New book discusses the basics of brain tumors

Mayo ClinicJan 24 2013

Empowering patients during the course of their treatment is the goal of a new book, Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor, written by neuro-oncologists from Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

"So many times patients feel they have so much done to them, and we hope that this book will arm them with information they need to be an active participant in their treatment," says Alyx B. Porter, M.D., of Mayo Clinic and co-author of the book. "It's incredibly scary whenever anyone is told there is something in their brain that shouldn't be there, and once a person has all that emotion pumping it's hard to hear and remember. It's just not the best environment to receive all the information."

Dr. Porter is a co-author along with Lynne P. Taylor, M.D., of Tufts Medical Center. The comprehensive book discusses the basics of brain tumors, the various types of tumors, how to manage different tumors, related symptoms, treatments and side effects, the role of medical team members and coping strategies from initial diagnosis throughout the course of the illness.

"Patients can gain a great deal of comfort from having accurate information and a framework through which to view their diagnosis," Dr. Taylor says. "Our hope is that this book will provide some of that grounding and make it a little easier for patients and their families to navigate their illness and the medical system."

To see a video of Dr. Porter talking about the book, click here

In addition to covering the most recent medical treatments, the book also includes information for patients on the following topics:

• How to get the help find the right information
• How to reduce stress by eating well, meditation, movement and joining support groups
• How to deal with cosmetic issues
• How to use creativity and art as therapy
• How to engage in daily activities such as working and driving

"Often the first place patients will go for information is the Internet and so much of what is out there is not helpful and almost antagonistic to what they need," Dr. Porter says. "This book is really a supplement to the patient-physician relationship. It can be a springboard for questions or a way to clarify terms that weren't understood."

Published in conjunction with the American Academy of Neurology as part of the Neurology Now Books the book is available on Amazon.com and other major book retailers.