Event Topic:
Receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, and it is normal to have lots of questions. In this Q&A session, facilitated by Prof Kate Drummond (Neurosurgeon), you will meet a Medical Oncologist, Dr Jim Whittle, and two brain cancer care coordinators Lauren O’Donoghue and Jane Staker, who answer YOUR questions, and will also share tips and responses to some of the most frequently asked questions they hear from patients and their families. No question is too small or silly.
This session was held on Friday 6th December 2024. The session was recorded so you can watch it if you missed it, or watch it again if you wanted to go back and listen to any of the information again.
About the speakers:
- Prof Kate Drummond. Neurosurgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
- Dr Jim Whittle. Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
- Ms Lauren O’Donoghue. Neuro-Oncology Care Coordinator, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
- Ms Jane Staker. Neuro-Oncology Nurse Consultant, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Some of the questions asked in this session included:
- What happens when something goes wrong in the operating theatre? Is there a ‘black box’ to record what goes on, so in the rare event of a mistake it can be reviewed and measures put in place to avoid this in future?
- Is Dr Georgina Long’s team, which is conducting the experimental treatment for Richard Scolyer, providing professional insight to your team?
- How do the members of the panel view Voluntary Assisted Dying?
- Is CAR T Cell therapy for Glioblastoma available in Australia? (Note: More info about what CAR T Cell Therapy is was covered in a previous webinar HERE)
- What advice do you have for someone considering travelling overseas for clinical trials?
- What do brain cancer care coordinators do, and how did you get into this role?
- The pathology of a brain tumour can sometimes be confusing and there can be both low and high grade regions, or different regions may have different genetic mutations etc (‘tumor heterogeneity’) and how does this relate to prognosis? If a tumour has more than one grade of tumour in it, how do you treat it?
- How do you help patients and their families navigate conflicting information they might find online on Dr Google about brain tumours?
- How do you help bust myths that people may come across online?
- Can you fly with a brain tumour or after brain surgery?
- What emerging research areas are you excited about that give you hope for the future?
- How do you wind down after a big day?
- What is one piece of advice you would give to someone in the 1st week after they are diagnosed with a brain tumour?
Please note: these webinars are for education purposes only and should not be taken as individual medical advice. Consult with your healthcare team to find out what approach is best for you.