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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A low-grade glioma is a brain tumor. The tumor is formed by glial cells which support the neurons in your brain. Neurons are responsible for your movement, thought processing, and your senses. Most low-grade gliomas grow slowly and are more common in children and adults under 40.
- Anticonvulsant medicine is given to prevent or control seizures.
- Steroids are given to decrease or prevent swelling in the brain.
- Antinausea medicine is given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- Chemotherapy is medicine used to shrink and kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy can have many side effects. Healthcare providers will watch you closely and work with you to decrease side effects.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You will need blood tests to check medicine levels. You will also need imaging tests to check for changes in your tumor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat tumors. Radiation kills tumor cells and keeps them from spreading. You may need radiation along with chemotherapy. You may need radiation after surgery to treat your tumor.
Drink more liquids as directed
to avoid dehydration. You will need to drink more if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments. Ask which liquids to drink and how much you need each day.
Eat healthy foods
to help you feel better during treatment and decrease side effects. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish. A dietitian may help to plan the best meals for you.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
- You cannot make it to your radiation or chemotherapy appointment.
- You have a headache or dizziness.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Seek immediate care or call 911 if:
- You pass out or have a seizure.
- You have numbness or drooping on one side of your face.
- You have weakness in an arm or leg.
- You have confusion or trouble speaking.
- You have dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.