Types of Treatment for Brain Tumors

Those with brain tumors have several treatment options which are dependent on the type and stage of the tumor. Patients can be treated through surgery to remove the cancerous cells, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Many patients receive an amalgamation of treatments. Also, at any stage in the process, patients can have treatment to control other symptoms of the cancer, to alleviate emotional problems or reduce the side effects of the therapy. This type of side treatment is known as symptom management.

Surgical Removal of the Tumor

The doctor is the ideal person to discuss the numerous treatment options available and their subsequent results. Another option is taking part in a clinical trial which is a study of innovative treatment methods. The most common type of treatment is surgery and is performed under general anesthesia. The opens a piece of the skull and removes a part or the entire brain tumor and replaces the opening with the bone, metal or plastic.

Radiation Therapy

In instances where the tumor is on the brain stem or other inoperable areas, surgery is not possible. Therefore, the patient must undergo radiation therapy which utilizes high-energy rays to kill the cancerous cells. X-rays, gamma rays or protons are the most effective rays. A large machine targets the cancerous and surrounding cells with radiation. This treatment usually follows surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy

The final type of treatment is chemotherapy in which patients use drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs may be administered through injection or orally. Once taken, the drugs enter the blood stream and spread through the body. The drugs are typically given in cycles to allow for a recovery period. Chemotherapy can be completed in a doctor’s office, an outpatient clinic or at home. Children are the most common patients to receive chemotherapy. The combination of these treatments is the most widely-used practice.

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Side Effects of Treatment for Brain Tumors

Since the three treatment types have been known to damage healthy cells and surrounding tissue, unwelcomed side effects are typical. The severity and type of side effects vary and are based on many factors such as the location of the brain tumor and the nature and degree of treatment. Side effects differ greatly between individuals and usually change between treatments. Prior to any treatment, the medical team will explain all side effects and how to properly manage them.

Side Effects from Surgery

Following the first few days of surgery, patients report headaches and discomfort which is controlled by medicine. Also, patients can feel tired and fatigued as recovery time from surgery varies. Another less common side effect is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain causing it to swell. Healthcare professionals monitor for this specific symptom and will provide steroids to alleviate the swelling or may have another surgery to drain the fluid. A final side effect is infection or the brain which can be relieved through antibiotics.

Side Effects from Radiation Therapy

Many patients experience nausea for several hours following treatment. Tiredness and fatigue are common so resting is extremely important. Another typical side effect of radiation therapy is hair loss. The radiation may change the color of the infected area to red. Also, in some instances, the brain tissue will swell causing headaches and the feeling of pressure. Additionally, patients can experience radiation necrosis which causes seizures or can lead to death.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

The specific side effects of chemotherapy treatment solely depend on the type of drugs administered. The most common side effects are chills and fever, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue and a loss of appetite. Many of these side effects can be lessened through additional medicine. The most common types of preventative support are prescribing steroids to relive swelling, anti-convulsive medicine to prevent seizures and shunts to drain the fluids from the brain.

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You Need Good Health Insurance

Anyone who doesn’t have health insurance knows that he or she can’t really afford to get sick. There are too many bills that come along with illness, and a serious medical problem can bankrupt a person. If you don’t want that to happen to you, you should focus on finding insurance for yourself and your family. Without insurance, you often can’t get proper treatment. You won’t be refused treatment, but you won’t be treated in the same way as someone who has a lot of insurance would. You’ll be given the minimum treatment that you need to keep you healthy, and you’ll be discharged from the hospital more quickly.

While that’s unfortunate, it’s a part of life and the hospital can’t afford to do much more than that unless there is a good insurance plan that they can bill for extra tests and other treatments. Once you develop a chronic illness, you often can’t get insurance to help you, either. Your condition will be labeled ‘pre-existing,’ and it won’t be covered for a long time. Some insurance plans will never cover that condition for a price that you can afford, so you have to take that into consideration. It’s better to have insurance before you get sick – or at least before you get diagnosed.

People without insurance generally don’t go to the doctor as often, so they are sicker when they finally do go. They also can’t afford their medications, so they often skip doses. That contributes to their health problems, too. If you don’t have insurance, it’s time to get some. You can get an insurance quote online, and you should compare it to others so that you get the best coverage for your medical needs. That way you can stay healthier and live a longer and more productive life.

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Rehabilitations Following Treatment of Brain Tumors

One of the most important aspects of the treatment of brain tumors is rehabilitation. The goals of the therapy differ between patients and are based on individual needs. The assigned healthcare team assists the patient with returning back to their daily activities. The three most common types of professionals that assist with rehabilitation include physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

Physical Therapists

Since brain tumors and the subsequent treatment can cause paralysis, weakness and balance problems, physical therapists assist patients with the regeneration of strength and balance. This is accomplished through repetitive motion of the limbs that need therapy.

