Brain Tumor Support Group Survey

Results!

There are 239 completed surveys!

Raw Data

Date Completed 1  Date Dx (years) 2 Tumor Type 3 Relation 4 Sex 5 Marital Status 6 My Age/ 6b Pt Age 7 Dr Age 8 Education 9 Ethnicity 10 Country 11 Location 12 Income Before 13 Income After 14 Time spent online per week 15  # of braintumor websites 16 How many online brain tumor support groups do you participate in? 17 Do you understand HOW to participate in online support groups? 18 Do you participate in a real world support group(s)? 19 Has the doctor recommended any online resources? 20 Has the doctor recommended any real world support group(s)? 21 Do you feel that your participation in brain tumor online support groups has an effect on the patient's life? 22 Do you feel that your participation in real world support group(s) have an effect on the patient's life? 23 How helpful has your participation been in brain tumor online support groups ? 24  How helpful has your participation been in real world support group(s)? 25  Do you ever use the brain tumor information you find online? 26  Would you recommend joining Online brain tumor support groups to other families dealing with brain tumors? 27 Would you recommend joining real world support group(s) to other families dealing with brain tumors? 28  How often do you discuss brain tumor information you find online with the doctor? 29 How much do you trust brain tumor information found in your favorite online support groups? 30 How much do you trust brain tumor information found in your favorite real world support group(s)? 31 How much do you trust brain tumor information found on your favorite brain tumor websites? 32 How would you describe your capability of distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent brain tumor websites? 33 How much do you trust brain tumor information found in books, magazines, and newspapers? 34 How much do you trust brain tumor information found on TV and/or the radio? 35 Are you the main decision maker for the brain tumor treatment plan? 36 Was the treatment plan ever changed based on information you obtained from an Online Support Group? 37 Was the treatment plan ever changed based on information you obtained in a real world support group(s)? 38 Was the treatment plan ever changed based on information you obtained from a Website? 39 Was the treatment plan ever changed based on information you obtained from TV or the radio? 40 Was the treatment plan ever changed based on information you obtained from a book, newspaper or magazine? 41 When you ask your doctor about brain tumor information found online, how does he/she react? 42 Explain how online support groups and/or websites have helped you deal with brain tumors. 43 Have you had any negative experiences with online support groups and/or websites? Explain. 44 Explain how real world support group(s) have helped you deal with brain tumors. 45 Have you had any negative experiences with real world support group(s)? Explain. 46 Comments
08/01/2007 11/03/1992 (15) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Relative  Married  46 /53   3  / 60s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  13  / $300,000 - 324,999 13  / $300,000 - 324,999 6  / Over 35 hours 6 / 6 or more 6  / 6 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5  / Always 5  / Always 5  / Always 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat We found treatments that we would not have found otherwise - resulted in over 8 years of extended survival after being told nothing was available and patient would die in weeks.  no       
08/01/2007 05/27/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Divorced  44 /74   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 1  / 1 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat By sharing information with others going through the same thing, listening to their stories and what treatments have failed or succeeded for them.  Arguing about personal opinions  n/a  n/a   
08/01/2007 04/13/2006 (1) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Relative  Single  32 /35   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 4  / 22 to 28 hours 5 / 5 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 0  / N/A 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little 2  /A Little I allowed me to overcome the doom and gloom statistics found online and given by the doctors. They also allow me to plan for future treatments and to have more confidence in what the doctor's plan is. They also help you feel not so alone because many people do not understand the challenges facing brain tumor patients b/c they often look "normal."  Sometimes it's hard to filter out non-credible information.  N/A  N/A  Patient is my brother. 
08/01/2007 12/13/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Married  38 /57   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 4  / 22 to 28 hours 6 / 6 or more 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat The online support groups that I joined after my Mom was diagnosed with GBM have been a lifeline for me--mentally and emotionally. The groups are available at any time of day or night, which is very important with a busy and erratic schedule of balancing work and family life.   No. My opinion is that everyone is entitled to their opinions and that we all make our own decisions. I don't let any conflict in the groups affect my use of the groups and their resources.   I have not joined any real world support groups due to time constraints.   I have not joined any real world support groups due to time constraints.    
08/01/2007 01/29/1986 (21) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Spouce  Married  50 /51   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little 2  /A Little People with similar experiences sharing info. Have learning from others experience and able to share my experience.  No - just know that there is a need to verify everything and see how it might apply to the special circumstances that happen in each situation.  People with similar experiences sharing info. Have learning from others experience and able to share my experience. Having been doing this for 20 years, sharing is a major benefit of participating. Very healing for me.  Nothing serious, as with life personalities don't always mesh well.   
