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Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Supportive Care

Supportive Services for People with Brain and Spine Tumors

NIH 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.

Your health care team can help you understand the supportive services and resources available to you and your family or care partner. Here are some suggested questions to ask your doctor. 

  • Where can I get more information about my brain or spine tumor?
  • What supportive services are available to me and my family or caregiver? 
  • Can I return to work now or in the future?  
  • If I can return to work with restrictions or in a part-time capacity, what services are available to help me?  
  • How do I talk to my employer about my diagnosis?  
  • Should I talk to my employer’s human resources department about available support resources?  
  • How do I talk to my family and friends about my diagnosis? 
  • How do I maintain healthy relationships with my family, friends, and co-workers?  
  • What supportive services or resources are available to help me and my family manage our emotions, feelings, and mental health?  
  • Will I need assistive equipment or supervision at home during my treatment or recovery? 
  • Are there financial support services available to me? 
  • Are there travel support services (such as hotels and transportation) available to me and my family or caregiver? 
  • Are there counseling services, therapy services, or support groups available to me and my family or caregiver as part of my care? 
  • Are there services available to help with my spiritual or religious needs during care?   
  • Are there services available to help with my cultural needs during care?  
  • Should I contact legal services to prepare documents, such as a living will or power of attorney? 
  • If I am nearing end of life, what services are available to help me and my family or caregiver?  

We encourage you to print these questions and bring them with you to your appointment. 

  • Updated:

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