Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A Meningioma Webinar Invitation from the ABTA and Dr. Johnson


An invitation from the ABTA to this Thursday, August 22nd webinar popped into my in-box this morning and I thought you should know about it.

I’ve been to a number of ABTA presentations like this and found the following to be true:


  1. The presenters are really good – patient, articulate and, in general, brainiacs (I say that in only the most positive way possible).
  2. The topics are hugely relevant (of course, I’m a meningioma survivor so that makes me a bit biased)
  3. The webinar format is perfect. Family, friends, caregivers and victims can all watch from the comfort of their own homes and don’t have to change into anything resembling “business casual.” You can also ask questions (via a “chat” box) without everybody seeing in the room giving you a strange look.

If for some strange reason you’re reading this blog and don’t know what a meningioma brain tumor is, here’s a short description from the webinar posting: ”Meningiomas account for about 34% of all primary brain tumors. They are most likely to be diagnosed in adults older than 60 years of age, and the incidence appears to increase with age. Meningiomas are rarely found in children, and occur about twice as often in women than men. This webinar will provide an update in the ‘watch and wait’* approach, treatment and care of people navigating a Meningioma tumor. The latest information regarding the genetics of meningiomas and how this may affect treatment will also be discussed.

The presenter will be Mark D. Johnson, MD, Harvard Medical School; Brigham & Women's Hospital. Dr. Johnson specializes in the neurosurgical management of brain tumors & directs an NIH-funded research laboratory focused on the genomics, proteomics and cell biology of meningiomas and gliomas. (See, I told you he would be a brainiac). 

You can register @ 
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/689032614

*No, “Watch and wait” is not a euphemism for “do nothing.”
**If you think the idea of “Watch and Wait” doesn’t drive people nuts, just read the following series of postings on Inspire.com: http://www.inspire.com/groups/american-brain-tumor-association/discussion/is-wait-and-see-if-it-grows-normal-path-for-tumors/




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