08/01/2007 03/21/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  65 /59   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  City  8  / $175,000 - 199,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 5 / Completely 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat By knowing what treatments others are getting, I can feel more comfortable that the treatment plan prescribed by my doctor is current and mainstream.  There is an incredible amount of advocacy of CAM treatments by various posters. Makes me feel guilty that I, as the caregiver, am not doing all that should be done for my BT spouse.  They talk about real-world problems and how to deal with them using local services. Able to refer newly diagnosed to local sources of treatment expertise. Morale-boosting to physically see long-term suvivors that are doing well.  None, except it is distressing to have the group leader start a session by anouncing the passing of former attendess that we have gotten to know.   
08/01/2007 12/05/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  55 /55   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  9  / $200,000 - 224,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 3 / 3 1  / 1 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little Helps me to understand terminology, learned from experiences of others, helps me know what questions to ask, provides support with people in similar situation, the information and experiences on different protocols allows me to have meaningful participation in treatment decisions, different perspectives honored   I did have one off-group email that was offensive.  na  na  I'd love to see the results of your survey when you complete it! 
08/01/2007 01/23/2007 (0) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  47 /54   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  9  / $200,000 - 224,999 9  / $200,000 - 224,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 5  / 5 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 4  / Often 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 1  /Not At All Invaluable information. Gave me information, Could hear how others dealt with BTs, what their experiences were with all aspects including treatments, meds, emotional life, logistics, doctors, BT centers etc. Advice on BT centers and Drs.- could find out how people liked their doctors. Lots of emotional and practical advice and support. Some scientific help with articles, websites, journal abstracts.  None.  N/A. Wish my husband would attend one.  N?A   
08/01/2007 05/30/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Married  42 /74   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 4  / 22 to 28 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 2 / Somewhat Negative 0 / N/A 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 0  / N/A 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat          
10  08/02/2007 02/08/2007 (0) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  33 /35   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Preparedness for all the possibilities. Dissolves some of the uncertainty. We are not alone. Broader knowledge of treatments and side effects. Motivates involvement in raising awareness and funds.   Do not like to read personal attacks arising from varied opinions. Sometimes no response to my post about emotions means others may not connect with it, leaving me insecure about having posted those emotions and wondering why they are different. Insecure at times about fitting in even though it is expressed that all are accepted.  Face to face interaction with people in similar circumstances. The ability to actually see how they are impacted, even if that is just a scar...seeing how the scar is healing or has healed. Encouraged by the long-term survivors. Realization that my husband fairs well in comparison to others' deficits, and appreciation for it. Rewarding to see how my presence helps the others in some way. Additional interaction with the NO and team of doctors and nurses at the hospital.  I was speaking with a brain tumor patient and her cognitive functioning was impacted by the surgery and treatments. I explained that my husband also has trouble finding the right words sometimes even though his was located on the right temporal lobe and not the left like that for those I was speaking with. They had indicated that the left temporal lobe affects speech, thoughts, etc. I was simply making a statement of fact based on observation that in no way was intended to put my husband down. The lady proceeded to defend him by saying that any time they start cutting things out of your brain, that could happen! I felt she misunderstood me and did not want to compound the issue by trying to explain myself further. I will now simply LISTEN to the patients and converse more with the caregivers.   
11  08/02/2007 06/15/1994 (13) Oligodendroglioma - High Grade  Parent  Divorced  58 /39   3  / 60s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  0  / $0 - 24,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 2 / 2 6  / 6 5 / Extremely Positive 3 / Neutral 5 / Extremely Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 4  / Often 5  / Always 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little 2  /A Little Interaction with others on the same path is supportive and educational.  No  We belong to a real world support group at our medical center but we rarely attend. We do not like the way it is structured or the leaders of the group.  Yes. See #45   
12  08/02/2007 04/12/2006 (1) Glioma - High Grade  Parent  Married  46 /11   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 0 / none 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 5  / Always 0  / N/A 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 1  /Not At All Forthright answers to very blunt questions from other people going through it. The medical community is too concerned about gathering data for their trials to consider my son as a person rather than a number. My online support family has been the ONLY ones who care about my son and our family.  Online support groups canhave some not so stable members. You just need to try not to take every thing personally when someone is having a melt down.  Not at all. I never found one.  N/A  My son died at age 11 - 9 months after diagnosis. To this day - 6 months later - we still haven't received a return phone call from his main doctor.  
13  08/02/2007 11/30/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Widowed  63 /59   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little They have been an excellent source of information, direction, and support.  No  No help whatsoever  Only that I could never find one that we were able to get to, even though we live in a major suburb of Washington, D.C.   
