Surgery of any kind can be a frightening and traumatic thing to face. This is only intensified when the part of the body requiring surgery is the brain and the ailment causing the issue is a tumour. The seriousness of this type of surgery should never be taken likely. And though you may feel lost with so many things seeming out of your control, you can regain some semblance of steady footing by educating yourself on what you need to know.
What Is The Surgery Like
The first thing that you’ll probably want to know about will focus on the surgery itself. Not every brain tumour surgery is the same. Chances are you will have to undergo a few before it’s all said and done. The first surgery more than likely will be a biopsy. This surgery is to gain a sample of the tumour to determine its nature. Technology has allowed for less invasive brain surgeries such as MRI-guided laser ablation and neuro-endoscopy while traditional techniques such as craniotomy are still viable options. The website for Dr Robert Louis in Orange County lists all sorts of brain surgeries and provides a lot of information. For instance, did you know there are even surgeries that can be done using an endonasal endoscopic approach? This means they can actually go through your nose in order to perform the surgery, making it much less invasive. (1)
Side Effects
The goal of brain surgery is to remove the affecting tumour, but that goal may come with a price. There are a number of side effects that you should know about so that you can prepare for them post-surgery. These can include some or all of the following: weakness, confusion, loss of balance and coordination. You may also have difficulty speaking requiring the necessity to relearn. Seizures and personality changes are also possibilities. It may be terrifying to contemplate facing these challenges. Accepting that they may happen and planning for them ahead of time is the best way to decrease their impact while strengthening your resolve.
Other Considerations
Other than the technicalities of the surgery itself, you may also be asking yourself, what you need to know. There are a number of things that you want to consider and plan for. You may be in a debilitated state after surgery, so preparing your home for your return should be a priority. This should include navigating to the kitchen, bathroom, and generally being able to care for yourself. Home care may be required so that you be cared for. This will all cost, so it is also important to determine what insurance will cover and how to handle any shortcomings. Lastly, the surgery may not go the way you planned, so a will, power of attorney, and someone assigned to make medical decisions on your behalf need to be addressed.
There is nothing easy about undergoing brain tumour surgery. It can paint a bleak outlook on your life. It doesn’t have to be the boogeyman stalking you from the shadows. Fear is a natural emotion that everyone faces at one point or another. More times than not, it stems from the unknown or a lack of understanding. Learning all that you can about the particulars of your brain surgery, including what to do before and what to expect after is the best way to approach the inevitable fear that comes with it. As you navigate the process of prepping for life before and after your brain tumour surgery, be sure to include family members directly involved and ask plenty of questions of your physician.
Ana Miller is a creative writer. Her topics of interest and expertise range from psychology to all sorts of disciplines such as science and news.