What to bring to the hospital

When living with a brain tumour, you may require a stay, or several stays, in the hospital. It can be very hard to be away from your loved ones and the comforts from home. Packing some must-have items can help make your stay more comfortable.

We asked our community to let us know what items they felt were helpful. Please note this is a suggested list and each person will customize it to their own needs

Brain Tumours and Cognition

The brain is a complex organ with many different functions; it controls your physical being, emotions and thoughts. If you have changes to your thinking, in particular, these often take a back seat to medical concerns. However, these same changes have a big impact on quality of life.

Memory Issues

People diagnosed with a brain tumour often suffer short-term memory loss and it is a frequent challenge in their everyday life. Some short-term memory loss may get better with time, but all too frequently it becomes a permanent reality of daily life.

Brain Tumours and Hearing Challenges

The hearing symptoms related to brain tumours vary depending on the size, location, type and what the tumour is made of. Learn more about audiology in this Information Sheet.

Cognitive Effects of Brain Tumours and Treatment

All sensations, perceptions, emotions, experiences, movements and memories involve the brain. Individuals diagnosed with brain tumours often report difficulty focusing, processing what they read, finding words when speaking, recalling event details, completing tasks in a timely fashion, remembering why they entered a room, and/or coordinating movements.

Driving After a Brain Tumour Diagnosis

For many people, driving is one of their most valued activities. When faced with the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour, a health care provider may assess if the tumour impacts an individual’s ability to drive.

Getting a Second Opinion

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is a difficult time and even after you have seen a specialist there may be some unanswered questions. Usually, these questions will slowly be answered as treatment unfolds and you begin to seek a deeper understanding of your illness. However, you may feel that you would like an opinion from another expert in the field of brain tumours as you decide on the best treatment option(s).

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

MAiD is a legal medical service in Canada, whereby physicians or nurse practitioners (in provinces where this is allowed) help eligible patients fulfil their wishes to end their suffering.

• The rules set out in the Criminal Code
• Applicable provincial and territorial health-related laws, rules and policies.

The Government of Canada provides more information about medical assistance in dying.

Optimizing Communication and Cognition

Communication is an essential part of who we are as human beings. Learn more about how if an individual has cognitive difficulties, it will impact their ability to speak, understand, read, and write.

Psuedo Progression (GB)

What is Pseudo-Progression Following Treatment for Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma (GB) is a rapidly dividing brain tumour. Learn more about the standard of care and how post-treatment changes in the tumour has become more apparent as Pseudo-Progression.