Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future

by Nancy Keene, Kathy Ruccione, Wendy Hobbie

More than 270,000 children, teens, and adults in the Untied States are survivors of childhood cancer. The surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants used to cure children can affect growing bodies and developing minds. If survivors know of these potential problems, they can take steps to identify, cope with, or treat them early if they do develop.

The second edition of Childhood Cancer Survivors charts the territory for survivors by providing state-of-the-art information Authors Keene, Hobbie, and Ruccione are experts in the field of childhood cancer. They have written, spoken, and advocated about all aspects of survivorship. Importantly, they have also talked to hundreds of survivors, with a wide range of issues and triumphs, and have included many of their stories.

Woven throughout the text are stories from more than 100 survivors and parents. Authors Nancy Keene, Wendy Hobbie, and Kathy Ruccione are experts in the field of childhood cancer. Keene is the mother of a survivor of childhood leukemia and the author of several books including Childhood Leukemia , Childhood Cancer , Educating the Child with Cancer , and Chemo, Craziness & Comfort . Hobbie is coordinator of the Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Ruccione is Co-Director of the HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Psychosocial and Education) Program in the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

436 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a 20+ year Retinoblastoma survivor, my oncologist recommended I read this book. While it serves as a reference book on various types of childhood cancers, this book also discusses how cancer impacts other areas of a patient's life. Dealing with relationships, insurance issues, education, and employment are some of the issues that cancer survivors must deal with in addition to any physical late affects they may have after treatment. The possible later affects that can develop after treatment are broken down by body system, making it easy to reference a specific area you are interested in (for example, most of my reading was focused on the chapter about eyes). Along the way are stories from former patients, parents, and families detailing their personal experiences with cancer as well as any present-day issues. The appendix lists resources and organizations for survivors and families as well as other books relating to cancer survivorship.

Overall, this is a well-organized book and excellent resource for patients, families, and providers. This book helped me understand my cancer history and helped me to see that there are other patients who have experienced similar issues.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter has been battling leukemia for the last 4 years, so I have been reading this book to get a better idea of what might face her in the future. This is not a book that you sit down and read in one sitting. It is more a reference book. Throughout the book, there are quotes from cancer survivors and their parents. I enjoy reading about their experiences in their own words.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the single best resource for what to do after the treatment is over--what to expect, how to cope and very realistic about it not being easy