From Book News, Inc.
Keene is one of the original developers of the Patient-Centered Guides series, and the parent of a child who survived leukemia. She provides a detailed, straightforward guide for parents containing the basic information that newly diagnosed families need to cope with their challenging situation. The text is also useful for healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of children with cancer. The third edition includes updates on treatment methods and new resources for medical information, emotional support and financial assistance.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
This most complete parent guide available covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings, and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of parents and children who have lived with leukemia and its treatments. As many parents have already found, advice from "veteran" parents can be a lifeline.This third edition contains significant updates to the information on treatments, chemotherapy drugs, bone marrow transplants, coping with side effects, and resources. It also contains a personal treatment summary and long-term follow-up guide for your child to keep as a permanent record.


Book Info
Text covering treatment, new chemotherapy drugs, and new drugs and methods for dealing with side effects. Includes updated resources for medical information, emotional support, and financial assistance. Also includes stories from parents and children and a pull-out record keeper. For consumers. Previous edition: c1997. Softcover.


The publisher, O'Reilly and Associates
This most complete parent guide available covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of parents and children who have lived with leukemia and its treatments. As many parents have already found, advice from "veteran" parents can be a lifeline. Obtaining a basic understanding of topics such as medical terminology, how drugs work, common side effects of chemotherapy, and how to work more effectively with medical personnel can only improve the quality of life for the whole family suffering along with their leukemic child. Having parents describe their own emtional ups and downs, how they coped, and how they molded their family life around hospitalizations can be a tremendous comfort. Just knowing that there are other kids on chemotherapy who refuse to eat anything but tacos or who have frequent rages can make one feel less alone. Our hope is that parents who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, will find advice that eases their daily life, and will feel empowered to be a strong advocate for their child.

ANNOTATION

"...written by a mother whose daughter is a survivor of childhood leukemia...examinies the social ramifications of the disease and the emotional, clinical, and financial effects, as well."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Nancy Keene, whose daughter survived childhood leukemia, combines her personal experiences, interview with families of over forty other children with the disease, and the latest medical information to produce a unique and comprehensive reference: Childhood Leukemia. She gives voice to parents, children with cancer, and their siblings who share their collective wisdom. This complete guide provides detailed medical information in an easy-to-digest format and offers practical advice for coping with procedures; hospitalizations; school; and associated social, emotional, and financial problems. Family friends will discover dozens of concrete suggestions on helpful things to say and do. Health providers will see beyond the illness of the children; they will learn of their struggles, their triumphs, their hopes.

FROM THE CRITICS

Washington Post

What's so compelling about Childhood Leukemia is the amount of useful medical information and practical advice it contains. A valuable resource to help parents and children regain their equilibrium after diagnosis and during the next two to three years of treatment, it answers questions requiring immediate attention. Keene avoids jargon and lays out what's needed to deal with the medical system.

Booknews