How to Talk to Your Doctor About Brain Tumors

To better understand what is in store for you once you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, it's necessary to talk openly and freely to your doctor. If you feel inhibited in asking questions and expressing your concerns, you need to consider finding another doctor. Open communication is critical throughout the diagnostic, treatment and recovery period.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Neurosurgeon

Find Answers

1. Press for an answer about the odds of a successful brain tumor surgery. While nothing is guaranteed, it's important to talk about the probability or possibility of a successful return to normal daily activities following surgery.
2. Ask your surgeon how many surgeries for brain tumors he has done in the last year. Then, ask how many specifically like the type of surgery recommended for your treatment. Make sure your surgeon was actually performing them and not just assisting with the surgery.
3. Follow up with a question about the statistics of the success or complications of the surgery. Make them clarify their definition of a successful surgery. This could mean the tumor is out, but nerve damage left some type of paralysis or loss of function.
4. Push for an explanation of permanent complications as opposed to temporary ones. Talk about temporary complications that may last months or years. You need to be aware of those possibilities before going into surgery for a brain tumor.
5. Prepare to ask about headaches and fatigue following the surgery. Ask if these symptoms may be more or less than prior to surgery. It's also important to know how long they might last.
6. Request statistics on the number of deaths directly related to the surgery to remove brain tumors. This should include post-op care for up to two months. Ask about infections, such as bacterial meningitis, that could be associated with the surgery.
7. Discuss the type of anesthesia used and the length of time required for the procedure. While it may not be possible to give an exact timeline, your doctor should be able to give a close estimate based on your diagnostic findings.
8. Request detailed information about the recovery process. It will help you and your family to know how much time to expect you to be in the hospital.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your own research. Take full advantage of the Internet or your local library to learn everything you can about brain tumors. This will help you in understanding what your doctor is telling you about your condition.