14  08/02/2007 06/07/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Relative  Divorced  62 /60   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 1  / 1 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 0  / N/A 3  / Sometimes 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Better abale to understand the disease and its progressin. Able to help me talk with my sister about treatments I am seeing diuscssed and people' reactions to them. A place where I can relate to the people going through similar things.   No  Not used  N/A   
15  08/02/2007 01/12/2007 (0) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Parent  Divorced  41 /12   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  City  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 4 / 4 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Meeting other families dealing with same issues, have same questuions, also health professionals offering counsel and advice.Very warm and helpful.  People sometimes get int o ridiculously heated arguments. It's also tough to read about children who pass away as my own son struggles to survive. It's hard not to experience a degree of "survivor's guilt/"  There are no real world support groups in my state. (MN)  No  I will be starting a non-profit to provide goods, services and support to parents who have to live in the hospital with children who have BT's or other brain traumas. Contact me for more info: henry@aatcmn.com 
16  08/02/2007 05/03/2004 (3) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  61 /61   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 2 / 2 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 4  / Often 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little 2  /A Little Learn a minimal from Specialist's in person but Research same & more possible effective treatments.  Yes. Have had only 3 individuals being negative to my possible suggestions even with my stating I'm not an Expert but only a Wife, Caretaker, Advocate & R.N. to Husband with GBM IV and after some Research have recommended they contact Specialist's (no charge) for further clarification & possible recommendations.  N/A  N/A   
17  08/02/2007 10/20/2005 (2) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Relative  Married  44 /39   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian AUS  City  7  / $150,000 - 174,999 7  / $150,000 - 174,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 6 / 6 or more 5  / 5 5 / Extremely Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 4 / Somewhat Positive 3 / Neutral 4  / Often 5  / Always 2  / Seldom 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly people with similiar situation have experienced same problems - access to drugs in US better than Australia so more information      very confronting to see very sick people when not at that stage   
18  08/02/2007 04/22/2004 (3) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Parent  Married  41 /7   0  / 30s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 6 / 6 or more 6  / 6 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat Online support groups help validate my emotions. It is a place to go where people understand what you are facing. They are a place to discuss options with people that have been through similar or same experiences.They help investigate all possibilites for treatments.  No  Online support groups help validate my emotions. It is a place to go where people understand what you are facing. They are a place to discuss options with people that have been through similar or same experiences.They help investigate all possibilites for treatments.  No   
19  08/02/2007 09/15/2002 (5) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Parent  Married  50 /14   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 1 / 1 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little They provide a forum to exchange ideas and experiences. Pubmed has been extremely useful in formulating a treatment plan.  I sometimes am frustrated by the superficial nature of many on-line threads. I really wish there was more scientific meet to the discussions and less "please pray for a good MRI". It's important for many people to get emotional support from "support groups"--I frankly am not looking for that. I'm fortunate enough to get support from family and friends and instead seek intellectual support so to speak. Personally, I am sometimes off-put by the religiosity of contributors or the talk of "angels" but it's easy to skip messages not to my taste/interest. I am generally very skeptical of alternative/complementary medicine but I get irritated by the arrogance of a physician who almost seems to take pleasure in crushing people's hope.       
20  08/02/2007 05/10/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Single  29 /54   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian UK  Suburban  0  / $0 - 24,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 3 / Neutral 5 / Extremely Positive 3 / Neutral 5  / Always 5  / Always 2  / Seldom 5  / Always 5 / Completely 1 / Not At All 5 / Completely 5  /Completely 2  /A Little 2  /A Little          
21  08/02/2007 08/20/2004 (3) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Widowed  62 /64   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 4 / 4 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little provide DETAILS that the real world omits. What to expect in the next stages. More on day to day living and how to cope. More understanding. How to deal with insurance, filing for disability, how to get more help for homecare, more caring. Too many physicians are hardened and afraid to get involved because of the ending.  no  n/a  n/a   
22  08/02/2007 06/28/1997 (10) Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma  Parent  Married  50 /22   3  / 60s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 8  / $175,000 - 199,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 3  /Somewhat 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly The support group referred me to the Friedman doctors at Duke (Henry and Allan) and we chose to go there for the second surgery. Duke was more successful at getting ALL of the tumor, doing an awake craniotomy and going deeper into the speech area without any permanent damage. Dr. Henry Friedman does EMAIL - usually answering your notes within a single day and sometimes within minutes from his Blackberry now. That is just incredible and VERY stress relieving when you are upset or confused or worried.  just sorting through 'too much email'. sadly - there are so many folks with this illness - to belong to the main brain tumor group is impossible to keep up with unless its critical to your survival.   not readily available in the rural area we live in.  n/a   
23  08/02/2007 08/10/2005 (2) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Parent  Married  51 /19   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 0 / none 1  / 1 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 2  /A Little 2  /A Little 2  /A Little To find out how real people have dealt with problems, not just read someones take on what might help  no    I went to one meeting. The Drs that talked went over everyone's head. I wish they had just answered peoples questions   
24  08/02/2007 04/23/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Patient  Single  52 /52   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  9  / $200,000 - 224,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 6 / 6 or more 6  / 6 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 4  / Often 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat Better understanding and help to build confidence.  Occasional Spammers and overly noisy opinions.  N/A  no  The Musella Foundation and Virtual Trial offer a safe realistic exchange that is monitored appropriately but not too much! 
