Brain Tumor Patient Resource Handbook - Pediatric Version

We, who compiled and wrote this book, are dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of families who have a child with a brain tumor. It is our sincere hope that through this knowledge comes comfort and guidance to improve the quality of life for your child. You are not alone.

Background:

The Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada has been in existence since 1982. Part of our mandate for patient support has been to publish handbooks for brain tumor patients and their families. We currently offer hard-copy versions of three different patient resource handbooks:

• Pediatric
• Adult
• French language Adult (Winter 1994)

Almost 10,000 copies of the various handbooks have been distributed world-wide since 1989.

This on-line version of our Pediatric handbook is a attempt to reach more brain tumor patients needing the information provided herein. Other on-line versions of the Adult and French-language Adult handbooks may become available if the demand exists for them.

Table of Contents:

• Preface to the Pediatric Version
• About the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada
• Introduction
• An Overview of the Brain
• Facts about Brain Tumors
• Types of Treatments for Brain Tumors
• At the Hospital
• At Home
• Decadron®
• Nutrition
• Pediatric Community Services
• Important Considerations: Shunts, Blood Transfusions, Visual Disturbances, CT and MRI Preparation
• Seizures
• Neuroendocrine Function
• Survivorship
• Glossary of Terms

Some of the resources and medical care facilities referred to in this document may not be available outside the province of Ontario, Canada.

If some of the services are not familiar or available to you, we encourage you to seek alternatives in your area. Don't be shy in asking your local health care professionals for information!

A Fact of Life for Charities:

The Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada is a volunteer charitable organization.

These resources were written solely by dedicated individuals who generously donated their time and expertise to produce this document for your use.

Like most charities, the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada relies on the unpaid efforts of its volunteers and tax-deductible donations by its supporters, enabling it to continue its mission.

Comments or Problems:

Your feedback on this project is important to us! Please drop us a note indicating that you've seen this document. Any feedback, suggestions and criticisms are welcome:

• Surface Mail: Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, 111 Waterloo St., Suite 600, London, Ontario Canada N6B 2M4
• Telephone: (519)-642-7755
• FAX: (519)-642-7192
• Internet: Garry.Robbins@Labatt.Com
• CompuServe: 73172,646

This page, and all contents, are Copyright (C) 1994 by Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, London, Ontario CANADA.