(Written from the view of the patient)
Assisting People with Meningiomas
An individual going through brain surgery finds the actual surgery quite daunting. However, the diagnosis of a Meningioma and the care after surgery can be just as challenging. Even though most Meningiomas are not cancerous, only a small amount of Meningiomas are cancerous. Either way, they do pose challenges regarding lifestyle changes and care after surgery in numerous ways.
Caregivers play a vital role in taking care of these individuals. These caregivers can be family members, friends, or professional caregivers. The caregiver can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the patient, even if they live far away.
There are a couple of responsibilities these caregivers may need to do on a daily or as-needed basis:
- Communicating with the doctors and health care personnel
- Giving support and encouragement
- Managing medical appointments
- Driving to and from appointments
- Assisting with basic shopping and preparing meals
- Giving medications
- Helping manage symptoms and side effects
- Helping with household chores
- Handling medical insurance and bills and general paying of monthly bills
Help the patient find out more about their possible side effects after surgery and treatment:
- What will be the most likely side effects to expect?
- When are they likely to happen?
- What can we do to prevent or relieve them?
Before surgery the patient should find out from their doctor how much care they may need at home and with daily tasks during and after treatment. Also find out about possible side effects during and after treatment. This will be crucial information after surgery.
When the patient goes to see the doctor after surgery, make sure they share about any side effects experienced during treatment and afterward. (Even if you do not think the side effects are serious)
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