Navigating a Glioma Diagnosis Amid Parenthood
- Dr. Juan Pablo Ospina offers guidance to help glioma patients understand their condition and navigate treatment.
- He advises working closely with a team of specialists, tailoring therapy to individual needs, and staying hopeful as research advances.
- Gliomas are a type of cancer that start in the brain. They are different from cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.
- Treatment options range from observation and surgery to radiation, chemotherapy, and newer targeted therapies, with plans customized to each patient’s goals and circumstances.
Dr. Ospina advises patients to collaborate closely with a team of specialists, choose treatments that align with their personal needs and goals, and, above all, hold onto hope as new advances in brain tumor research continue to develop.
Read MoreTip #1: Take a Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
“The treatment of these tumors can be very complex and multidisciplinary work is required,” Dr. Ospina tells SurvivorNet. “And so it’s useful to be evaluated by all of the specialties that play a role in the treatment of this disease, meaning neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and radiation oncology.”He recomends patients review all available treatment options carefully before deciding on the approach that best suits their needs.
Tip #2: Individualize Your Treatment
Dr. Ospina also stresses the need to customize treatment based on each patient’s unique needs and objectives.
He tells SurvivorNet his second tip is to “really individualize” a patient’s treatment plan.
This can be done by considering factors such as the patient’s age, personal goals, tumor location, comfort with risk, and willingness to wait, as well as evaluating options ranging from watchful waiting and starting an IDH inhibitor, to more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
More On Gliomas
- Conquering Fear And Anxiety: A Message For Glioma Patients
- Diagnosing Gliomas — Resections and the Grading System
- Glioma Diagnosis: Take Control By Understanding The Value Of Your Treatment Team
- Glioma Recurrence: How to Navigate Continued Treatment
- Glioma Surgery: What to Expect During an Awake Resection
- Glioma Treatment Options: How Doctors Decide What’s Next
- Glioma Treatment: Understanding the Risks of Brain Surgery
- A Message For Glioma Caregivers: How To Support Your Loved One Through A Diagnosis
Glioma treatment options include careful observation for small or benign tumors, performing surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely feasible, using radiation or chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells, and exploring newer strategies such as targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
Understanding Gliomas: What Different Types Mean for Your Diagnosis & Your Treatment Choices
Remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with a diagnosis, but learning about your tumor, discussing options with your medical team, and seeking support can make the process more manageable.
Staying informed and engaging actively with your healthcare team allows for a treatment plan that is customized to your personal goals and circumstances.
Tip #3: Focus on Hope and Optimism
For his third recommendation, Dr. Ospina emphasized that patients should always hold onto hope, even in the face of difficult challenges.
“Even in the phase of challenging and incurable diseases, we are quickly learning more about these tumors, working hard to develop better treatments,” concluded Dr. Ospina.
RELATED: A Patient’s Perspective: Embrace Optimism and Be Your Own Hero
“And my hope is that were seeing the dawn of a new age of neuro-oncology with better treatments for patients and better long-term outcomes.”
Finding Hope & Meaning: Living Fully with a Glioma Diagnosis
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
If you or a loved one has received a glioma diagnosis, it can be helpful to begin discussions with your doctor by asking these important questions.
- What is the grade of my glioma?
- Have I been tested for molecular markers, and what do they mean for my treatment?
- What treatment options are available for my specific diagnosis?
- What are the possible side effects of treatment?
- How will we monitor the tumor after treatment?
- Are there clinical trials that might be beneficial for me?
- What lifestyle changes or supportive care options can help improve my quality of life?
What Exactly is a Glioma and What Does the Grade Mean for Your Treatment Plan
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
