Coping with Changes in yourself

After diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumour, a person often may not be the same. Changes in behavior and thinking occur in the majority of patients at some point during their treatment. The extent of changes can vary considerably from person to person. Changes can be as subtle as mild forgetfulness or as dramatic as deep depression or abusive, violent outbursts.

In all cases it is important to share any changes with your doctor.

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Coping Strategies

It's important to remember that not everybody who is affected by a brain tumour will experience the same challenges.

Memory Difficulties

There are many ways that you, your loved ones and healthcare team can reduce the effect memory difficulties have on your everyday life. Remember not to be too hard on yourself.

Personality Changes

Personality changes can be difficult to manage, especially if you aren't aware that you're acting differently. However, you may find the following strategies helpful in coping with this side-effect.

Communication Difficulties

There is a range of different communication difficulties that you may experience: language impairment (also known as 'aphasia'), speech difficulties, cognitive difficulties.

Learning new coping strategies can help people living with a brain tumour (and those around them) feel more able to cope and reduce feelings of frustration or isolation.

Fatigue

While there is no cure for fatigue, it's important to know that it can be managed and many people improve within 6 months to a year after treatment.

Cognitive

Cognitive difficulties are a common side-effect experienced by people living with a brain tumour or receiving certain tumour treatments.
This can be very mild and may not be immediately noticeable, only coming to light when you attempt complex tasks or if you return to work.

Seizures (epilepsy)

One of the ways to cope with seizures is to identify any particular triggers for you and lessen your exposure to them.
There are lots of strategies for making sure you're as safe as possible when you do have a seizure or you're better prepared to care for somebody who may experience seizures.

Sight Problems

If you are told your sight problem is long lasting, there are many emotions that you might experience, such as that similar to grief, but it's important to know you are not alone and there are support teams that can help.

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