Welcome back, everyone!

In this episode, our host Ben Seewald chats with Patrick, a Registered Nurse and a brain tumour survivor. Having just started nursing school, Patrick shared his experiences facing a brain tumour as a young adult and balancing care, recovery and coursework. Together, they discuss Patrick’s journey of strength and resilience and the importance of kindness and patient advocacy.

In part 2, Patrick dives into the heart of his support network- his family and friends, and the important role they played in supporting him through treatment, recovery and school. Patrick also discusses patient advocacy and what it means to him. Tune in for an open conversation about compassion, community and advocacy.

For additional information, you may visit:

Medical alert bracelets: MedicAlert Foundation Canada | We Speak When You Can't

Support groups: Support Groups - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Advocating for yourself: Advocating for Yourself - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin.

One step at a time: Navigating emotions, support, and self-advocacy after a brain tumour diagnosis

Welcome to our podcast! Today, we sit down with Paul, a young adult brain tumour survivor and volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Join us as our guest discusses the emotions that come with a brain tumour diagnosis and shares how he tackled them, one step at a time. He also discusses the value of building a strong support system, learning to advocate for his own needs, and the practical challenges of returning to work and establishing new routines. This conversation offers encouragement and advice for anyone facing similar experiences, showing that progress is possible, even through small steps.

Please visit our website to learn more about our programs, resources, and ways in which you can offer your support!

For additional information, you may visit:

Medical alert bracelets: MedicAlert Foundation Canada | We Speak When You Can't

Support groups: Support Groups - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Advocating for yourself: Advocating for Yourself - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Cancer and Work | Cancer and Work*

Transportation | Canadian Cancer Society

Support groups:Care & Support - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Get involved with BTFC! Get Involved - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Maria a été la proche aidante de son mari, décédé il y a plus de 6 ans d'un glioblastome.

Suivez-nous sur Facebook et sur Instagram.

In this episode, we speak with Peter, a 49-year-old brain tumour survivor whose experience began in January 2019 with the diagnosis of a grade 2 astrocytoma following a seizure. Peter shares his fascination with awake brain surgery and the challenges that followed with his recovery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through it all, he emphasizes the importance of maintain a positive attitude and remaining optimistic in the face of adversity.


For additional information, you may visit:

Awake brain surgery - Mayo Clinic

Awake Brain Surgery: Your questions answered (ottawahospital.on.ca) *

Clinical Trials - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada


Disclaimer:

External links and resources on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on external websites. Please note that when you click on external links, you will be subject to the privacy policies and terms of service of the respective website. We cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information you provide to the linked sites.

Kathy est une survivante de tumeur cérébrale résidant à Québec et bénévole à la Fondation canadienne des tumeurs cérébrales pour le programme pédiatrique GOcervo. En 2011, elle a reçu un diagnostic de tumeur cérébrale.

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In this episode, Alex shares how he navigated life after a brain tumour diagnosis, surgery and a challenging recovery. Join us as we explore the process of defining a “new normal,” including fertility preservation, building resilience, the role of positive psychology and goal setting. Alex’s story offers insights on self-advocacy, emotional well-being, and the power of setting new goals after life-altering experiences.


For additional information, you may visit:

Male Fertility Issues and Cancer — Side Effects - NCI

Female Fertility Issues and Cancer — Side Effects - NCI

Fertility problems | Canadian Cancer Society

Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds: Turner PhD, Kelly A.: 9780062268747: Books - Amazon.ca

Martin Seligman: The new era of positive psychology | TED Talk

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being: Seligman, Martin E. P.: 9781439190760: Books - Amazon.ca

Stories - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada


Disclaimer:

External links and resources on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on external websites. Please note that when you click on external links, you will be subject to the privacy policies and terms of service of the respective website. We cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information you provide to the linked sites.

In this episode, we speak with Sarah, a registered nurse at The Hospital for Sick Children and a brain tumour survivor who was diagnosed 13 years ago. Having faced four reoccurrences, Sarah reflects on the vital role her “cancer squad” of family and friends played in her life. We explore therapy, honest communication, and navigating difficult emotions and conversations. Listen in as Sarah shares her beautiful poem, What it’s Like, offering a glimpse into her experience as a young adult living with a brain tumour.


For additional information, you may visit:

Relationships and Communication with Others - NCI (cancer.gov)

2017-AdvanceCarePlanning.pdf (braintumour.ca)

2018-Scanxiety.pdf (braintumour.ca)

For more information on ‘How to manage claustrophobia during your MRI’, please visit Sunnybrook Hospital*

Relationships - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Livingoutloud.life - Relationships *


Disclaimer:

External links and resources on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on external websites. Please note that when you click on external links, you will be subject to the privacy policies and terms of service of the respective website. We cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information you provide to the linked sites.

Carolyn, who grew up in a First Nations community in southeastern New Brunswick, shares the story of her mother, Phyllis— a polio survivor and community advocate— who passed away from a brain tumour during the pandemic.  In this episode, Carolyn reflects on her mother’s incredible life, her advocacy for their community, and the unique challenges they faced together during diagnosis and treatment.