The Effects of a Tumor on the Family Members

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The Effects of a Tumor on the Family Members

A tumor that is specifically in the frontal cortex can

cause many changes physically and emotionally which can affect

the way you interact with your family. Some of the functions of

the frontal lobe are attention, abstract thought, problem

solving, intelligence, creative thought, initiative inhibition,

judgment, mood, major body movements, bowel and bladder control,

memory and reasoning (retrieved from www.ect.org. What this

means is that you will not only experience these symptoms

internally but externally as well. Family members may start to

see the decline in your health and become concerned.

When diagnosed with a brain tumor it is important to share

this information with family and friends. Although this can be a

very difficult conversation to have, it is important for loved

ones to be informed. This conversation will not be easy to have

in fact, it can bring up many emotions and questions that are

challenging to discuss (retrieved from www.braintumor.org ).

Understanding what is happening to your loved one is essential

to answer questions and minimize any fears that one can have.

The patients Doctor is definitely a good resource as well as the

internet and the library. If revealing this news seems

impossible for you maybe, you can seek a social worker (many

times hospitals have one on staff), church or a therapist. It

is important to expect dynamics within the family to change.

This change can be due to financial hardships, changes in

schedules, emotions, stress etc.

There are definitely stages of acceptance that your loved

ones may experience. The stages of acceptance are; denial,

anger, res...

... middle of paper ...

...this information may

not apply to all individuals. As mentioned previously the type

of treatment and severity of the tumor will determine each

individual capability.

Reference

Bear, J. (1997). Stages of Grief. MSN Cancer Forum.

Retrieved from the Internet on April 28th, 2005.

http://www.cancersurvivors.org/Coping/end%20term/stages.htm

Feuerstain. (2005). Becoming Well Again Through Thriving At

Work. American Brain and Tumor Association, Retrieved

from the Internet on May 1st, 2005.

http://www.abta.org/wellaagain7.php

Thimble, M.H., (1990) Psychopathology of Frontal LobeSyndromes.

Seminars in Neurology. Retrieved from theInternet on April 25th,

2005.http://www.ect.org/effects/lobe.html

The Essential Guide to Brain Tumors. Retrieved from the

Internet on April 25th, 2005. http://wwww.braintumor.org

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