Note - this is the old version of the guide.. click HERE for the current version!

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Brain Tumor Guide Table of Contents

Introduction: Out Of The Blue!

1.  Things every brain tumor patient should do.

2.  Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Tumors.

•       What are the different types of brain tumors?
•       What is a glioma?
•       What are the parts of the brain?
•       What does grade mean?
•       My doctor says a brain tumor is not cancer.  Is that true?
•       Is a benign brain tumor safe?

3.  Interpreting brain tumor statistics.

4.  Treatments.

•       Steroids
•       Anticonvulsants
•       Antinausea
•       Antidepressants
•       Anticoagulants
•       Chemotherapies
•             Temozolomide/Temodal/Temodar
•             CPT-11
•             PCV
•             Tamoxifen
•             Thalidomide
•             VP-16/Etoposide
•             BCNU
•       Radiation
•             Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Taxol
•             Gamma Knife
•             Peacock System
•             Stereotactic Radiosurgery
•             Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
•       Neurosurgery
•             Gliadel Wafers
•             Image-Guided Surgery
•             Surgery
•             Volumetric Stereotactic Surgery
•             Regulus Navigator
•       Immunotherapy
•       Toxin Therapy

5.  Clinical Trials.

•       Why should you do a clinical trial?
•       When should you do a clinical trial?
•       How do you assess a clinical trial?
•       How do you find clinical trials?

6.  Choosing a hospital.

•       Why do I need to be treated by a major center?
•       How do I get in touch with a major center?

7.  Choosing a doctor.

•       What kinds of doctors treat brain tumors?
•       Should I get a second opinion?
•       Where can I find a doctor's phone numbers?
•       Do you rate doctors?
•       What questions should I ask my doctor?
•       When should I find a new doctor?

8.  Insurance.

9.  Sexuality and Fertility

•       Is loss of desire for sex normal for brain tumor patients?  How long will it last?
•       How will medications affect sexual desire and performance?
•       Can loss of desire be treated?
•       Do medications for brain tumors interact with birth control?
•       How long after radiation or surgery should I wait before having sex?
•       Can I have sex while on chemotherapy?
•       What do I do about vaginal dryness caused by brain tumor treatment?
•       How do I find out about ways to make sex more comfortable?
•       Will treatments affect fertility?
•       How do I preserve fertility if I am undergoing chemotherapy?
•       Will brain tumor treatments cause impotence?  Are there treatments?
•       If I do not have feeling in my genital area, can I still achieve orgasm?
•       How do I find a fertility expert or a therapist for sexual problems?

If you are looking for something that is not here or if you have questions, comments, or suggestions, let us know. Edited by Adam L. Cohen and Al Musella, DPM.
This Page Last Updated: 7/11/2003

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