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:
<ul>
<li>Diagnosis and medical tests</li>
<li>Finding, and successfully interacting with, a good oncologist</li>
<li>Characteristics of the leukemias, factors in prognosis, and the various subtypes and staging systems for the disease</li>
<li>Treatments, including watch-and-wait, chemotherapy, marrow transplantation, stem cell rescue, radiation, biological treatments, and trends in research</li>
<li>Side effects and long-term effects of treatment, including how to cope and increase your quality of life</li>
<li>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</li>
<li>Getting support from your family, friends, employers, and the broader community</li>
<li>Leukemia resources: a comprehensive list that includes organizations, print, and online sites</li>
</ul>Author Barb "Grannybarb" Lackritz is a leading patient activist in the leukemia community and herself a long-term leukemia survivor. She hosts several online mailing lists, maintains a well-known leukemia web site, and speaks frequently to doctors and government organizations. Lackritz emphasizes the promising emerging treatments for leukemia, covering in considerable depth the clinical trials of new therapies grounded in Western medicine. The information on researching leukemia, glossary, and appendixes will provide welcome support for those who want to keep up with the latest research.

Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families

Lackritz, Barb

Parenting & Relationships

Patient Centered Guides

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the U.S., with over 170,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this, it receives little attention from the media and little sympathy from the public. Those with lung cancer suffer more blame and stigma than other cancer patients, even though 50 percent of them are former smokers or have never smoked. Treatments for lung cancer can significantly impact quality of life, and the prognosis for some types and stages of lung cancer, using standard treatments, can be daunting.In straightforward language, Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment &amp; Options addresses medical, emotional, and support needs, often in the words of patients and families themselves. Topics include:
<ul>
<li>Diagnosis and medical tests</li>
<li>Characteristics of the lung cancers, factors in prognosis, and the various subtypes and staging systems for the disease</li>
<li>Treatments, including standard treatments for the subtypes, as well as emerging research and promising treatments now in clinical trials</li>
<li>Side effects and long-term effects of treatment, including how to cope and how to improve quality of life</li>
<li>Emotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, possible recurrence, and other aspects of dealing with the condition, including stories from dozens of families living with lung cancer</li>
<li>Getting support from family, friends, employers, and the broader community</li>
<li>Comprehensive list of lung cancer resources: organizations, print, online sites</li>
<li>Other resources, including a pull-out Cancer Survivor's Treatment Record, glossary, bibliography, and technical appendices</li>
</ul>Author and patient advocate Lorraine Johnston, with her background in life sciences, emphasizes using knowledge to dispel fear. The content has been reviewed by top medical experts and physicians in the field. Those who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be strong advocates for themselves or a family member.

Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options

Johnston, Lorraine

Some 2,300,000 people in the U.S. have one of forty types of epilepsy. The most well-known of these is epilepsy with grand mal seizures. However, forms of epilepsy that involve only part of the brain and do not involve convulsions are more common. Symptoms for these partial seizure disorders can vary widely: some patients have no physical signs at all, experiencing only mental or sensory changes during a seizure, while others may experience numbing, shaking, or automatic movements of one or more body parts.Although partial seizures usually do not look dramatic to other people, they can have serious consequences for patients who have them. If left untreated, seizure activity may become more severe, occurring increasingly often and spreading to affect other brain regions. There is a possibility of permanent brain damage in some cases. The physical and emotional effects of partial seizures--dissociation, loss of coordination, memory loss, fatigue, mood swings, and physical pain, among others--can also make them very difficult to live with.The good news is that partial seizures are treatable. With intervention, patients can wrest back control of their lives. Partial Seizure Disorders helps patients and families:
<ul>
<li>Secure an accurate and complete diagnosis.</li>
<li>Live with partial seizures in the family, including developmental issues for young children, school difficulties, employment, and driving.</li>
<li>Understand medical interventions and side effects. Many medications for epilepsy are not appropriate for people with partial seizure disorders.</li>
<li>Explore therapeutic and other interventions, often as an adjunct to medication, such as learning coping skills, diet changes, vitamins, etc.</li>
<li>Get care with an existing health plan, including handling the problems that arise when you have a little-known disorder.</li>
<li>Find comprehensive resources: advocacy and support organizations, books, articles, and online resources.</li>
</ul>Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for children's neurological issues, has included the stories of dozens of patients and parents.

