The incidence of primary malignant brain tumors has remained stable over the 
past 10 years, with median survival reported as 12 months. Once the patient has 
been diagnosed, providing care for him or her is primarily performed by family 
members. Although previous research has documented the stress, depression, 
anxiety, and burden associated with caregiving, when these conditions occur is 
not known. The purpose of this study was to explore the caregiver perspective of 
providing care while the patient was receiving chemotherapy as initial treatment 
for the disease. Using phenomenological techniques, data were obtained from 
semistructured interviews with family caregivers and self-disclosed demographic 
data. Each interview occurred while the patient was receiving treatment; all 
patients were within 6 months of initial diagnosis. Interview data were analyzed 
using Colaizzi's method, which allowed themes universal to the participants to 
be uncovered. Interview data from 10 participants provided saturation and 
identified three themes: (a) the diagnosis of a brain tumor is a shock; (b) 
immediate family role changes occur; and (c) there are psychosocial effects for 
the caregiver, his or her family, and the person with the brain tumor.