25  08/02/2007 05/04/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  60 /54   3  / 60s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 6 / 6 or more 6  / 6 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little I don't think he would still be alive or in such good health if not for the information & guidance I've found in these groups. Personally, I feel the support & understanding of the BT community has been what keeps me sane & optomistic.  Yes. Some are clearly money oriented. In other groups I am frustrated by either the "know it all" attitude or the complete opposite: "no active participation & just wants others to tell them what to do".       
26  08/02/2007 09/25/1996 (11) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Patient  Married  33 /33   0  / 30s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian UK  Rural  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 2 / 2 4  / 4 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 2  / Seldom 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat information has heped me modify my treatment plan, particularly in regard to supplements and 'off-label' medications.also good to hear other peoples' experiences.  sometimes the things I read frighten me  n/a  n/a   
27  08/02/2007 07/30/1996 (11) Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma  Parent  Married  46 /18   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian ISR  City  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 1  / 1 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 4  / Often 4  / Often 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little very informative, explaining, instructive, source of new ideas and things to research and follow-up  can get too intense, argumentative, emotional/depressing, ahve to be careful  helpful - note that I did not answer questions related to real world support groups in this survey because we have not belonged to one in about a decade, but at the time of the original diagnosis it was very very helpful to meet other families and to sit and talk together with people who understood  not really   
28  08/02/2007 12/07/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Parent  Married  43 /14   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian CD  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 4  / 22 to 28 hours 4 / 4 4  / 4 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly we live in Canada so we are about 20y behind the U.S. in research. Being part of the online support group has given me information on other treatments that are being used and access to more current information. Our NS does not seem to have any of the current information on what the top U.S. hospitals are using and everything suggested is dismissed as "not scientifically proven"  It's difficult to hear about others that are suffering but this is an extremely difficult road.  We do not have any pediatric support groups.     
29  08/02/2007 07/17/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Widowed  53 /55   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat as an education tool to keep informed about the disease, treatments, results.  no  as a safe place to express feelings and comfort others dealing with these diseases  no   
30  08/02/2007 12/07/2006 (1) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Parent  Married  51 /26   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat         I would very much like to find a real world support group, but the closest one is over 1 hr away in the evening rush hour traffic. 
31  08/02/2007 07/30/2002 (5) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Spouce  Married  42 /44   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 3  / Asian / Asian American / Pacific Islander / South Asian USA  City  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 2  / 2 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 2  / Seldom 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 0  /N/A 3  /Somewhat 4  /Mostly feeling of "we are not alone" !Someone is there to support u and share positive info with u........  not really  N/A  N/A  N/A 
32  08/02/2007 01/12/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  47 /50   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian UK  Suburban  9  / $200,000 - 224,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat It has given me the opportunity to speak to people who are travelling the same journey as ourselves, rather than just doctors who can go home at the end of the day. It's also educated me about the various treatments available throughout the world.  No bad experiences  There are no real world support groups where we live in the UK  na   
33  08/02/2007 08/08/2002 (5) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Widowed  59 /55   1  / 40s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little I have become more knowledgeable and better able to understand the whole picture of the brain tumor journey  no negative experiences.  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable 
34  08/02/2007 05/23/2006 (1) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Spouce  Widowed  51 /55   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  13  / $300,000 - 324,999 9  / $200,000 - 224,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 4  / Often 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 2  /A Little 2  /A Little Knowing we were not alone in this, provided good info on side effects and treatment options, felt like we were in the know about all choices available. Personal support for my decisons were reinforced by the group whichwere very helpful  no not really but tuned out some discussions on herbs and alternatives I thought wre waste of money   I went to a caregivers group which was very helpful because they got how hard it was to be the caregiver and feel so alone and face the death of a spouse  the real world brain tumor group combine those with benign tumors and those who had curative surgery, there really was not a connection with someone who had an inoperable tumor like my husband...there was no support in that group for us   
35  08/02/2007 06/15/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  62 /65   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 3 / 3 5  / 5 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 2 / Somewhat Negative 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little 0  /N/A I have gained a lot of knowledge in alternative treatment options. I have gained a lot of knowledge about conventional treatment options I have found additional resources from the bt lists I have been able to share with my husband issues related to his that others have posted I have been able to give my husband hope from survivor stories I have been able to give my husband a better quality of life by following up on supplements mentioned on lists I have been able to share my knowledge with others in my community with newly diagnosed bts, although I am not aware that any have followed up on information I have given them.   No  None in a rural area. Not willing to travel for one.  NA  In # 23, I was not sure who "helpful" was directed at. For my husband or other participants as I mostly lurk and only very seldom respond. 
