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Neuro-Oncology University of Washington Medical Center |
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Living with a Brain Tumor:
What About Family And Friends? It is very difficult watching someone you love go through the experience of being diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor. Even if everything goes very well, it is still upsetting and scary. If your loved one is left with some deficits, it can be even more difficult. It helps for you to know as much as possible about what changes have occurred and what you and the patient should expect. Your physician, your nurse, and the staff in the rehabilitation clinic are your best resources for information. Sometimes people hesitate to ask questions because they don't want to bother the staff, or feel their question may be silly. But, it's important for you to ask questions until you feel you fully understand your situation, your choices and options. There are many special challenges for a patient's family members and friends. Often people feel terribly helpless when they see their loved one in trouble and they are unable to make the problem go away. Sometimes families and friends are unsure of how best to support the patient. How much should they do for the patient? When should they forget the tumor and just be normal? What does the patient need and want? This is when good communication is essential. Patients need to be able to share how they are feeling as honestly as possible with those close to them and let those involved know what kind of support they want. In turn, family or friends must be patient and understanding listeners. The goal is to let the patient know you want to be with them and you want to understand how they feel to the extent possible for you. Letting them know you can listen to their concerns and share their emotional pain is often the most useful thing you can do.
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