Day One ...
We're here to help.
I can't begin to imagine the emotions you might be feeling since you heard this diagnosis -- fear, anger, sadness -- they must be overwhelming. So much so, that you probably didn't hear much of what the doctor said after that.

That's natural when you're in shock, but now you need to rally all your resources and get all the help you can. Denying your illness won't make it disappear, but learning as much as possible empowers you to decide what's right for you.

With major technological advances such as gene therapy and immunotherapy, there are more treatment options than ever before. Even the old standbys -- surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy -- are much more sophisticated now, allowing removal of previously inoperable tumors, and delivery of radiation or cancer-killing drugs directly to the tumor to decrease side effects.

When I was chief resident of neurology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, every patient with a brain tumor had a whole team of highly specialized professionals dealing with different aspects of their problem. It's even more important now to consult with neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation and chemotherapy oncologists, and rehabilitation experts.

Your doctor can coordinate this specialized care, or you can get referrals and a wealth of other information from the National Cancer Institute. Through a clinical trial, you might benefit from the latest treatment while advancing research.

While I suggest you get a second opinion, there comes a point when you need to accept the diagnosis and treatment plan and spend precious time with your family rather than on endless doctor shopping. Communication is so important. Don't be afraid to share your feelings and your concerns with your family and your health-care team, as well as with clergy, social workers, and legal counsel if appropriate. Support groups can also be invaluable.

Statistics may be confusing or frightening, but all you need to focus on is improving your own health. Hope, faith, love, and laughter go a long way to restoring both body and spirit. Even in brain cancer, miracles do happen.

Yours in health,
Laurie Barclay, MD