36  08/02/2007 02/25/2004 (3) Lymphoma  Child  Married  48 /68   3  / 60s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  City  7  / $150,000 - 174,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little It's helped to manage my expectations of what to expect during various treatments and now that my mom is facing hospice care.  No. But I wish there was more information about her type of brain cancer - CNS Lymphoma. The on-line group almost never posts.  I went to two meetings of a support group immediately after my mother was diagnosed. It helped me to learn more about the disease and helped me feel that I was not alone. My mother also went to a cancer support group for several years, though no one else had brain cancer.  No   
37  08/02/2007 06/22/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Patient  Married  52 /52   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat It is helpful to know I am not alone in this journey. Also, helpful to hear about the experiences of patients who are further along in the journey than I am. People are very supportive and willing to help, and that is great. The only negative part is that you become attached to patients who ultimately die, and that's painful...it can cause me to be a little "down" for a while, but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.  I stopped attending an online suppor group chat room because I felt like the moderator ignored me completely--she seemed to pick up on everyone else's comments, but always bypassed mine. I felt invisible, even though the other ladies in the group were very nice. As you know, the moderator makes a lot of difference!!!  Would join a real-world group if one was available, but haven't found one.  N/A   
38  08/02/2007 04/21/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  53 /59   1  / 40s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 0  / 0 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 4  / Often 0  / N/A 0  / N/A 1  / Never 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly          
39  08/02/2007 04/21/2005 (2) Oligodendroglioma - Low Grade  Parent  Married  46 /26   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 2  / Seldom 3  / Sometimes 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little Two main ways: 1. knowledge of treatment approaches at major brain tumor treatment centers around the USA (and world) 2. knowledge (both scientific and hearsay) concerning alternative treatments using herbs/vitamins and over the counter pharmaceuticals.  There can be a fair amount of one-sided beliefs expressed from both sides of the debate on conventional versus alternative medicine. I find that most reasonable thinking people (including doctors) are somewhere in the middle.  N/A  N/A   
40  08/02/2007 01/30/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Married  39 /68   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little They helped me learn that the statistics are only an average and that patients can live past these time periods.  no  n/a  n/a   
41  08/02/2007 11/01/1989 (18) Glioma - Low Grade  Patient  Married  31 /31   3  / 60s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 4 / 4 1  / 1 3 / Neutral 5 / Extremely Positive 3 / Neutral 5 / Extremely Positive 4  / Often 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 2 / A Little 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little connection on, and affirmation of, issues I deal with   overwhelming, at times, can get very negative and depressing. Sometimes people are inappropriate, oversharing, or looking for too much.   connection on, and affirmation of issues I deal with and, in some cases, friendships  overwhelming, same as with online, especially with people that conciously or unconsiously dominate the group with their own issues.    
42  08/02/2007 05/03/2003 (4) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  63 /65   2  / 50s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 6  / $125,000 - 149,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 1 / 1 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 5 / Completely 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Dr. Musella is my hero & I love it when he posts. I have gathered sooooo much info from this forum - knowledge is strength & power. Without this info we would have had to go into this journey blindly.         
43  08/02/2007 01/22/2007 (0) Mixed Glioma  Patient  Married  38 /38   1  / 40s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 0  / 0 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 2  / Seldom 0  / N/A 0  / N/A 0  / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 2 / A Little 2  /A Little 1  /Not At All 1  /Not At All just thinking about partipating in one, but have not yet  N/A  N/A  N/A   
44  08/02/2007 11/14/2006 (1) Oligodendroglioma - High Grade  Patient  Married  32 /32   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 5 / 5 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 3 / Somewhat 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Support groups (real and online) help me to feel less isolated. They give me an opportunity to learn from those who are farther along in this journey than I am... and I also get the chance to provide support and compassion for others... it's nice to be able to "give back" a little! I've also benefited from suggestions made by other patients and have received guidance on the types of questions I should be asking my doctors.  Not really. It's hard to deal with the deaths of individuals I've come to know and care for... but that sadness is part of life and is a reality in this BT world.  I love the chace to meet others in my community who are struggling with this disease. We're able to help one another out in practical ways... offering driving assistance, recommending local resources, etc.  No... other than the same mentioned above. It's difficult to see other BT patients declining and then passing away.   
45  08/02/2007 11/22/1998 (9) Oligodendroglioma - Low Grade  Spouce  Married  40 /40   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 5  / Always 5  / Always 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat make better, more information decisions; formulate better questions to ask doctors; enabled me to offer doctors some suggestions for alternatives; empowered me to be an a more equal footing with doctors and their staff when discussing care and options; provide a sounding board  no because I am a very good researcher and am good at distinguishing the BS from the info of value  Great to meet people, exchange information, and for my husband to tell his story to others, as he does not participate in any online support groups.   none  none 
46  08/02/2007 07/25/2003 (4) Oligodendroglioma - High Grade  Patient  Single  35 /35   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 0  / 0 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 2  / Seldom 3  / Sometimes 2  / Seldom 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 2 / A Little 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat N/A  None  N/A  Nope  I havent participated in any groups, online or real world. I research multiple sources to confirm or discredit information I find online. I believe my Dr. truly knows the best methods, treatments and practices and consult openly with any and all questions and concerns. I am fully answered and satisfied with the answers given and long term plans. 
