Reflecting on parental concerns in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors: observations from a general pediatrician.

This issue of Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics explores the concerns and point of view of parents who have had to confront the devastating diagnosis of a pediatric brain tumor. This commentary, written by a general pediatrician, is a synthesis of several narrative themes which touch on a range of topics from relapse to long-term sequelae and other issues that effect a growing population of pediatric brain tumor patients. It offers a glimpse into the problems that need to be addressed by health professionals, educators and support teams who provide short and long term care to these patients and their families.