Looking Forward: The Speech and Swallowing Guidebook for People with Cancer of the Larynx or Tongue » (4th Edition)

Patients diagnosed with cancer of the larynx or tongue are often unable to absorb all the information communicated by their health care professionals. This bestselling guidebook fills in the gaps, preparing patients for surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and quality-of-life issues. For physicians, speech-language pathologists, nurses, PMR therapists, dietitians, and other caregivers, this book is an ideal educational resource to give to patients, providing answers to commonly asked questions. It addresses concerns about cancer treatments, speech and swallowing, follow-up care, long term adjustment, and coping mechanisms in a straightforward, sensitive manner. The authors are highly experienced speech pathologists who also counsel patients on living a full and independent life after laryngectomy.

With practical information on surgical procedures, therapies, and rehabilitation, this guidebook helps practitioners and patients work together to navigate through all stages of treatment. It will make the challenges of laryngectomy understandable and more manageable for all involved.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Michael J. Bamdad, MA, CCC-SLP(George Washington University)
Description:This book walks head and neck cancer patients through the stages of treatment and possible therapies they may encounter. It is clearly outlined and written, making it quite manageable.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide an educational resource for head and neck cancer patients and their families. The authors have clearly met their objective.
Audience:Although the book is written for patients, it is equally valuable for clinical practitioners.
Features:Sections of the book include initial diagnosis, what to expect from radiation and chemotherapy options, as well as what to expect from surgeries. Procedures are nicely diagrammed, to help alleviate patients' fears of the unknown.
Assessment:Precious few books do a comprehensive yet manageable job of educating patients and their families about what they can expect during the course of their treatments. This is a nice complement to what they will be told by the professionals managing their case.