Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor

by Lynne P. Taylor, Alyx B. Porter Umphrey, Diane Richard (With)

Overview

Providing readily accessible information and real-world encouragement to people living with primary and metastatic brain tumors, this book discusses the basics of brain tumors, types of tumors, management of different tumors, related symptoms, treatments and side effects, the role of medical team members, and coping strategies from initial diagnosis throughout the course of the illness. At the same time, it also offers practical suggestions on symptom management and lifestyle modification, as well as real-life anecdotes and advice from both patients and family members and friends who are experiencing this diagnosis. Written by two experts working with a professional writer, as well as advice from other professionals, the book is crystal clear and easy to use. Balancing the uncertainties of prognosis with hope, Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor is an authoritative, realistic, yet compassionate guide to living with brain cancer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199897797
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/20/2012
Series:	Brain and Life Books
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Lynne P. Taylor, MD, FAAN, is Associate Professor (appointment pending), Hematology-Oncology and Neurology at Tufts Medical Center in Massachusetts. Dr. Taylor received her residency training in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship training in neuro-oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Alyx B. Porter Umphrey, MD, is the Director of Neuro-Oncology and is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She completed her residency and neuro- oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Diane Richard is a Minneapolis-based reporter, radio producer, and writer. Her documentaries have aired on radio stations nationwide, and her writing has been published in magazines throughout the Twin Cities.

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Introduction
Step 1: Take a Deep Breath
Step 2: Seek Out Information
Step 3: Assemble Your Team
Step 4: Keep a Journal
Chapter 1: A Look Inside Your Brain
Basics about the Brain
Understanding Brain Tumors
A Search for Why
Getting a Diagnosis
Chapter 2: Diagnosing Your Brain Tumor
Assessment and Plan
Getting the Medical Help You Need
Assembling Your Team
Finalizing Your Treatment Team
Understanding Your Prognosis
Time to Take Charge
Chapter 3: Understanding Radiation Therapy
Members of the Radiation Oncology Team
Important Considerations
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Retreatment
Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases
Radiation Therapy for Meningioma

SECTION 2: HOW DO I DEAL WITH THIS?
Chapter 4: Lifestyle Management
Feel Empowered
Reduce Stress
Breathe Deeply
Consider Meditation
Move Your Muscles
Eat Well
Herbal and Dietary Supplements
Driving
Working
Support Groups
Cosmetic Issues
Creativity and Art as Therapy
Chapter 5: Symptom Management and Palliative Care
Symptoms
"Big Picture" Topics to Keep in Mind
Chapter 6: Care of the Caregiver
Pre-Surgery
During Treatment
Recurrence
Chapter 7: Legal and Financial Issues
Financial Planning
Advance Directives
Living Wills
HIPAA-What Information Do I Have Access to and How to Make the Most of It
Maintaining Tracking Information through Electronic Medical Records
ADA Issues

SECTION 3: WHAT CAN I AND MY MEDICAL TEAM DO ABOUT IT?
Chapter 8: Tumors within the Skull Yet Outside the Brain
Basics about Meningioma
Treating Atypical and Malignant Meningiomas
Pituitary Adenoma
Acoustic Neuroma
How Will Having One of These Tumors Affect My Life?
Chapter 9: Primary Brain Tumors
Understanding Your Treatment Options
Understanding Your Pathology Report
Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
Chapter 10: Understanding Metastatic Brain Tumors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Leptomeningeal Disease
APPENDIX
Resources
GLOSSARY

Editorial Reviews

"The legal advice dovetails perfectly with that of the medical specialists to make this an all-encompassing work. VERDICT According to the authors, knowledge is power, and information can be some comfort when everything is suddenly so unpredictable. This book would be an excellent companion to Virginia Stark-Vance's 100 Questions & Answers About Brain Tumors."
— Library Journal

From the Publisher