Fortis Hospital launches support group for brain tumor patients

Mumbai: With the aim to provide emotional support and resolve doubts related to treatment and recovery related to Brain Tumor Treatments, Fortis Hospital Mulund has launched a support group for their patients.

Around 40 patients were present for the launch and many came forward to talk about the difficulties they had faced and how certain techniques provided by the doctors helped them overcome it.

Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Mulund who inaugurated the event, said, “We have so far treated more than 100 patients in the last 4 years. Brain Tumour has an impact on the thinking of a person due to which a change is seen in their personality and behaviour. The recovery period is overwhelming and, in such times, connecting with people who are having the same experiences not only helps in the recovery but also is beneficial for the emotional health of the person.”

“Due to the pandemic, there was a decline in the diagnosis as people were not coming for check-ups even after facing the symptoms. Hence, there were fewer patients who underwent treatment in the past two years. It was during this time that we realized the need for a support group wherein people could share their challenges and experiences about living a normal life post recovery,” Dr Sawhney added.

Being diagnosed with brain tumour, is not the end of the world as there are treatments available that can help an individual lead a stable life, even after surgery and treatments. However, it becomes crucial that one understands the symptoms related to brain tumour like seizures, dizziness, headaches, confusion, loss of balance etc. and reach out to a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms persist in an individual.

While the recovery process is challenging as compared to other illnesses or diseases, there is always a team of experts present to provide the patient with the necessary medications, exercises and counseling. Also, being part of such support groups encourages an individual to not lose hope and see the benefits of having the procedure in the long term.

Gargi Sachin Bhusari, a patient who was part of this session said, “Being a part of this support session was truly encouraging as it helped me meet patients who had undergone similar experiences like mine. It opened my eyes to the fact that even a condition like brain tumour is treatable and it is possible for people to return to their normal lives, especially because there are advanced treatment options and techniques available at their disposal.”

Other dignitaries who attended the launch event included: Dr Rahul Pandit (Director – Critical Care Medicine, Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai), Dr Dhanshri Chonkar (Consultant – Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund), Dr Uma Dangi (Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai), Dr Rupal Chheda (Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund), Dr Pushkar Ingle  (Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund), Ms. Rinku Mavani (Business Partner – Sales, Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai) & Dr Manisha Pathak (Head – Medical Services, Fortis Hospital, Mulund).