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:	9780199311224
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/20/2012
Series:	Brain and Life Books
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	3 MB

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

Taylor (neuro-oncology, Tufts Medical Ctr.) and Alyx B. Porter Umphrey's (neuro-oncology, Mayo Clinic, Pheonix) title, written specifically for patients and caregivers, successfully balances accessible clinical material (e.g., an overview of the brain and information on understanding brain tumors and on current medications) with practical lifestyle-management issues (e.g., healthy eating, supplements, cosmetics). The text is divided into manageable and relatable chapters: "Where Do I Begin?," "How Do I Deal with This?," and "What Can I Do About It?" The language is jargon free, and a glossary aids comprehension. The step-by-step section detailing what to expect once diagnosed includes the types of tests that need to be done, whom to talk to, how to assemble an effective multidisciplinary team, and how to organize medical records—all of which will help at an overwhelming time. A chapter written by qualified attorneys outlines what anyone with a chronic health condition should consider: the management of personal affairs, including durable power of attorney, advance directives, and wills. 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.—Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. Lib. Syst., NM

Library Journal