The medical care for a brain tumor is complex, and you will likely come into contact with a large medical team. You can act as the patient’s advocate to help to ensure that the patient’s best interests are front and center at all times.

• Understand what each member of the medical team does. This includes hospital staff, clinic staff, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Involve the patient as much as possible. Help to ensure that the patient has a thorough understanding of the information he or she is being given and the choices he or she must make. Help get answers to his or her questions.
• Become the chief communicator. In your role as a caregiver you may have to tackle tough discussions, whether with the patient, medical care team, family, or friends. You may also be in charge of providing updates to friends and loved ones about the patient’s condition. And if you have a medical power of attorney, you may have to speak on behalf of the patient when the patient cannot speak for his or herself. 
• Learn about treatment options, including clinical trials. The ABTA is a great place to start for information on treatment options and available clinical trials. Make sure to discuss these options with the patient’s care team.