The Chemotherapy Survival Guide [Paperback]

Judith McKay (Author), Nancee Hirano (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1993

Chemotherapy is often the first treatment given to the thousands of people who face cancer, and this helpful and much-needed guide provides the information that chemotherapy patients desperately need to help them understand, adjust and feel better about the treatments they are having. The authors are both experienced chemotherapy nurses, and they explain how it works, how it is administered, how it feels, and how to prevent, reduce or manage the side effects of chemotherapy - nausea, hair loss, digestive problems, and fatigue. Clearly written, friendly and informed, the emphasis is always on what readers can do to minimize discomfort and enhance healing.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

McKay and Hirano, experienced chemotherapy and oncology nurses, share their knowledge with caring, practical suggestions and a professional yet reassuring tone. They provide thorough explanations about chemotherapy--what it is, how it works, what its effects are. The authors offer pertinent advice for coping with nausea, maintaining good nutrition, and handling hair loss and skin changes. Their discussion of the effect chemotherapy has on sexuality and fertility (areas patients are hesitant to discuss) will be welcomed, as will the sample menus, resources, and coping suggestions for fatigue. A chapter devoted to sources of support, written by a physician, should be required reading for the patient, family, and friends. The authors conclude with chapters on stress reduction and relaxation techniques. This excellent "survival guide" is highly recommended.
- Catherine J. Greene, Bethesda Memorial Hosp. Lib., Boynton Beach, Fla.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Chemotherapy, although it actually embraces a variety of drugs used to fight cancer, has come to be thought of as a single entity that is a major component of cancer treatment, used both to prevent the spread of the disease and to improve the chances for recovery. Most persons about to undergo it are aware of potential side effects, such as nausea and hair loss, but they don't know what can be done about these or other unpleasant accompaniments. McKay and Hirano draw upon their experiences as oncology nurses to offer practical advice on how to cope with chemotherapy. They provide understandable answers to many questions: What does chemotherapy feel like? How is it given? What should you do before, during, and after each treatment? What can you expect at home? They also offer advice about when a doctor should be consulted. Their supportive self-helper should indeed be useful to anyone facing chemotherapy. Karen Graves

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879237571
• ISBN-13: 978-1879237575
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,208,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide for anyone experiencing chemo., August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Chemotherapy Survival Guide (Paperback)

This book contains many helpful hints on how to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and the diagnosis of cancer. It contains visualization hints, many suggestions on stress relief, and nutritional hints. Out of about 10 books that I have checked out of various libraries, I found this book to be the most useful. I have ordered a copy of this book to help me through my treatment--that way I can take the copy back to the library that I have had out for five weeks.