What to Expect During Brain Tumor Care

Life with a brain tumor goes far beyond scans and surgery. At the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, we understand that meeting both your physical and emotional needs is key to your long-term well-being.

Each person’s needs are different, and our team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. We help you live a productive life focused on the areas that mean the most to you.

You can call the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center anytime at (313) 916-2723.

Your brain tumor journey

We know you will likely have lots of questions and concerns, such as:

• “When can I go back to work?”
• “Can I see my grandkids?”
• “How will a brain tumor affect my personality … will I still be ‘me’?”

Our team can answer any questions or concerns you and your loved ones may have. Remember that this will be a journey filled with uncertainty. There is so much to learn and understand. It is important to keep a positive outlook despite any setbacks.

Hermelin Brain Tumor Center: Our approach to care

It’s important that you understand your brain tumor diagnosis and treatment options. Many people have benign (noncancerous) brain tumors, which are very treatable. For those with malignant brain tumors, life is now more hopeful, thanks to treatment advances. Many brain cancer patients are measuring their survival in years.

At our center, every effort is made to pursue aggressive therapy while minimizing side effects, so you can achieve the highest quality of life with brain cancer. We offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach with superior access and convenience. Our program includes:

• 24-hour appointment guarantee
• A team that includes physicians, nurses, clinical coordinators and social workers (learn more about our brain tumor specialists)
• A designated patient neuro-oncology coordinator, for assistance setting up appointments, undergoing testing and receiving overall education during your care
• Coordination with your primary oncologist outside of Henry Ford, if necessary
• Personalized treatment plans, with a multidisciplinary brain tumor board to review your case
• Latest research and brain cancer clinical trials, with each patient evaluated for possible participation
• Brain Tumor Support Group meetings

Preparing for your first visit: Questions to ask your doctor

As you prepare for your first appointment, you may want to consider discussing these topics with your doctor:

• What type of brain cancer do I have?
• What grade is the cancer, and what are my treatment options?
• Do I need further tests?
• How soon should I begin treatment?
• How should I prepare for treatment?
• How may my life change after treatment?

What to expect after brain cancer treatment

Unfortunately, most gliomas come back at some point . At Henry Ford, we take a personalized approach to treating the tumor in your brain. Each person experiences different symptoms based on the location of the brain tumor, as well as its size and type. Each person also reacts differently to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

It is important to keep in touch with your nurses and doctors if you start to act or feel differently, including if you have symptoms such as:

• Behavioral and cognitive (mental) problems, including forgetfulness
• Headaches
• Motor and balance problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Vision or hearing problems
• Speech difficulties