Brain Cancer Support

Question: I have a dear friend with stage 3 brain cancer, how can I best support her at this time?

Answer: cancer sucks, I'm a survivor and have tongue cancer now. I have a friend who's hubby has lung cancer that spread to the brain, he's in chemo and radiation and trying to buy time. I would say based on experience, the best thing you can do is simply be there, to listen, to help, to give advice, whatever she needs. If she is going through chemo or treatment, she needs some support definitely, one of the best things you can do is make her meals to heat on her own when she feels up to it. See, she will want independence and at the same time not have strength to do much. Take her movies to watch, watch them with her, comedies. Things to take her mind off things even for a moment. Alot of people avoid people with cancer simply because they don't know how to treat them or react to the illness. Just call to say hi if you can't visit and visit her, don't treat her if she was dying, treat her as your friend, as normal as you can. Also ask her sometimes if she needs to talk or share anything, some people can't open up unless asked, they don't want to be downers.

Question: My 24-year-old son has brain cancer. He needs new friends. Checking 4 support groups/church. Any suggestions? Thanks for all the responses! Here's more detail and thanks: I've gone to all traditional cancer sites, he can't read well or type anymore so he's not able to do this. I'm looking for human interaction. We live in Chandler, AZ. Panda gave a couple links I haven't tried. Thanks to all that pray. I believe prayer and his will are that has kept him with me.

Answer: There are online support groups for young adults with cancer that he might want to check out: Planet Cancer http://www.planetcancer.org/html/index.php Ulman Cancer fund for young adults http://www.ulmanfund.org/ Young Adults with Cancer http://www.vitaloptions.org/yawc.htm LiveStrong: Young Adult Alliance http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.865471/k.B49/Young_Adult_Alliance.htm I'm too young for this http://imtooyoungforthis.org/ Prepare to live http://preparetolive.org/ They call me Galvez http://www.ericgalvezdpt.com/ Good luck!

Question: Cancer support groups online for teens.? My dad died of brain cancer and I would like to find an online support group for teens who have also lost a parent to cancer, like me. Any suggestions?

Answer: That is a great Idea,I & you can start one group /organisation for such -You know that you can write E mail messages to me through this section by clicking the word e mail which is visible if you click my name here to open my profile

Question: Could this place be a cancer support group? I have seen a lot of your posts or if you don't post questions I have seen your answers to posts (April, for instance suffering a brain tumor). So, the question is... Could we group together as a support group more formally and help one another or are we just off and on...attempting to assist one another here on Yahoo Questions, category Cancer?

Answer: It's a good idea - but I am going to suggest some complications. There are quite a lot of cancer support groups on the web. The best ones are very closely controlled, which this site cannot be. There are a lot of timewasters here - presumably young people who think cancer is a bit of a joke that happens to old people, or healthy people who enjoy the genuine support offered. [And those who hope we will supply enough materials for them to write about cancer.] You can set up a group as an offshoot of this board on Yahoo groups: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ Be aware that a single group can take a minimum of ten hours a week to run. Good luck!

Question: Does anyone know how to make the cancer support ribbons? Hi! My friend's daughter just got diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor and I was wanting to make some support ribbons to sell at her benefit this Sunday. (The ones you wear, not the ones that go on your car). Does anyone have any tips on how to do this so they look nice and not thrown together? Thank you so very much in advance for everyone's help!

Answer: you can get some ribbon at walmart the thin stuff I am not sure of the color of cancer ribbons other than breast. Anyway, cut a piece about 2 in long make a loop and take a drop of hot glue and dap it in the middle, then take a small gold safty pin and hook it in the back.

Question: Ideas for cancer support group.? Okay so recently I was diagnosed with brain cancer and yes I know touchy subject, but i want to look on the best side of things. So, I was thinking since there is not really a group that supports it as much as other cancers ex. breast, lung, ect... I would like to start one if there is any idea's for a great catchy name then please let me know. Oh, and I am 15 by the way and I want teens to be attracted to it :) I was thinking along the likes of "shades of hope" ? I don't know, just as many ideas as you can think of :) Oh and what's up with the color being gray, ew we need to change that haha ! I am a big time lover of graphic art and artsy fun stuff so think of crafty t-shirt ideas too :) thanks so much for the help! - megan.

Answer: i am so sorry to hear about that. But it's great your being positive =) That gets people through things like that =) (seriously) if you want to know a story about it, email me. But I think shades of hope is a awesome name...THere s a website you can design t-shirts with your won designs and drawings i'm not sure what its called...z something...I'll tell you when i find it. But yeah, draw something along the lines of hope...what do you think of when you think of hope, whats your inspiration to get better etc... I really hope you get well. The best of luck! *hugs*

Question: How can I help a family member -25 who lost her husband-27 suddenly to brain cancer? It;s tragic. All my family is flying down to see her. Besides loving her and giving her support ... I want to bring her something heartfelt to comfort her. Any suggestions?