Partial Seizure Disorders: Help for Patients and Families

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Waltz, Mitzi

Diseases & Physical Ailments

Approximately one million teens and adults in the United States live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis-- two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These chronic conditions can dramatically impact quality of life. Difficult-to-discuss symptoms like uncontrollable diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stool, and others can make employment and everyday life difficult.Knowing about the diseases, state-of-the-art treatments, and ways to manage symptoms enable people with IBD to advocate for the care they need. Straight From the Gut charts the territory of successfully living with IBD:
<ul>
<li>Finding the right diagnosis</li>
<li>Getting state-of-the-art treatment </li>
<li>Coping with prednisone</li>
<li>Living with an ostomy</li>
<li>Dealing with insurance and employment</li>
<li>Managing relationships and fertility concerns</li>
<li>Finding emotional support</li>
<li>Identifying resources</li>
</ul>Author Cliff Kalibjian is an expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disorders. He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease over twenty years ago, at the age of 13. Throughout the book are the warm and wise voices of over 40 people who have "been there, done that."

Straight from the Gut: Living with Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

Kalibjian, Cliff

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by tics: physical jerks and involuntary vocalizations. Some people with Tourette's also have other brain-based disorders, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Tourette's syndrome can be a minor challenge or a truly devastating disability. People with Tourette's often experience anxiety, embarrassment, sometimes even harassment. Their symptoms can prevent them from having a normal childhood, building good relationships, achieving their best in school, or finding menaingful employment. The effects of this disruption can be painful and lifelong.The good news is that Tourette's is very treatable and sometimes subsides with age. With prompt, consistent intervention, most people with Tourette's can wrest back control of their lives. Tourette's Syndrome helps you:
<ul>
<li>Secure an accurate and complete diagnosis </li>
<li>Live with Tourette's in the family: using effective parenting techniques, building support systems</li>
<li>Understand medical interventions </li>
<li>Obtain appropriate medical care from an existing health plan </li>
<li>Deal with Tourette's in the community and workplace </li>
<li>Navigate the education system</li>
<li>Find resources </li>
</ul>Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for people with neurological challenges, has included the stories of dozens of people living with Tourette's and parents of children and teens with Tourette's.

Tourette's Syndrome: Finding Answers & Getting Help (Patient Centered Guides)

Bipolar disorders are changes in the brain and nervous system that cause severe mood swings, from the deepest suicidal depression to the most elevated euphoria. Approximately 2 million adults in the US have a bipolar disorder, according to the latest figures from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Worldwide prevalence hovers around 1 percent. Left untreated, bipolar disorders can plunge a person into absolute hell. Suicide is a possible outcome, as are school failure, limited job prospects, legal difficulties, and hospitalization. Families and communities pay a heavy toll when this disorder is not recognized and treated. Many traditional treatments, investigational medications, and complementary therapies can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with bipolar disorders. In some cases, the results are spectacular. Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help covers the range of topics that people need to know about in order to help themselves or a loved one:
<ul>
<li>Describes the range of bipolar disorders </li>
<li>Explains how to get a diagnosis, including descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists used by professionals</li>
<li>Dispels myths and misconceptions about this very misunderstood disease</li>
<li>Describes all medications, therapy, and other interventions, such as improving sleep patterns, preventing seasonal mood swings, diet, and supplements </li>
<li>Explores family life with bipolar disorders</li>
<li>Suggests ways to cope with diagnosis and treatment, including advice on support systems, insurance, and employment</li>
<li>Lists extensive resources</li>
</ul>Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for adults and children with neurological disorders, has included the stories of dozens of people with bipolar disorders.

Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help

Autistic spectrum disorders--including autism, pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger's syndrome, and others--are labels to describe neurological conditions that can affect a person's speech and communication, emotional growth, social skills, and physical and mental abilities. Up to 1 in 150 children in some geographical areas have these conditions; children affected are disproportionately boys. This second edition is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with these neurological conditions that profoundly impact the life of child and family. Author and patient advocate Mitzi Waltz, now studying at the Autism Research Unit in the UK, incorporates the latest medical findings on possible causes for ASDs and on treatments.Topics include:
<ul>
<li>Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting</li>
<li>Treatment options, including pharmaceutical medications, vitamins and supplements, sensory integration, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavior modification, floor time play therapy, talk therapy, and others</li>
<li>Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance system, and educational plans</li>
<li>Stories from dozens of families living with autistic spectrum disorders </li>
</ul>

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Diagnosis and Getting Help

This most complete parent guide covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also 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 leukemia 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 leukemic 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. This third edition contains significant updates to the information on treatments, chemotherapy drugs, bone marrow transplants, coping with side effects, and resources. It also contains a personal treatment summary and long-term follow-up guide for your child to keep as a permanent record.

Childhood Leukemia: A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers

Keene, Nancy

This unique guide for ovarian cancer gives women crucial medical information to improve the chance for lengthy remission and cure, as well as emotional support for the journey. Although many ovarian cancers are discovered after they have spread, having information about surgery and best practices can be life-saving. For example, choosing a surgeon from the new specialty of gynecologic oncology for staging and de-bulking surgeries strongly impacts survival. Women need to at least consider newer chemotherapy and biological treatments in research trials. Women also want to hear the stories of others who live with the ambiguity of remission.
 Ovarian Cancer includes:
 Ten things to know at the time of diagnosis, for optimal outcome
 How choosing a gynecologic oncology surgeon impacts survival
 When and how you can consider newer treatments, now in clinical trials
 Stories of dozens of women living with ovarian cancer, some for many years
 ""Questions for Your Doctor"" for all decision points
 A focus on epithelial cancers, the most common and difficult to treat, with additional information on germ cell, sex cord-stromal cell, and low malignant potential ovarian cancers
 Noted cancer writer Kristine Conner and patient advocate Lauren Langford provide ovarian cancer patients with a supportive and much-needed resource.

Ovarian Cancer: Your Guide to Taking Control

Conner, Kristine

Langford, Lauren

Each year, around the world, over one million women will be told they have breast cancer. All will face surgery, and most will undergo radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. But the worry isn't over when treatment ends. In the months and years that follow, women are left with nagging questions, questions they often are afraid to ask:
<ul>
<li>When will I know for sure that I am cured?</li>
<li>Shouldn't my doctor be doing more follow-up testing?</li>
<li>What are the real figures on breast cancer survival for women treated today?</li>
<li>How would I know if I had a recurrence?</li>
<li>How do I answer family and friends who think I worry too much?</li>
<li>Do other women ever feel the way I do, and how do they cope?</li>
</ul>Author and 14 year breast cancer survivor Musa Mayer breaks the silence surrounding recurrence to talk frankly about the feelings of uncertainty and fear that breast cancer patients commonly face when their treatment ends, and for years thereafter. She reviews scientific literature (and debunks some commonly cited myths) by giving survival statistics corrected for current treatments and diagnostic profiles. She explains what is known about the benefits of follow-up visits and testing. Devoting several chapters to emotional recovery, she offers advice about how to tackle these fears through information and support. Throughout the book are the warm and wise voices of over 40 other women who have been through this same tough journey of tears, fears and triumph.

After Breast Cancer: Answers to the Questions You're Afraid to Ask (Patient Centered Guides)

Mayer, Musa

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