Occupational Therapists

These rehabilitation professionals help patients learn to administer their daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing and using the toilet. Depending on the extent of the damage from the brain cancer and treatment, occupational therapists may not be necessary or may be spending the most time with the patient.

Speech Therapists

Speech therapists are available to those who need assistance with speaking, swallowing or are having trouble expressing their thoughts. Since brain tumors can affect motor skills and the memory, speech therapists help patients regain these basic functions.

The Needs of Children

Some children that have pursued treatment may need special recovery needs. For instance, they may have school tutors in the hospital or at home to keep them up-to-date with their schoolwork.  Those with learning disorders may need tutors and special classes once they return back to school.

After Treatment

Following treatment and rehabilitation, patients must conduct regular follow-ups where the doctor will check to ensure the tumor has not returned. These checkups commonly include physical and neurological exams. During several meetings, the doctor may administer an MRI or CAT scan. If the patient still has a shunt, the doctor will check to ensure it is working properly. Part of the treatment plan includes the follow-up schedule.

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What is a CAT scan?

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What is a CAT scan?
A Computerized Axial Tomography Scan or CAT scan is an x-ray technique combining numerous small images acquired through x-ray technology with the support of a computer that creates cross-sectional views and three-dimensional images of internal structures and organs within the human body. The scan is used to identify abnormal and define normal structures in the body.
The Procedure
Patients are placed on a long, movable table which shifts into the center of a donut-shaped machine. This machine snaps x-ray images at numerous angles around the body. The images are then uploaded to a computer and processed to create a cross-sectional view of the body. The body is viewed as an x-ray slice which is then recorded on film. This documented image is known as a tomogram. Computerized Axial Tomography is essentially pieces of the tomogram from different levels of the body.
It is important during the procedure that the patient remain still and as quiet as possible. This increases the overall clarity of the images. The actual procedure takes a half hour to an hour and a half. The scan technologist is viewing the patient through a small window with an intercom system for the patient’s safety.
The Uses of CAT Scans
The most common use of CAT scans is for the head or any location with the potential for tumors, traumatic injuries and infections. The vertebrate and intervertebral discs in the spine are well-defined by a CAT scan. In many instances a CAT scan is used to measure the density of bones when examining for osteoporosis.
The Results of a CAT scan
The overall process is painless and non-intrusive but can provide extremely accurate results of body structures while assisting the radiologist with specific procedures like biopsies of potential cancerous cells, the draining of abscesses and the prompt removal of body fluids for different tests. As a result of the CAT scan, the number of necessary surgeries has significantly decreased.

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Treatment for Brain Tumors

Those diagnosed with a brain tumor rightfully want to take an active part in making decisions regarding treatment for their ailment. Therefore, they learn everything they can about the disease and their treatment options. Due to the stress of the therapy, it is important to create a list of questions prior to an appointment. Many patients take notes or use a recorder to help remember the doctor’s orders.

A Medical Team of Specialists

A general doctor may refer the patient to a brain tumor specialist who includes neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, neurooncologists and radiation oncologists. Other healthcare professionals will also become involved. This team will include a nurse, mental health counselor, social worker, dietitian, physical therapist, speech therapists and occupational therapist.

The Treatment Plan

Once a patient decides on a treatment, they must undergo preparation. The first step is to develop a treatment plan with the doctor that fits the needs of the patient. The type of treatment is contingent upon a number of factors including, size, type and location of the tumor. For specific types of brain cancer, the doctor must know if the cancer was found within the cerebrospinal fluid. There are a number of questions the doctor will ask prior to the beginning of the treatment.

Finding a Second Opinion

Before the beginning of the treatment patients commonly opt for a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment plan. This may also be a requirement for many insurance companies. There are numerous methods of finding a second opinion, such as, The Cancer Information Service, The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a consultation with a team of specialists and the patient’s own doctor.

There are several factors beyond the actual treatment that must be considered. Many of the symptoms of a brain tumor must be properly managed. The aforementioned specialists greatly assist the patient with these other factors for a well-rounded and balanced recovery.

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Nutrition for Children with Brain Tumors

For children who are being treated for brain tumors, nutrition should continue to be vital to their health. Chemotherapy and radiation often change the appetite and the taste of food and can greatly change the way a child eats during treatment. For this reason it is often recommended that parents keep their child’s diet the same after treatment as before.
After a child’s surgery, it is very common for them to experience nausea and vomiting. The steroids that they are given often trigger the change in appetite. Radiation therapy and Chemotherapy often causes foods to have a metallic taste and to taste saltier, sweeter or have no taste at all. They also may lose the feeling of being hungry which adds to the disinterest in eating. Other complications that affect their appetite are diarrhea, cramps, constipation or a dry and sore throat or mouth. But because the disease can place added demands on the body and immune system, nutrition contributes immensely to their overall good health.
Because surgery and treatment can affect the taste of food and the appetite, there are a few recommendations that may help. Although it is recommended not to drastically change the diet of your child, learning how to flavor the food can increase their desire to eat. There are a number of cookbooks for sale that directly address cooking for those with cancer. Many are highly recommended and reviewed.
If you child’s nausea keeps them from eating their physician can prescribe anti-nausea medication such as Zofran. A nutritionist may be recommended to intercede and assist in helping your child regain their appetite. Supplements may also be recommended but because they can interact with other drugs, the advice of the physician should always be sought. Most will agree that a well-balanced diet is the best solution to your child’s health.

