How do you not let a brain tumor take over your life?

Hello @lorena1963 I am Scott and it is nice to e-meet you here on Mayo Connect! I totally get what you are saying --- the waiting and the not knowing can often be the worst of times especially during hard times!

My wife fought her brain cancer for 14+ years and those times of waiting were always tough!

I don't mean to be negative, but once diagnosed the disease is always in your life and your thoughts. My wife was never able to ignore it completely, but she was able to shove it aside a bit from time to time.

Have you been diagnosed already? If so, what was your diagnosis, if I may ask? You mention 'next steps'. What steps have been taken so far?

Strength, courage, and peace!

If you find out, let me know.

Thank you for your reply, diagnosed in 04 grew had surgery in 2015, radiation i 2017. Team thought at first it was treatment related now they are thinking it's progressing, fightened beyond belief. On own for most part, divorced husband he became addicted to opiods lost house living with friends from church. Mostly afraid there will come a time I won't be able to work

It’s a struggle. Found if we only focus on what we know today ... one day at a time ... is the best we can do. This is a journey not a race. Pace yourself.

Just know every day may be different and don't expect too much from myself no matter what others may expect of me.

I am six years into a head and neck cancer experience, with two lung metastases which were able to be surgically removed at Mayo. So far 2 1/2 years since the last met. I am so sorry that you are going thru this. Are you able to travel for an outside opinion? Mayo is the BEST. Living with cancer, as you know, is all about finding the best in every day, and not allowing yourself to be consumed in worry. When our days are numbered, or when we realize that with a life-threatening disease, we have to dig down deep to accept the future and enjoy each day that we have. That can be really hard. Do your research to be an active part of your health care decisions, reach out for referral if possible, and know that you are doing your best. When our friend Bob was fighting his battle with lymphoma, he said he would "Finish Life", and that was his goal. He lived every day with positivity. That attitude can help in your fight against cancer. IT doesn't always win. There are new treatments opening up every day, studies to participate in, and HOPE. Keep kicking the can down the road and see what time will bring. Don't let yourself waste all your precious time on worry. Be strong.

Lorena, waiting is the worst. I have a chronic type of Luekemia and the treatment for now is to watch and wait. I began to do my own research. I found some compelling information on treatment that can be done in the meantime. Integrative oncology is new but there is tons of information out there. Brain cancer is one of the types that has had good success.
Concertutor.com was one of the best web sites for this info. Some cancer centers are doing both types of treatments.

I have a niece who is in her late 40's that has had multiple brain surgeries/treatment since a child and still doing well...also a friend in her 80's just diagnosed with brain tumor cancer and is doing well with some on going treatment...This is in Washington state and Oregon. There is hope. You need to talk with someone..this waiting by yourself is too hard on a person. I don't know their particulars, but wanted to give you encouragement.

@cads. Good point. Always need to remember. We only know what we know now. One DAY at a time.

Good advice, thank you.