Coping - NCI-CONNECTions
Rare brain and spine tumor coping news and commentaries from patients and health and wellness experts. Includes inspiring messages, advice and tips, and positive coping strategies to live fully.
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Sharing the Load: How a Strong Support System Aids Recovery from Brain SurgeryDonita’s friends and family helped create a recovery plan, cook meals, and care for her after she underwent surgery to remove her pilocytic astrocytoma.
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Working Through a Life-Changing Rare Brain Tumor DiagnosisMikaeel shares how returning to work kept him focused and optimistic throughout treatment for his oligodendroglioma.
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Combatting Stress and Promoting Wellness in Cancer CareOutcomes Program Manager Alvina Acquaye-Mallory answers questions about how health care providers, patients, and caregivers can cope with stress and burnout during their cancer care journey.
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Community and Spirituality Help Five-Time Ependymoma Survivor Embrace DiagnosisPaul has lived with a recurring ependymoma of the brain and spine for most of his life. In that time, he has found connection in the NCI-CONNECT community, comfort in spirituality, and trust in his care team.
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A Data-Driven Approach to Self-Care After a Brain Tumor DiagnosisAs a physician and researcher, Debra learned to advocate for herself during treatment by finding reliable online sources, interviewing multiple care providers, and participating in a clinical study.
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Former Nurse Accepts a New Reality After a Brain Tumor DiagnosisSteve was a nurse for many years and found meaning in caring for others. But when he was unable to return to work after being diagnosed with an IDH-mutated astrocytoma, he found other ways to lead a fulfilling life.
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Navigating a Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis: A Care Partner’s PerspectiveLiz never imagined that she would become a care partner to her vibrant husband Julio because of an ependymoma diagnosis. She shares their journey and how they work together as a team through the good times and the bad.
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Why People with Rare Tumors Should Find a Good Medical TeamJen has lived with an ependymoma for over eight years and undergone multiple treatments, including three brain surgeries. She shares how her determination to go back to work and find a good medical team has helped her live her best life.
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Supportive Services to Help People with Brain and Spine Tumors Live FullyNIH Clinical Center Social Worker Sylvia Stearn provides supportive counseling and resources to help patients with brain and spine tumors cope and transition to their new normal.
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Rare Spine Cancer Survivor: “Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna Steal My Joy!”Lynita has lived with ependymoma for 17 years. She shares how she endured multiple surgeries, radiation, and drug treatments—and has adjusted her life to live fully with physical limitations.