WHAT WE LEARNED IN JANUARY!

Hi There! 

Tips from our Brain Tumor Zoom Support Groups (BTZSG)!

Tip #1: Know the size of your tumor. Some tumors are stable and others grow rapidly. Over time they can change shape, even latch on to areas your medical team would not have expected. Know the size, and always pay attention to the growth pattern and symptoms that arise along the way. 

Tip #2: Ringing, waves, and static noise are common. Many people report hearing a variety of unexplainable noises between their ears. This feedback is from those post craniotomy and radiation. For many it comes and goes, others it's more constant. It's not at all uncommon and it is considered harmless (although it can be annoying). An interesting little research article I found about this topic on Pub Med.

Tip #3: Check out blue ray glasses! Many of us complain about eye strain and a lack of quality sleep. Sadly, almost everything we do nowadays is on a screen. Although the blue-ray light screens give off is considered a safe level, it is possible that it has a negative impact on us. So for people on screens four or more hours a day, you may want to read his article on Web MD and decide if a pair of blue-ray glasses could help you. I personally bought a pair years ago and it was a game-changer for me at bedtime. I can still watch TV and play on my phone at night but the blue-ray light doesn't keep me up. I sleep much better now. I bought rather cheap ones on Amazon and I put them on every night around 10pm. They work great! 

Tip #4: Get a 2nd opinion at Barrow Neurological Institute. Having a brain tumor raises many concerns for most of us. More importantly, it brings us to the question of, "Is this my only option?" Getting a second opinion never hurts and if anything you may discover something about your condition your current provider over or under exaggerated about. Barrow Neurological Institute offers second opinions for reasonable prices. You can fill out a profile, upload your documents and scans, and for a small fee (around $100) you can get a second set of eyes and a formal opinion on your condition from a professional in this field. 

Tip #5: Brain tumors often present themselves as depression or mood disorders. Dealing with depression? Tried every medication and nothing works? Have mood swings that are irrational and challenging for you and your family? Sometimes a brain tumor condition goes undiagnosed meanwhile patients are being treated for mood disorders that are being triggered by the tumor. Some interesting information on this that one of our support group members shared: Pub Med abstract, Man's Tumor Misdiagnosed for 6 years, and Brain Tumors May Present as Depressive Symptoms.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mood disorders, and conventional medications and therapies have not worked, check out Ketamine Infusion Therapy. It is a promising treatment option for so many with over an 80% success rate.  

JOIN US FOR A SESSION!

Don't miss out on connecting with your brain tumor peers!

Sign up for a BTZSG today. Together we are stronger!

Please respond directly to this email if you wish to sign up for any of the February Brain Tumor Support Groups below. The last session of every month is FREE!

Fri, Feb 5th: 4:45pm-6pm ($7)

Fri, Feb 19th: 8:45am-10am ($7)

Sun, Feb 21st: 5:45pm-7pm ($7)

Sat, Feb 27th: 9:45am-11am ($7)

Sun, Feb 28th: 5:45pm-7pm (FREE)

The information provided in this newsletter is not to be perceived as medical advice, simply information that is shared by brain tumor peers. Meningioma Companion is not contracted or paid to promote any of the people, companies, or groups that are shared on this platform. To unsubscribe from Meningioma Companions monthly newsletter reply STOP to this email and if willing please share why you decided to leave.