What to Expect after a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

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

We recognize that you may have questions, 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’?"

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

Visiting the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center

It’s important that you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Thanks to treatment advances, life with a brain tumor is now more hopeful, with many brain cancer patients measuring their survival in years. At our center, every effort is made to select the most aggressive therapy with minimal 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:

• A 24-hour appointment guarantee.
• All clinical treatment provided onsite at the Center.
• A team that includes physicians, nurses, clinical coordinators, social workers.
• A designated patient neuro-oncology coordinator, including assistance with testing, setting up appointments and overall education during your care.
• Coordination with your primary oncologist outside of Henry Ford, if necessary.
• Same-day visits for MRIs, to streamline your time at the Center.
• The latest research and clinical trials.
• Brain Tumor Support Group meetings.
• Personalized treatment plans: A multidisciplinary brain tumor board reviews your case and develops a personalized treatment plan that meets the needs of you and your family. Every patient is evaluated for possible clinical trials participation.

What questions should I ask my 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 stage is my 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 Hospital, we take a personalized approach to treating your brain tumor. Each patient exhibits different symptoms based on the location of the brain tumor. Each patient reacts differently to chemotherapy and radiation. It is important to keep in touch with your nurses and doctors if you start to act or feel different, and have symptoms such as:

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

Your caregivers and family members will have lots of questions and concerns. 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. Our team can answer any questions or concerns during this journey.

Call the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center at (313) 916-2723.