title: Brain stem glioma: two case studies.
abstract: The paths taken by each family in coming to terms with the dismal prognosis associated with brain stem glioma can be quite different. The case studies of 2 school-age girls diagnosed with a brain stem glioma within weeks of each other are presented. The multi-disciplinary team response to each family was individualized at each stage of diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life care, as expected. The ultimate chronologic union of these 2 families as each child neared death was somewhat uncanny. The experience of each family, and their relationship with the team through this process, was an intense challenge and learning experience.
authors.affiliation: Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California 94305-5824, USA. rrosenblum@stanfordmed.org
authors.forename: Ruth K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rosenblum
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological