Customer Reviews

Navigating Through a Strange Land: A Book for Brain Tumor Patients and Their Families

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I ordered this book when my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 1998. He was inundated with cancer books from family and friends, and this is one of the few books he actually read cover to cover. We were amazed at some of the stories and given hope by several in particular. The book reinforces that everyone's journey is a different one, and the particular tumor diagnosis is just one part of the story. I'd highly recommend this book, along with Rebecca Libutti's "That's Unacceptable" (if it's a high-grade tumor), to anyone faced with a diagnosis of a brain tumor. (Ms. Libutti's book isn't available through Amazon.com, but you can order it through virtualtrials.com.)

There's not much out there for brain tumor sufferers; this book of shared experiences and insights is a good beginning. As the editor puts it: "stories of triumph, stories of death, stories of pain, and stories of gratitude." However, those in the grips of immediate treatment decisions will want more than this light smattering of treatment and hospital information. Will appeal to anyone confronting brain tumor.

I purchased this book when I learned that my Dad's brain tumor had grown significantly and he was moving into the final chapter of his life. I found many of the stories to be inspirational and I learned a lot about people's real life experiences. I also read David Kessler's "The Needs of the Dying" and this was an amazing book of comfort and truth. I find knowledge to be comforting. If you do also, these books will be very helpful.

Ms. Roloff's book is insightful and beautifully written. She does a very fine job of introducing recently diagnosed brain tumor patients and their loved ones to the new realities that await them. Patients, caregivers, and loved ones have provided their stories to Ms. Roloff, who presents them with commentary. She also provides sources for further information, and the beginnings of a networking framework for anyone needing it. Although aimed at those whose lives are being touched by these diseases, I believe this book makes excellent reading for any thoughtful person

Tricia Ann Roloff's Navigating Through a Strange Land is a great book for people who are looking for guidance through a particularly tough time in their lives--the stories brain cancer patients tell in this book are raw, unconstrained, and deeply personal. There is also a generous amount of commentary from family members of patients as well as oncologists and other physicians. Altogether it provides great insight as to how inflicting brain cancer can be on the patient's physical-and psychological-health. Doctors and patients alike provide various resources on how to treat and support you (the patient), as well as help you pave the way for a sustainable recovery.

One story that really had an effect on me was Kristan Randolf's. Kristan had surgery for a glioblastoma grade IV in 1993, and in her essay she talked about the difficulty she had coming to terms with her illness, stressing that anybody going through this type of trauma keeps support close by and retains a sense of optimism no matter what. For someone that has been affected by cancer before or even someone that hasn't, Kristan's story is still worth reading. I empathize with Kristan, not because of her encounter with cancer, but because she overcame a harsh and enduring struggle. Stories like these are commensurate with any novel you'll find on the Barnes & Noble shelves--perhaps these stories surpass them, because they are so grounded in reality.

Though doctors and patients tell you about the symptoms and treatments surrounding brain cancer, there is not a whole lot of information that covers the biological aspect of brain cancer. Sections covering the cellular and multi-cellular levels of cancer are lacking--and perhaps this book neglected that purposefully. Purpose is achieved through understanding, however, and I think that the next edition should include a section based purely on the biology of brain cancer--specifically gliomas, which are the most common form of cancer in the brain. On the whole, however, I found this to be a useful little book that shouldn't just cover the physical and psychological aspects of this horrendous disease, but also the biological roots that will help patients and general readers understand brain cancer that much more.