Brain Cancer Sources of Support

Learning you have a brain tumor can change your life and the lives of those close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It's normal for you, your family, and your friends to need help coping with the feelings that such a diagnosis can bring.

Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. You may also worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.

Here's where you can go for support:

• Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities.
• Social workers, counselors, or members of the clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, social workers can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.
• Support groups also can help. In these groups, people with brain tumors or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk with a member of your health care team about finding a support group.

Read about Roswell Park's Resources and Support.

Chemotherapy and You

The National Cancer Institute has an excellent publication called Chemotherapy and You. It is written for you - someone who is about to receive or is now receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Your family, friends, and others close to you may also want to read this book. It is a guide you can refer to throughout your chemotherapy treatment. It includes facts about chemotherapy and its side effects and also highlights ways you can care for yourself before, during, and after treatment.
You can download  Chemotherapy and You here or read it online on the NCI Web site.

Links to Resources

• American Brain Tumor Association  Provides written materials about brain tumors, treatment, resources, newsletter, and support groups. (800) 886-2282
• Brain Tumor Society  Provides information for patients & families, education, telephone network, & support groups. (800) 770-828
• National Brain Tumor Foundation   Provides informational materials for patients and families coping with a brain tumor diagnosis. Also offers support groups, and “Ask the Nurse” informational sessions. (800) 934-2873
• David Bailey  Brain tumor survivor, singer, and songwriter.
• Cure Magazine  Obtain a free subscription to this magazine about cancer updates, research, and education
• Driving Evaluation Through DeGraff Hospital, Rochester Rehab Services offers driver evaluation services. Call 585.271.1894 and ask for DriveOn
• Erie County Caregiver Coalition Promotes community awareness, sensitivity to and action around caregiving issues. Find links to area services.
• Fertile Hope Provides reproductive information for cancer survivors.
• Gilda’s Club Provides a place where people whose lives have been touched by cancer can join with others for social and emotional support. Programs for men and women include support groups, networking, lectures, workshops and social events. For more information call (716) 332-5900.