Answer: i would think, rather than all at once, if y'all took turns, so for a while, there would often be someone with her, might be good. that would seem easier on her than having you all there at the same time.

Question: Can anyone think of a catchy name for a charity/fundraiser involving tie dye? I am obsessed with making tie dye so I figure why not do something useful with it? I am planning on starting a charity to support brain cancer (a cause that I can personally relate to) by tie dying all sorts of things and selling them. I need a good title involving tie dye, maybe that something that rhymes?? thanks for helping!

Answer: 'Brain Waves' 'Dye not Die' 'Think Color' 'Colorful Minds' 'Dead Heads Tie Dye' 'Tied Up Minds' 'Feed Your Head' 'Clothes Dyed for People Lives' 'Fabric Dyed for the Life of Minds' 'Smart Colors'

Question: How do I support a friend who lives 1000 miles away and is starting chemo/radiation? She had a cancerous tumor removed from her brain. Has anyone had experience with brain cancer? I feel so helpless and don't know how to show her my support. She's only 22 :( Please, no thumbs down....

Answer: I had a brain tumor removed just 5 1/2 months ago. I've gone through my chemo and radiation. Got a month break and now am on chemo 5 days a month. Just call her and chat if you can't afford to fly out there. I'm doing pretty good and I'm sure she will be also. The worst part is over for her. Where the docs shaved her head is where the radiation will go in. Her hair won't grow back for a while in that spot. She'll also lose her hair in the areas the radiation goes out. They'll give her some baseline mri's and cat scans, mold a mask for her head to stay stable for radiation. It will become routine in no time for her. She just wants to feel normal. If you usually stay in contact with her, don't let it change. she'll appreciate the "normalness" of her life.

Question: Death penalty advocates: would you support using deathrow inmates for medical experiments? That way society would gain some benefits, and it would be even more of a deterrent to crime if they knew brain cancer or something like that might be the method of punishment, right? Bonus question: Would you support this style of punishment if it were only used for people who had (or performed) abortions? Please include your religious standing.

Answer: No; I would not support medical experimentation for ANY crime. I don't believe that death is "cruel or unusual" punishment as long as it is carried out in as painless a manner as possible. Medical experiments, on the other hand, would be potentially painful and demeaning. Your reasoning/rationale was used by Dr. Josef Mengele; he's not exactly the greatest role model I can think of. I'm a Reform Jew.

Question: Im 18, my mom has Brain Cancer!? My mom has brain cancer and im so young and scared. She had two tumors, both yes with cancer. They removed the biggest growing tumor completely and all that remains in a small one and little 'fingers' from the big one. She is going through Chemo and radiation now. Is she gonna be OK from this. It seems all is going well. I hope they stop it I cant lose her:( Help. I just need answers or some support.

Answer: Your mum is getting the best treatment available and she may get sick (nausea, vomiting) however if she's already had chemo it may be just like before. These symptoms will pass and besides they can give you medication to stop the sickness. If she does feel sick she should ask the nurses or doctors for anti sickness tablets and injections. On a more general note, I have a very good friend who's had two tumors removed from his brain and he's a normal, healthy, fun loving, friendly person who loves life. I'm sure your mum will be absolutely fine. The main thing is your mum is a very strong woman who, if she's been through one treatment, will be able to deal with the effects of the chemotherapy. I have personally been through 5 rounds of chemotherapy and the worst I had in terms of side effects was 1 and a half days of vomiting and diarrhea. Due to the anti sickness medication I was taking, it was not half as bad as having an upset stomach after eating a badly prepared meal.

Question: Did you ever think the brain cancer in Kennedy's head affected his judgement? I sit here and find myself wondering if his cancer riddled brain impaired his judgment toward the end (the last couple of years). All kidding aside, he "turned" on the Clinton's when everyone expected him to support Hillary. He supported Obama instead and it was a shocker to Bill and Hillary. Then, yes he did always want health care, but this dog of a plan is not anything he might have gotten behind in the past. His mental clarity was impaired by a cancer in his brain. I sure hope his death will not make some who would have voted against it soften as their memory of the American royalty family will keep them from thinking clearly. We need something better for this country and not this horrible medical care thing they are cramming down our throats. I sure hope Kennedy's death will not change any of that. Great progress has been made and lots of people have devoted tons of time going out to protest this and attend town hall meetings, writing letters and emails to get the point out that it's a bad bad bad plan and not what Americans want or deserve. At any rate, rest in peace Ted.

Answer: The first answerer obviously has no life experience with brain cancer. Ted Kennedy suffered from the exact brain tumor my dad had. We've been lucky; my dad went into remission about 11 years ago and he has continued to get stronger ever since. He survived it. Mr. Kennedy just simply didn't. My dad has serious lapses in judgment for the two or three years prior to having been diagnosed with this slow-growing tumor. After he found out he had it, many things suddenly made sense. I'm a staunchly conservative Republican, by the way.

