingstrands | @braidingstrands | Jun 29 12:34pm

We hope to learn more this week…

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 29 12:45pm

In reply to @braidingstrands "We hope to learn more this week…" + (show)

As you prepare for the upcoming appointment, I find it helpful to make a list of questions (if you haven't already). Here are a few to get you started:
What type of brain tumor do I have?
Where is my brain tumor located?
How large is my brain tumor?
How aggressive is my brain tumor?
Is my brain tumor cancerous?
What are my treatment options?
What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
Is there one treatment you think is best for me?
What happens if I choose to not have treatment?
See more from Mayo Clinic at the bottom of this webpage https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350088

@braidingstrands, will you be accompanying your friend to the appointment?