47  08/02/2007 11/03/2003 (4) Glioma - High Grade  Patient  Married  32 /32   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 4 / 4 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 5 / Extremely Positive 1 / Extremely Negative 4  / Often 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 1 / Not At All 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat When I was initially diagnosed, the online support group was my ONLY form of support and inofmation. Since I have a brain stem tumor, my local doctor were clueless about my treatment plan and prognosis. Honestly don't think I could have made it through the first few weeks/months without this groups support.  Every once in awhile people try to push religion via personal emails more than I like, but I would get that any where.   Real world support groups have not helped me at all.  We have one local support group here in St LOuis and people there are not educated about the brain tumor world at all. They listen to their doctors and do not loook else where for traetment. I have suggested the online support group to many people in the group as well as mentioned the online resources.    
48  08/02/2007 07/23/2005 (2) Oligodendroglioma - Low Grade  Patient  Married  42 /42   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 5  / Always 4  / Often 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 0  /N/A 2  /A Little 2  /A Little   Hard to hear about the deaths that have happened.  Nice to get a real hug from people you build a relationship with.     
49  08/02/2007 12/25/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  39 /37   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat It gives me someone to talk to that understands what I am feeling and dealing with as a caregiver. I also learn alot of new information regarding clinical trials etc.  Just some occassioanl bickering between one caregiver who thinks he know everything and likes to tell the doc of the group that he doesn't know what he is talking about.        
50  08/02/2007 11/08/1999 (8) Medulloblastoma  Parent  Married  47 /16   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 4  / 4 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 4  / Often 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Support Group - Helped find a medication that we used off label to stop my son throwing up daily for the first 4 1/2 years (2 1/2 years off treatment). This was from a parent that had experienced similar symptoms in her son. From website - was able to obtain more information about a chemotherapy drug, one of two suggested at my son's relapse with Medulloblastoma, we chose the 2nd of the doctor's choice based on information we obtained and he remains tumor free since 5/2001 :-)!!!!  Mostly just the bickering which most moderators try to stop it in their tracks. Also, we did have a fraudulant participator on the pediatice brain tumor onlin support group. She was actually 16 y/o and had all the sob stories and people sent her "daugter" who was "dying" all kinds of gifts. We have a few doctors and other experienced people online that spotted some problems pretty quickly with her stories and started investigating so it was stopped pretty quickly.  Our real world support groups have been mostly about having FUN!!! and forgetting about BT's for an evening or a weekend. We are fortunate to be in Orlando and have support groups form Give Kids the World which provides lots of attraction tickets and fun events as well as parents night out. Another support group that is affiliated with Candlelighters (www.basecamp.org) which offers parents night out and lots of other events, parties and overnight "camps" for the kids. Also, a new group has started recently that is also affiliated nationally Starlight/Starbright Foundation, which has offered lots of fun events for the kids.  NOPE   
51  08/02/2007 02/27/2003 (4) Gliosarcoma  Spouce  Married  41 /42   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  4  / $75,000 - 99,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 1  / 1 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 2 / Somewhat Negative 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 4  / Often 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little 2  /A Little It makes us aware of how the 'road' goes - it also shows us most of what we are going through it part of the deal - whether we like it or not. If we have a question it is nice to be able to ask those who are going thru the same thing - it may possibly be a question someone may also find useful answers to.   Sometimes the online support group members treat the site as a way to say 'hi' to their fellow bt fighters, however, it is really more for the flow of information. I would rather see more info re: treatments, side effects, recurrent tumor issues, etc.   Cannot convince husband, with bt, to go to a real world support group.  n/a   
52  08/02/2007 11/15/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  40 /41   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 3  / Asian / Asian American / Pacific Islander / South Asian USA  Suburban  7  / $150,000 - 174,999 7  / $150,000 - 174,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 1 / 1 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 5  / Always 5  / Always 4  / Often 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat There is a rich collection on various of topics. For Brain butor treatment, I rely on professional online resources (PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, etc.)  Not really. But sometime differences in opinions resulted in personal attacks.   It is comforting to talk with real people who are fighting the same disease together with you.   Not really.    
53  08/02/2007 10/07/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  71 /73   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 1  / 1 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 3 / Neutral 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 0  / N/A 1  / Never 3 / Somewhat 0 / N/A 3 / Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 1  /Not At All 1  /Not At All Even though I am silent, I have been a member since early 2006 and find it helpful to hear that I AM NOT ALONE!  NO  n/a  n /a   
54  08/02/2007 07/18/2006 (1) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  36 /38   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  City  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 1 / 1 4  / 4 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 2  /A Little 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat The online groups are a wonderful resource. It's sometimes difficult to immerse myself in the pain that comes through the emails, but this is our reality so we must live in it and through it. The messages of survivors and hope is always welcome.  no.  n/a  n/a   
55  08/02/2007 12/26/2003 (4) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Child  Married  38 /67   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian CD  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 2  / Seldom 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat Online support groups offer personal experiences with specific hospitals, doctors, and treatments so that you can better evaluate your current treatment plan as well as prepare for future treatments. They also help you deal with the lonliness or dispair that comes with the diagnosis of this terrible disease. You truly realize that you are never alone and that is amazing at 3 am! So much accumulated knowledge with a group this large as well as a wonderful, caring group of people truly here to help anyone who needs it.  The only negative comment with online groups is the bickering. When you are fighting this disease or helping someone you love battle it you ( should) realize that life really is too short for such negativity. In regards to websites - there are alot of websites making wonderful claims and looking professional but in reality many of them are out for the almighty $$.  n/a  In our local support group it was made up of only low grade bt's. They had little or no hope for GBM patients so we opted to avoid the negativity or looks of pity that were apparent on the face of the support group leader and some patients.  Without the online support group my father would not have had the hope nor the information to battle his tumour and wouldn't have survived 16 months. Our local hospital was refusing him both radiation and chemo in favor of Quality of Life for 3 months. He wanted to fight and the knowledge from this online group as well as the support kept us going and informed. 
