Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors: A Guide for Families,Friends and Caregivers » (1ST)

Sansalone is the parent of a child who survived a brain tumor; she is an active, knowledgeable participant in several online brain tumor listservs.

Shiminski-Maher is an expert in surgical treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors.

"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.

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 2001 Cahners Business Information.