A free scan reviewed is offered by some of the doctors listed on this website. Click HERE to see a list of them.

A "free scan review" means they are willing to have you contact them, have you send your scans by federal express, and will let you know what treatment options they may be able to offer you. When you contact them, tell them that you were referred by the Musella Foundation - and ask for a free scan review. Confirm that there will be no charge for this. Note - If a second opinion is needed on the reading of the pathology slides (which is a good idea) - there will be a charge. Ask how much it is.
If you want your scans back, include a pre-paid return mailer for them and a note that you want them returned.

Sending scans (and generating a postage paid return label) is easier if you have a federal express number. Go to fedex.com to get one. It doesn't cost anything until you use it.

When you send the scans, ask if they have a form that you have to fill out and send with the scans. If they do - they will point you to thier website, email it to you or fax it to you. If they don't have a form, send all of the pertinent information, such as:

• Your name, address, phone, email, fax numbers.
• Any important medical problems that you have: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart problems, Strokes, AIDS, Other cancers, etc.
• What drugs are you on now for non-brain tumor related problems
• Are you on steroids (Decadron)? How much?
• Are you taking any anti-seizure medications (Like Dilantin)? How much?
• Did you have any chemotherapy or immunotherapy? What was the name, and when? For example: BCNU, CCNU, PCV (Procarbazine, CCNU, Vincristine), CPT-11, Etc.
• Did you have surgery? When? What kind? Biopsy, partial resection (Debulking), Total Resection. What did the pathology report call the tumor? (Attach a copy of the pathology report). NOTE: IF you decide to have treatment there, they may ask you to send the actual slides for another opinion on the pathology (Note: that is not included in the free review.)
• Did you have radiation? If so, when, what type, and what dose (call the radiation oncologist and ask what dose you had). For example: external beam, stereotactic radiosurgery (include the machine type - gamma knife, X-knife, Linac..), Brachytherapy (Gliasite, radiation seeds).
• Are you using any alternative medicines?
• How are you feeling now - and are you stable, getting better or worse? Describe any deficits you have, such as: one sided weakness or numbness, trouble talking or walking.
• Approximate your karnofsky score:
  • 100: Normal, no complaints or evidence of disease
  • 90: Able to perform normal activity; minor signs and symptoms of disease
  • 80: Able to perform normal activity with effort; some signs and symptoms of disease
  • 70: Cares for self, unable to perform normal activity or to do active work
  • 60: Requires occasional assistance but is able to care for most of own needs
  • 50: Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care
  • 40: Requires special care and assistance; disabled
  • 30: Hospitalization indicated, although death not imminent; severely disabled
  • 20: Hospitalization necessary; active supportive treatment required, very sick
  • 10: Fatal processes progressing rapidly; moribund
• NOTE: Since this is a free service, the doctors will just give you ideas to consider, but can not offer medical advice or prescribe a treatment without actually examining you. Use this as a screening tool to find a center that might be able to help you - then make an appointment and go!