Personality change due to brain tumors?

My sister has lived with brain tumors for 7 years.  Two operations.  She started with chemo early this year.

In the last few months we have seen her personality change significantly.  She has become quite hostile, aggressive and inflexible.  It is impossible to have a difference of opinion on any topic, even the most trivial of topics.

Is this due to 1)the tumor and/or 2)the chemo and/or 3)her realization that her illness is progressing?

As a family we want to find a way to respond appropriately.

[Michael Lim, MD]

Personality changes from a patient with a brain tumor is quite complex.  In general, tumors that involve the frontal lobes can have effects on personality.  In addition to possible personality changes from the tumor and surgery itself, brain tumors can have an effect on the social dynamics of a family.  Having a brain tumor can induce profound stress for the patient and family.  Family and patients are now put in an unknown situation and emotional responses can be varied.  It might be easiest to ask your oncologist for help in finding resources help you an your family through this process.