Page 48 - Harnett Life Winter 2020

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Thriving with a Brain Tumor

A brain tumor can result in a wide range of physical and emo- diation into the tumor cavity immediately after surgically re-
tional changes, but proactively managing your coping strategy moving the brain tumor. This allows radiation to be delivered
can have a significant impact on your treatment program and directly to the remaining tumor cells with no treatment delay.
quality of life. The unique design of the treatment tiles keeps the radiation
source from directly touching healthy brain tissue while deliv-
Manage the physical side effects. Oftentimes, the side ef- ering a controlled treatment dose to the tumor cells, limiting
fects associated with a brain tumor and its treatment are as the side effects typically associated with radiation. Once the
troublesome as the tumor itself. Be prepared to experience radiation dose is delivered, the collagen tile is absorbed natu-
changes throughout your body, such as your skin and nails, rally by the body over time. Because the therapy is implanted
hair, weight, digestive system and nerves. Your medical team at the end of surgery, patients require no additional trips to the
can provide recommendations for therapies and at-home hospital or clinic for radiation therapy.
remedies that ease your discomfort and reduce the severity of
the side effects. Arm yourself with information. Treating a brain tumor is a
personal journey and there are many variables that can affect
Explore treatment options. For decades, clinicians have the path you choose. Dedicate yourself to researching every-
sought better treatment options for patients with brain tumors. thing you can about your particular diagnosis, treatment op-
The current standard of care for patients with brain tumors tions, what to expect and the pros and cons of each decision.
is surgical removal of the tumor in combination with radia- That knowledge can restore a sense of power in a situation
tion therapy and at times chemotherapy. However, patients in where so many things may feel beyond your control.
most cases must wait 2-3 weeks for the surgical incision from
tumor removal to heal before beginning radiation treatment. Nurture your emotional health. A brain tumor diagnosis is
loaded with plenty of strong emotional responses, and you
An FDA-cleared option for patients with newly diagnosed may find yourself quickly overwhelmed. Finding healthy
malignant brain tumors and recurrent brain tumors, Gamma- ways to acknowledge and process those feelings can help you
Tile Therapy, involves placing small tiles embedded with ra- feel better prepared to cope with your diagnosis. Dedicate
Page 48 Harnett Life ~ Spring 2020