Toolkit
Treatment Information
Every brain tumour diagnosis is unique.
Treatment options depend on factors such as the tumour’s location, type, grade, age and an individual’s own health.
Your treatment team is the best source of advice for your specific treatment plan. You will also have your own preferences, and feelings toward how to proceed with what treatment aligns with your own quality of life and values.
This decision is important, as you may encounter pressure from those who love you, to take action that aligns with their preferences, not yours. See below for more information about this.
First, common treatment approaches include:
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapies
Clinical Trials
Active Monitoring (Watch & Wait)
Palliative Care and Symptom Management
Here are some links to valuable information about treatment options:
Treatments - Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
Diagnosis and Treatment - Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA)
Questions you may like to discuss with your team about your treatment:
What is the goal of treatment?
Will treatment give me more quality of life?
If my prognosis is poor – is quality of life over quantity of life important to me?
What side effects can I expect from therapies and medications?
How will treatment affect my daily life and routines?
Can I keep working?
Will I need extra support at home?
Practical challenges of treatment:
Families can sometimes be unprepared for the day-to-day challenges that treatment can present.
Travel and accommodation may need to be arranged; your health team or advocate may be able to help with some of the financial costs or provide more information.
You may feel that having time off work is needed and can be a difficult adjustment. Your advocate may be able to help you find information about financial support.
Childcare may be needed during and after treatment or when fatigue or other side effects are experienced.
Managing appointments can be overwhelming, so having one person to help you manage and plan your appointments is helpful.
Financial pressure? Speak with your Advocate at Peace of Mind Foundation or request support.
Fatigue / changing routines – fatigue is a big part of treatment. Visit the symptom monitoring page for more information.
How Peace of Mind Foundation can help you during treatment
Need practical or financial support?
Your Advocate or Navigator is here for your individual needs.
Grants and Financial Assistance Programs – your advocate will be able to help you access these
