The ABC's for Primary Brain Tumors

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumor seeking specialized care at an academic Medical Center isn't just preferred, it's critical. In this episode of Patient Power, Dr. Jeffrey Raizer joins Andrew to talk about the diagnosis and treatment of primary brain tumors. Dr. Raizer is the director of the medical Neuro-Oncology program in the department of Neurology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, co-director of Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute and associate professor of Neurology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

The program begins with Darren Latimer. Darren began experiencing severe headaches and vision problems in 2005, at the age of 30. Due to his hectic lifestyle and traveling with his job, he put off seeing a doctor. When he finally went to the eye doctor, his doctor noticed stress in his retina and immediately referred him to the emergency room for an MRI. Darren, his wife and 15-month old daughter were shocked to find out that day the he had a brain tumor the size of a lemon. He was in surgery just a few days later. He was treated at Northwestern and today has 3 daughters and is on the board of the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute.

Dr. Raizer then explains the treatments for primary brain tumors, using Darren’s treatment as an example. He talks about the advantages of seeking specialized care and the impact it can have on one’s survival and treatment options. Dr. Raizer details why certain treatments are chosen, including surgery and clinical trials. He answers listener questions and provides a wealth of insight that is a great resource. Both Dr. Raizer and Darren share advice for others and their hope for the future. Darren’s optimism is infectious “You can have bad days, but you know what, if you're here, smile at the things that you love and make you smile, and you'll figure it out.”