​The Care Plus team at your hospital are experts in offering an extra layer of support for the many concerns people with cancer may be facing with their illness and treatment. Click on the following tiles for information about how Care Plus support may be helpful to you and your carer(s).
Poor appetite & weight loss
Depending on the location of your brain tumour and the medications you are taking, you may experience changes in your appetite which can lead to weight loss. You can help manage these effects by eating healthy food and staying as active as possible.
The Care Plus team can help you manage this by.....
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website.......
Difficulty concentrating & memory issues
Brain tumors can lead to problems with memory and the ability to focus. These issues with attention and memory are more commonly experienced when the tumor is located on the left side of the brain, either towards the front or the side.
The Care Plus team can help you manage this by.....
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website.......
Cough & Breathlessness
When a brain tumour begins to increase in size, the signs and symptoms you experience may become more noticeable. The symptoms depend largely on the location of the tumour. For example, if the tumour starts pressing onto the brain stem, this may cause breathing issues. A tumour in this location may also cause problems with swallowing and can lead to the need to cough. In rare cases, damage to the brain stem may lead to a chronic cough.
The Care Plus team can help you manage this by.....
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website.......
Symptom concerns
Symptoms concerns may include things like pain, feeling weak and/or tired, feeling sick (nausea), bowel changes and personality/behavioural changes. These symptoms can be caused by the brain tumour itself or the medication & treatments given.
Personality/Mood Changes
Examples of personality/behavioural changes may include anxiety, confusion and/or mood swings. The Care Plus team can help you manage these symptoms by...
Pain
A number of people with cancer report feeling pain. This might be due to the cancer, or its treatment, but it is important to also remember it might be unrelated, such as due to arthritis. There are very effective treatments for pain available. Care Plus clinicians are experts at pain management. Make sure you talk to your doctor about what you are noticing – together you can work out the best treatment approaches.
Weakness/Tiredness
It is very common to feel tired in the setting of cancer. Tiredness might result from so many things that are going on for you at the moment – many appointments, side effects of medication, difficulty sleeping, not eating and drinking as you normally would, and sometimes also from the cancer itself. The Care Plus team will review any factors that might be causing tiredness, and can suggest different strategies that have been shown to be effective that you might wish to try.
Nausea/Bowel Changes
Having difficulty passing your bowels or feeling unwell in the stomach (nausea) are common symptoms felt that can be due to the brain tumour itself or the medication you are taking.
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website.......
Practical strategies & emotional support
There are many helpful strategies that can help you on your cancer journey. Practical strategies may include:
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Having help with daily activities (such as cooking, cleaning etc.)
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Getting access to transport to travel to and from treatments
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Making your home more accessible to your needs
Taking care of your emotional well-being is crucial during this major life transition. This may include:
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Leaning on family and friends for support
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Being involved in a support group with people going through similar things
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Seeking professional help - speak to a therapist or counselor
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Trying mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, or massage to reduce stress
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Prioritising yourself and how you are feeling - make time for activities you enjoy
Do not be afraid to ask for the emotional support you need during this challenging time. Having an outlet is vital.
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website......
Psychological support & mental health
A cancer diagnosis changes and challenges all parts of your life. You may experiences a range of different emotions, such as anger, fear and sadness. There are many support services available to you to help you navigate the different stages of your cancer journey. These include: xxx
The Care Plus team can help direct you to services that are suitable for you.
To find out more visit the Brain Tumours Online Website......
Difficulty concentrating & memory issues
About my diagnosis:
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What type of brain cancer do I have?
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What grade or stage is the tumor?
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Where exactly is the tumor located in my brain?
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How did I get this type of brain cancer?
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About my treatment options:
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What are the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option?
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How soon do I need to begin treatment?
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About my symptoms:
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What symptoms should I expect from the tumor itself?
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What side effects may occur from the recommended treatments?
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About my prognosis:
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What is the prognosis or expected outcome for my specific diagnosis?
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What is the goal of the recommended treatment plan?
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What are the chances the cancer could return after treatment?
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How will this diagnosis impact my daily life and future plans?