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Therapies that Compliment Brain Tumor Treatment in Children

Complimentary therapies are being used to help children with brain tumors tolerate their treatments. Although any therapy should be thoroughly discussed with the child’s physician, many treatment centers are offering some of these therapies as they are becoming accepted as ways to alleviate some of the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Acupuncture as a common therapy in Chinese medicine to correct and rebalance the natural flow of energy in the body. It has been known to relieve the side effects of radiation and chemo that produce nausea, anxiety and increase energy. The practice which involves inserting very fine needles into pressure points in the body also has been known to improve blood counts in those with cancer. While many children may fear the needle, if they can be coerced into trying one, they will realize that there is no pain associated with it and may find great relief of their symptoms.
Aromatherapy is also being used to create a pleasant atmosphere around the patient. Scented oils rubbed into the skin are used to relieve pain, tension and fatigue. These also can alter a patients mood as they are found to be soothing and when inhaled the scent stimulates olfactory nerves. Aromatherapy is sometimes used during bone marrow transplants to reduce anxiety. Professionals do warn that once the patient leaves the hospital, the scent may no longer appeal to them as it may remind them of the hospital experience.
Guided imagery is another therapy that is used while children undergo treatment or a procedure. Taking their mind to another place helps to calm them, reducing anxiety and stress. This mind over matter technique also is encouraged as an ongoing process throughout your child’s treatment. The therapy requires that they visually see their good cells taking control of the cancer cells and eating up their disease

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Health is Important – Don’t Forget Your Brain as You Age

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When you’re working toward health, make sure you include your brain. Mental health matters, and there are plenty of ways you can improve it. Keep in mind, though, that there are some things you won’t be able to change. Aging, for example, isn’t a reversible process. You can do things to make yourself look younger, but there is no way to actually turn back the clock. If you accept aging as inevitable and look for the joys in it, you’ll likely feel a lot better about it. One of the things you can do to help yourself as you age is keep your mind active. Helping both your brain and body stay healthy can get you into old age much more easily – and help you enjoy your ‘golden years’ a lot more than you otherwise would.

Playing brain games and word games can help you stay mentally active. Even playing video games can help to keep your mind from aging too rapidly. The key is to find something that you enjoy and that exercises your mind. It could be a little bit of trial and error to find that, but don’t give up. There are certainly hobbies you enjoy or would like to take up, and not all of them are physical. As long as you do something that’s challenging mentally but not so difficult that you don’t enjoy it, you’ll be helping your mental health and keeping your brain more active and ‘young,’ even as you (and it) get older.

Sometimes, the health of your brain is something you can’t do anything about because of an illness or accident. People who have brain tumors, for example, often have trouble with their mental health and there are only so many things they can do about keeping their mind active. If the tumor presses on or damages part of the brain, it might not be possible to get the function you lost back entirely. In that case, working around the deficiency and still doing what you can for as long as you can will help your brain age better.

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Medical Bill Finance Options

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With costs for medical treatments and prescription drugs continually rising, it’s inevitable that a person will face medical bills that need to be paid. Medical bills are not something you can control. You never know when you are going to take ill and what amount of treatment you’ll need. There are many different options for a person facing medical bills.

For short-term, smaller expenses like a co-pay or prescription that you need a little help with, you should consider a payday loan from a company like Payday One to meet these needs. You may also want to use your credit card in this situation. For larger bills, there are companies that allow a person to finance these charges. The company is contracted with the hospital or doctor’s office and will pay them in full and then you repay the financier. Be mindful of interest rates finance companies may charge; it may cost you less in interest to place a large amount on your credit card. Most medical finance companies have higher interest loans because the debt is unsecured, or there is no tangible item of value linked to the loan. If possible, negotiate with the hospital or doctor’s office directly. Credit bureaus look on medical debt differently than they do high-interest, unsecured debt. Once medical debt is transferred to another type of loan, it can have detrimental effects on your credit score. The very last finance option to consider is using a home equity loan to pay off medical debt. This is a viable, but not recommended option, because if you default on the bill, you can lose your home.

Many times medical providers are willing to negotiate payment plans and extremely low-interest financing for patients in need. For patients without insurance, many providers will offer a reduced rate or only charge a portion of what is owed.

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