56  08/02/2007 04/15/2002 (5) Mixed Glioma  Patient  Single  42 /42   2  / 50s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  City  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 2 / Somewhat Negative 5 / Extremely Positive 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 4  / Often 2 / A Little 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat It is important to distinguish between the two. Websites like those provided by organizations like the NIH, Brain Trust etc. provide generally reliable information. I look at the NIH site for information on clinical trials, for example. "Private-citizen" websites have to be taken more carefully. I find that these almost invariably express the bias of the owner/author. I am very leery of sites that offer information for sale. I also take most of what I read in online groups very carefully. These are open forums for discussion and it is up to the consumer to separate the useful from the bad. Finally, gone through two brain tumors. During my treatment for my first, in 2002, I found groups like the MIT-hosted BRAINTMR very helpful, primarily because there was a lot of patient participation. Now, since my recurrence in Nov. 2006 to the present, I find these groups, most particularly the Yahoo! group brain-temozolomide, to be very caregiver-oriented now. That isn't bad in itself, but not particularly helpful for patients.   Not really, but having a lot of experience with the internet and doing business on-line, I don't have very high expectations of anything on-line. I think that most government sites, like the National Cancer Institute's, most "professional non-profit" sites like the North American Brain Tumor Foundation's, meet and usually exceed expectations. Other, non-professional websites and online support groups have to be carefully evaluated by the user. A lot of people caring for a person with a brain tumor or with a brain tumor themselves, are very vulnerable. They can be vulnerable to outright on-line scam artists. They can also be vulnerable to less overt forms of pressure.   "Real-world" person-to-person support groups are, in my opinion, are very helpful because they are real. Talking face-to-face with other cancer patients allows me to help others, sometimes just by being there listening to their stories and sometimes by sharing mine. Being there for other patients helps me help myself through this experience.  Yes. Sometimes people come to support groups looking for answers in others that they really need to find in themselves. These people get frustrated and tend to act out in the groups. These people are troubling and troubled, but sometimes they come, after some time, to change their attitudes. As for me, it is my responsibility to help if I can and to do no harm.  I'm troubled by the lack of patient participation in the on-line support groups. I hope to find a way to bring more patients back into the ranks of participators in these online forums. In my opinion patients have stopped participating because they view these patient support groups as over-run by grieving care-givers and former caregivers who are preoccupied with death and dying. What I need as a patient is support in getting back to the best life I can live. I don't want to deal with people who can't get over the fact that everyone has a terminal condition -- called ""life." I don't think other patients want to deal with that attitude either. What is the solution? I don't know. 
57  08/02/2007 04/22/2006 (1) Glioma - Low Grade  Spouce  Married  39 /39   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 2  / Latino / Hispanic USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little It's like an intensive course that brought me up to speed on what to watch out for with neuro symtoms, what options we might have, what questions to ask, how valuable it is to seek other opinions, how helpful alternative treatments can be. My husband (patient) does not participate, but I inform him of everything I find out that can help us. Oneline support group posted strong recommendations for other practitioners who we could consult with. One is a neurosurgeon/oncologist at another NYC hospital. The other is a nutritionist expert in bt patients. Both recommendations were GREAT and they became important members of our health care team. It's been one year since diagnosis, and we never heard of the names of these 2 other practitioners anywhere else outside the support group. Imagine if I didn't join? This is not particular to my husband's case, but everyone's - Our main NO obviously has many patients to treat and think about. She cannot possibly spend the time we need answering our questions, mulling over possibilities. She is bound to patient privacy and cannot share her other patient's experiences and what worked and didn't work. So, the support group online is INVALUABLE to learn about other patients and take away what might work for us today, file away what might work later on. And it feels really good to be able to help others by sharing our experiences and decisions.  Not personally.  I haven't found a real world support group in my local area that I can attend. I am in north shore of suffolk. And my husband has no interest or energy in joining or socializing in a support group.  n/a  On the first page, our type of tumor isn't exactly listed. My husband was diagnosed from an MRI with a brain stem glioma. Few months later, he needed surgery after radiation, and the biopsy path report called it an "astrocytoma with pilocytic qualities". 
