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Survivor: Taking Control of Your Fight against Cancer
Shortly after her thirty-seventh birthday, Wall Street Journal reporter and editor Laura Landro was told that she had chronic myelogenous leukemia. Survivor is the remarkable account of her battle against this devastating, potentially fatal cancer -- and her successful struggle to take control of her own case.
At first almost paralyzed with fear when diagnosed with this form of blood cancer, Landro resolved to use her journalistic training to seek out the treatment that would give her the best shot at surviving. Noting that most Americans spend more time researching what kind of car to buy than they do their health care, she shows how and why all patients can -- and must -- arm themselves with the facts, learn to understand medical jargon, get doctors to answer all their questions in layman's terms, weigh conflicting medical opinions, and make the difficult choice among the options open to them.
Landro's inspiring story offers all readers hope and the know-how to navigate the terrifying and bewildering world of medicine, even when they are very ill and at their most vulnerable.
At first almost paralyzed with fear when diagnosed with this form of blood cancer, Landro resolved to use her journalistic training to seek out the treatment that would give her the best shot at surviving. Noting that most Americans spend more time researching what kind of car to buy than they do their health care, she shows how and why all patients can -- and must -- arm themselves with the facts, learn to understand medical jargon, get doctors to answer all their questions in layman's terms, weigh conflicting medical opinions, and make the difficult choice among the options open to them.
Landro's inspiring story offers all readers hope and the know-how to navigate the terrifying and bewildering world of medicine, even when they are very ill and at their most vulnerable.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 5, 2023
First, my hardbound book cover actually looks like the cover shown with the ebook and kindle editions. Secondly, I'm so surprised that no one has written a review for this book. Because, thirdly, although the book was written in 1998, published in 1999, and although the author had a cancer different from my husband's, much of what she has written applies today. Plus, the author truly did survive: she is still alive as I write this.
Historically, some of the information is interesting. Landro had a Hickman catheter; many of those fighting cancer these days have a port. Zofran was in the study stage for Landro, but it has been a standard for my family members.
It's the "Taking Control of Your Fight Against Cancer" part that still makes this a good read. Landro points out so many important factors in one's fight:
* Do your own research -- research, research, and research again. Or have family and friends research.
* Don't hesitate to find the oncologist that fits you. Find an oncologist who keeps up on the latest research. Find cancer centers that specialize in your cancer. Or have an oncologist who doesn't hesitate to send you for a second opinion or isn't offended if you go for a second opinion.
* Look around for support: family and friends, definitely, but also cancer support centers. My family is lucky in having not one, but two, cancer support centers within 20 miles of us. You might not have that, but the nearest one to you should have online ways of connecting.
* Finally, there are emotional, relational anecdotes in Landro's book that are going to apply not matter how long a time has passed.
I own the book. I highly recommend it. At this point in time, I wouldn't have my mom read it because there are too many things we could have done if we had known how to go about it when we did have family members fighting cancer. For the family and friends who are still in the fight, I recommend the book.
Historically, some of the information is interesting. Landro had a Hickman catheter; many of those fighting cancer these days have a port. Zofran was in the study stage for Landro, but it has been a standard for my family members.
It's the "Taking Control of Your Fight Against Cancer" part that still makes this a good read. Landro points out so many important factors in one's fight:
* Do your own research -- research, research, and research again. Or have family and friends research.
* Don't hesitate to find the oncologist that fits you. Find an oncologist who keeps up on the latest research. Find cancer centers that specialize in your cancer. Or have an oncologist who doesn't hesitate to send you for a second opinion or isn't offended if you go for a second opinion.
* Look around for support: family and friends, definitely, but also cancer support centers. My family is lucky in having not one, but two, cancer support centers within 20 miles of us. You might not have that, but the nearest one to you should have online ways of connecting.
* Finally, there are emotional, relational anecdotes in Landro's book that are going to apply not matter how long a time has passed.
I own the book. I highly recommend it. At this point in time, I wouldn't have my mom read it because there are too many things we could have done if we had known how to go about it when we did have family members fighting cancer. For the family and friends who are still in the fight, I recommend the book.
February 25, 2026
Landro's account of her struggle to survive leukemia is a compelling one, and a worthwhile read for anyone helping a family member deal with their cancer diagnosis.
The subtitle is a touch misleading, because, although she does offer resources and advice, it doesn't really come off as a "how to" as much as a recounting of her personal experience which you can learn from as you see fit.
Published in 1998, much has changed in cancer medicine in the last few decades, but that doesn't make her account irrelevant today. The number one take-away for me is the success Landro had in taking charge of her own case through deep-dive research into her condition and the treatment options available at that time. Using her journalist skills she even hunts down doctors and cold-calls them for their take on her situation. You will come away with no doubt that, in being an active participant in her own care decisions Landro literally saved her own life. That is a lesson that, while it can be daunting one for some (who really wants to self-advocate when they feel like crap?), is nevertheless valuable for anyone suffering from any condition, anywhere.
The subtitle is a touch misleading, because, although she does offer resources and advice, it doesn't really come off as a "how to" as much as a recounting of her personal experience which you can learn from as you see fit.
Published in 1998, much has changed in cancer medicine in the last few decades, but that doesn't make her account irrelevant today. The number one take-away for me is the success Landro had in taking charge of her own case through deep-dive research into her condition and the treatment options available at that time. Using her journalist skills she even hunts down doctors and cold-calls them for their take on her situation. You will come away with no doubt that, in being an active participant in her own care decisions Landro literally saved her own life. That is a lesson that, while it can be daunting one for some (who really wants to self-advocate when they feel like crap?), is nevertheless valuable for anyone suffering from any condition, anywhere.
May 13, 2023
While there have been so many advances in bone marrow transplants since the author’s treatment and writing of this book, the book still provides an excellent and relevant account of her experience.
30 years after the author’s diagnosis, I can personally say that the treatment has been standardized for the better in seemingly every way. My diagnosis was for acute rather than chronic leukemia and there were far fewer choices about how to treat it thanks to what the author went through in her treatment and the extensive testing and refinement of protocols over the decades.
Personal research is still highly relevant in any health crisis and patient advocacy is critical. The positive outcome of the author’s experience helps us understand why we endure treatment: it is the only choice.
One year post-transplant, I look forward to getting to my critical 2, 3 and 5 year markers.
30 years after the author’s diagnosis, I can personally say that the treatment has been standardized for the better in seemingly every way. My diagnosis was for acute rather than chronic leukemia and there were far fewer choices about how to treat it thanks to what the author went through in her treatment and the extensive testing and refinement of protocols over the decades.
Personal research is still highly relevant in any health crisis and patient advocacy is critical. The positive outcome of the author’s experience helps us understand why we endure treatment: it is the only choice.
One year post-transplant, I look forward to getting to my critical 2, 3 and 5 year markers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews