"The brain is so complicated, and the surgery is so fiddly, but the work is so critical because of what it means for patients."
Professor Lindy Jeffree
The wonders of the brain and the impossible choices for patients.
Ever wondered what it’s like to operate on a human brain?
Why do neurosurgeons sometimes keep patients awake during brain cancer surgery?
What difficult choices do people with brain cancer and their families face?
On ABC Radio Sydney’s Nightlife, Professor Lindy Jeffree — Chair of the Brain Cancer Australia National Consortium — talks about the wonders of the human brain, highlights the need for progress in research, and shares the human side of brain cancer care:
“In the absence of major progress, all I can do is lead patients through their brain cancer journey as comfortably as possible - helping them to understand and to make choices that matter to them," says Lindy.
"Some say, ‘I need to make it until my children finish high school or my daughter gets married, so I’ll do everything, even if it’s dangerous, to buy that time.’
Others say, ‘I would rather be dead than not be able to talk — so don’t do anything that risks taking away my speech.’”
Professor Jeffree joined the program to raise awareness of Brain Cancer Australia’s work to help breakthroughs in brain cancer happen faster.
Listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/nightlife/the-wonders-of-the-brain/105640074
Professor Jeffree is Director of Neurosurgery at The Alfred and Professor of Surgery at Monash University.
