Page 40 - Robeson Living Spring 2020

Photos courtesy of
Getty Images

Thriving with a Brain Tumor

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

Page 40 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2020