Publisher's Synopsis
Tens of thousands of Americans are living with adult leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. Adult leukemia, which is really a group of diseases, can be a baffling condition for patients and families to understand, and finding targeted information on individual conditions can be difficult.In straightforward, non-technical language, Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families gives those living with leukemia the skills and resources to meet their needs for information and support. It addresses:
- Diagnosis and medical tests
- Finding, and successfully interacting with, a good oncologist
- Characteristics of the leukemias, factors in prognosis, and the various subtypes and staging systems for the disease
- Treatments, including watch-and-wait, chemotherapy, marrow transplantation, stem cell rescue, radiation, biological treatments, and trends in research
- Side effects and long-term effects of treatment, including how to cope and increase your quality of life
- Emotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, possible recurrence, and other aspects of dealing with the condition, including stories from dozens of families living with leukemia
- Getting support from your family, friends, employers, and the broader community
- Leukemia resources: a comprehensive list that includes organizations, print, and online sites
