Life After Treatment

The goal of any cancer treatment is to help you achieve the best health and well-being possible. As you’re making your plan, working your way through treatment and recovering, you can take actions towards a better way of life every step of the way.

Physically, cancer and it’s treatment will take a lot out of you. This section contains information on some symptoms you may experience and ways to help you manage them.

There is an emotional toll too. Going through this can be lonely and isolating for you and your family. This section provides support resources, groups, and community organizations that can help you along your journey.

Lastly, it can be a source of strength and encouragement to connect with others who’ve been there. This section includes stories of other people living their lives during and after brain tumor treatment – and you’re invited to share your own story.

MY DIAGNOSIS

Providing you with the basic information to help you understand brain tumors.

Doctors will perform many follow-up tests using medical equipment and terminology you may be unfamiliar with. Learning this process can help you feel more comfortable and confident you are making the right medical decisions.

Anatomy

Learn where the tumor is located within the brain to help you understand what symptoms may occur.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms that can be related to the location of the brain tumor or increased pressure.

Diagnostic Tests

When a brain tumor is suspected or confirmed, your doctor will have you undergo one or more tests to diagnose or monitor it.

Brain Tumor Types

There are more than 120 types of brain tumors. See the most common brain tumor types.

Pathology/Grades

See the various tumor grades. Knowing the grade helps to predict the tumor’s likely behavior.

Prognosis

Prognosis refers to the probable outcome of the disease. View the latest prognosis statistical report.

MY TEAM

Learn about health care team members and ways to improve communication.

It is important to have confidence in the doctor and the health care team providing your treatment and follow-up care. Whether this is someone you have chosen yourself, or a doctor you have been referred to, it’s important that you make sure that he or she is qualified.

Understanding My Team

Members of your neuro-oncology medical team that may be involved in your care.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Questions to ask your treating doctor to help you decide if they are the right doctor for you and tips on communicating.

Seeking A Second Opinion

A second opinion can be helpful when making treatment decisions. Connecting your diagnosis with the best treatment centers.

MY FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT

Information on follow-up care and what to expect.

Once treatment ends, ask your doctor for a summary of your care and a follow-up care plan. This should include follow-up appointments. At these checkups, your health care team will identify changes in your health by: checking for recurrence (the return of your brain tumor), managing any side effects, and monitoring your health.

What To Expect

Providing you with information about your follow-up visits and tips to help you communicate with your doctor.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Questions to ask your health care provider once your treatment ends.

Recurrence

Symptoms and guidance on what to do if you suspect a recurrence.

LIVING WITH A BRAIN TUMOR

Ways to care for yourself and your loved ones.

A brain tumor diagnosis can leave you feeling uncertain over what the future holds. Acknowledge your fears and concerns, as well as share your strength with others. Whether you decide to turn to family and friends, your medical team, social workers or support groups – online or in-person – never forget that you are not alone on your journey.

What To Expect

Brain cancer can impact all aspects of your life. There are resources available to help you cope.

Support

Guidance on ways to care for yourself, your loved ones and read stories from other brain tumor patients.

Get Involved

Join the celebration of people who are fighting brain tumors while being an inspiration to those who are carrying forward.