Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors: A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers (Paperback)

~ (Author), Patsy McGuire Cullen (Author), Maria Sansalone (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For parents, there are few childhood diagnoses more frightening than a brain tumor. This is exactly the book to have in that situation. The latest entry in the excellent "Patient-Centered Guides" series, it maintains a nice balance between providing solid clinical information and sharing stories of emotional support. Chapters cover basic information about central nervous system (CNS) anatomy and physiology, types of tumors, and common procedures and treatments. Also discussed are personal and family issues such as dealing with school absences, making sure that siblings are not overlooked, asking for and accepting help from friends and family members, dealing with the emotional and financial disruptions brought on by illness, and facing death. Each chapter is sprinkled with small vignettes, told in the first person by parents of children with CNS tumors and at times by the children themselves. Appendixes include books, organizations, and web sites to consult for further information, as well as normal blood values for many commonly done tests. The authors include nurses experienced in caring for children with such tumors and the mother of a pediatric patient. Highly recommended for all public and health-related libraries. Eris Weaver, Redwood Health Lib., Petaluma, CA

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors, the most complete parent guide available, includes detailed and precise medical information about both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors that strike children and adolescents. In addition, it offers 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 cancer 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 child. Having parents describe their own emotional 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. Parents who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be a strong advocate for their child. Includes extensive resources and a pull-out medical record-keeper.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 568 pages
• Publisher: Patient Center Guides; 1 edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596500092
• ISBN-13: 978-0596500092
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #722,259 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a "must have" for caregivers, January 28, 2002

By	Mj (Pelham, NH United States) - See all my reviews

As a parent to a child who had a brain tumor, I feel that this book covers all the major topics. When our son was diagnosed back in '98, I searched for such a book but none existed. Our son has since passed away but we are thankful that this book is available - particularly for newly diagnosed families. We purchased copies for our public library and for The Jimmy Fund in memory of our three year-old son, Kevin Kirsch. Thank you for writing this much needed guide. It will be a resource for caregivers and medical professionals alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one is a must for parents of kids with brain tumors, December 10, 2001

By	A. Musella "A. Musella" (Hewlett, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is loaded with information you NEED to know to help you understand the disease, what the doctors are talking about, sources of information, the problems that pop up along the way, as well as tips to help make the child much more comfortable. This should be the first book you read on the subject.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally ..... something at MY level!, March 6, 2002

By	Jillian Earle (Kapiti Coast, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

When our 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with a Brainstem Glioma, the hospital and Child Cancer Foundation (in New Zealand) gave us books to read, if you wanted to wade through all the technical stuff, personally I couldn't cope with it all. Then when I was looking at sites on the internet, I read about this book. I had a look at it at Amazon, and thought about it for a few days, trying to weigh up if it would be relevant to NZ'ers. I finally took the plunge and got it. I am soooo relieved that I did. Suddenly I was able to read something and actually get some benefit from it. The inserts from the parents are wonderful - suddenly I don't feel so alone, and the advice is universal. It relates to anyone in any country going through this nightmare.