Question: A family friends daughter has Brain Cancer? I found out today that a daughter of one of my mothers friends has brain cancer, shes only 10 years old. Both her parents are in complete shock right now and shes scheduled for some sort of operation next week, and also her older sister has down syndrome and needs help constantly... Everyones totally devastated that this has happened and my mom keeps wanting to visit the girls mother but i dont think its a good idea yet seeing as she doesnt want to talk to anyone at the moment. i wanted to know how if there are some good ways we could support them

Answer: Oh my goodness, what a sad situation. The best thing you can do is just being there for the family, you could also offer to look after the other sister while her sister is having her operation, or mind her for a few hours when they need it. Maybe even prepare for a few meals and freeze them, so they have some ready meals to throw into the microwave. When you talk to the family keep the conversation light and normal as possible, and try not to become emotional in front of them if you can help it. I hope everything goes well and the outcome is a good one

Question: Post Majority Child Support in Illinois for a Disabled Child? My daughter is 19 years old and suffering from brain cancer. The tumor has left her blind with several other medical conditions that deem her disabeled. Does ANYBODY know what the case law in the state of Illinois is regarding child support for a disabeled child. Her father is no longer paying child support NOR is he providing her with medical coverage. His new wife has told him to stop paying. Please - if anybody knows where I can go for help - I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Answer: Yes, you need to get your daughter on SSI immediately. She should be eligible to receive a monthly disability check and medicaid which will pay for her medical expenses. People gripe about who gets disability and medicaid and how the system is so abused. This is exactly who disability and medicaid is designed to help. Since you are also her caregiver and probably unable to work, you need to look into what is called Independent Living (in my state anyway). This is a way that you can get paid for taking care of your daughter. You need to go the the Department of Family Services immediately when the door open on Monday morning, get a caseworker for your daughter and have this person look into every kind of form of assistance your daughter should be able to receive. This may sound harsh, but I believe there is a special room reserved in Hell for you ex and his new wife, so if you can't do anything to them now, rest assured, they will get whats coming to them someday. I truly believe that and sometimes its the only way we can be at peace with those who have done us wrong. I don't know the law in your state, when a father can stop paying support or providing medical coverage, but its possible if the state has to do it now, they will then go after your ex's checks themselves. We can only hope so! Maybe wifey # 2 might have to wait a few years to get that boob job! I am so sorry for what you are having to go through, and what your daughter is having to go through. Find her the best possible oncologist there is and fight, fight, fight. Cancer is more treatable now then it ever has been and just keep in mind how many people there are now who "used to have cancer". You two are in my prayers and I wish you the best of luck. There are also many programs that provide assistance to people with cancer. Get on the web and search for these and see what she might be eligible for. I don't know if 19 is considered a child, but I have listed some sites that say they provide assistance. I know one of my elderly patients who has cancer gets assistance for items such as groceries and they also pay for their gas to and from the office where she receives her cancer treatments. Anything like this will help you out so please look into all of this.

Question: Anyone know of any brain damage support groups? My mum has brain damage and I gets worse month by month, my dad has had to give up work to look after her. There are lots of support groups for people with cancer or lukeimia and other such illnesses that you can put a name to, but what is there for people like my mum? I'd like to know of organisations who offer support for the carer as well as the sufferer. My mum is still quiet young and local centres are full of retired people?! I'm also interested in suppor groups for people who suffer from strokes or diabetes. Many thanks.

Answer: There is a charity called Headway. A friend of mine uses it. I don't know the address but you could Google it. Good luck!

Question: My Uncle is in a coma from brain cancer, what happens to his company? A week ago my uncle came back from a business trip and collapsed. The hospital did scans and found he had lung and brain cancer. He later fell into a coma. We're doing all we can to help him and today the biopsy report comes out. His closest relatives are my grandma and his sister who is my mom and we all live together and supports our family and is the bread winner, my dad left my mom. He owns a company that is incorporated and has 2 employees but I want to help my uncle with his work while he's in the hospital and can't do anything. I was thinking of quitting my job to help out. How do I go about doing this? What happens to the company if he dies, god forbid? So what happens to the company if he had debt? Do they chop it up and sell it to cover it? Thanks for the replys guys! This is a trying time for me and I can't even sleep at night because I know I have to step up to support my grandma and mom, emotionally and financially from now one.

Answer: Intestate succession is by steps. This means with no will. Until the death of your uncle, your grandmother is first in line. You should keep the business going if you can. Your grandmother should get an attorney and certified medical records and go to court to get your Grandma appointed with his power of attorney. She can have you run the business. In the meantime, go work the business. It can save the business, and after you uncle passes, it will go to whomever he was giving it to. If he had no will, it will go to you grandmother. The steps of inheritance is up to Grandma, down to you mother, down to you. If no will.