58  08/02/2007 01/19/2004 (3) Oligodendroglioma - Low Grade  Patient  Married  36 /36   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 8  / $175,000 - 199,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 3 / 3 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 3  / Sometimes 5  / Always 0  / N/A 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 5 / Completely 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat          
59  08/03/2007 07/10/2006 (1) Oligodendroglioma - Low Grade  Spouce  Married  39 /46   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 4 / 4 4  / 4 5 / Extremely Positive 5 / Extremely Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 2 / Somewhat Negative 5  / Always 5  / Always 3  / Sometimes 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat          
60  08/03/2007 01/05/2007 (0) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Patient  Married  46 /46   1  / 40s 4  / Graduate Degree 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  8  / $175,000 - 199,999 8  / $175,000 - 199,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Mainly research and sharing of tx / trial info.         
61  08/03/2007 05/29/1997 (10) Oligodendroglioma - High Grade  Patient  Single  46 /46   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian CD  City  1  / $25,000 - 49,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 3 / 3 1  / 1 4 / Somewhat Positive 4 / Somewhat Positive 3 / Neutral 4 / Somewhat Positive 3  / Sometimes 2  / Seldom 3  / Sometimes 2  / Seldom 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little When I was first diagnosed I was seeking information and the websites were very helpful in finding and sorting out information. I found the online sites helpful but only participated a little. I learned a lot from reading other peoples postings and questions.  No.  It was helpful to feel that I was not alone and to have other people who had survived a brain tumour to talk too. I did find that quite quickly I was the one supporting the new members of the group as my experience and medical background(I am a nurse) was helpful to other people in the group.  After about a year or so I was one of only two of the original group members who were still able to attend the group. I found that quite depressing and felt guilty that I was doing so well and going bck to work.    
62  08/03/2007 03/15/2006 (1) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Spouce  Married  38 /36   2  / 50s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 4  / $75,000 - 99,999 3  / 15 to 21 hours 4 / 4 3  / 3 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly 2  /A Little Became aware of different treatment options  None  N/A  N?A   
63  08/03/2007 12/29/2005 (2) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  55 /33   2  / 50s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Rural  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 4  / 22 to 28 hours 6 / 6 or more 6  / 6 4 / Somewhat Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 4 / Somewhat Positive 2 / Somewhat Negative 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3  / Sometimes 3 / Somewhat 3 / Somewhat 3 / Somewhat 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat mainly learning new trials and venting complaints  no  Only support group I've attended was to meet and see David Bailey  NO   
64  08/03/2007 01/19/2004 (3) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Spouce  Married  45 /45   1  / 40s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  6  / $125,000 - 149,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 4 / 4 3  / 3 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 5  / Always 0  / N/A 5  / Always 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 4  /Mostly 4  /Mostly meeting people who are going throught the same problems. Caregivers and BT patients have insights that Drs. cannot provide  no       
65  08/03/2007 03/03/1991 (16) Glioblastoma Multiforme  Patient  Divorced  52 /52   3  / 60s 1  / High School Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 0  / $0 - 24,999 1  / 1 to 7 hours 2 / 2 1  / 1 5 / Extremely Positive 1 / Extremely Negative 0 / N/A 3 / Neutral 5  / Always 0  / N/A 0  / N/A 1  / Never 2 / A Little 1 / Not At All 5 / Completely 4  /Mostly 0  /N/A 0  /N/A          
66  08/03/2007 10/13/2006 (1) Glioma - Low Grade  Relative  Married  50 /44   1  / 40s 2  / 2 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / $50,000 - 74,999 2  / 8 to 14 hours 2 / 2 4  / 4 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5  / Always 5  / Always 0  / N/A 4  / Often 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 4  /Mostly 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat Information about symptoms, side effects of chemo and other meds. Ecourages advocacy for patient. Encourages venting.  no  N/A  N/A   
67  08/03/2007 11/09/1995 (12) Anaplastic Astrocytoma  Patient  Married  59 /59   3  / 60s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  City  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 9  / $200,000 - 224,999 0  / none 0 / none 2  / 2 4 / Somewhat Positive 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 0 / N/A 4  / Often 4  / Often 0  / N/A 0  / N/A 4 / Mostly 3 / Somewhat 3 / Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 3  /Somewhat 2  /A Little          
68  08/03/2007 07/05/2000 (7) Mixed Glioma  Parent  Widowed  57 /36   1  / 40s 3  / 4 Yr College Grad 0  / Caucasian USA  Suburban  5  / $100,000 - 124,999 1  / $25,000 - 49,999 5  / 29 to 35 hours 2 / 2 2  / 2 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 5 / Extremely Positive 0 / N/A 4  / Often 5  / Always 0  / N/A 3  / Sometimes 4 / Mostly 0 / N/A 4 / Mostly 5  /Completely 2  /A Litt