Childhood Cancer: A Parent's Guide to Solid Tumor Cancers, 2nd Edition

This second edition of the most complete parent guide available, features detailed and precise medical information about solid tumor childhood cancers, including neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, liver tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and bone sarcomas. In addition, it offers 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 cancer 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 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 lives, and tools to be strong advocates for their child. It also contains a personal treatment summary and long-term follow-up guide for your child to keep as a permanent record.

Honna Janes-Hodder's youngest son Matthew was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on his third birthday, and passed away at age seven on September 3, 1997. She loved, cared for, and advocated for Matthew during his long struggle with cancer. She lives with her husband, 14-year-old son, and 11-year-old daughter in beautiful Paradise, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada. Honna is founder of ChildCan, The Childhood Cancer Research Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Inc., and president of the International Pediatric Cancer Alliance, Inc. Honna manages most of the pediatric discussion groups for ACOR, the Association of Cancer Online Resources, Inc. ACOR, based in New York, provides accurate and timely medical support and information for all those affected by cancer, in both the pediatric and adult communities. She is the administrator of five online discussion groups, providing support and reliable information to families dealing with childhood cancers globally. In addition, Honna sits on the Public Issues Committee for the Newfoundland and Labrador division of the Canadian Cancer Society and writes a regular health section for a national newspaper in Canada. Honna spends a great deal of time advocating on behalf of children diagnosed with cancer. She does not view this as a job, but as an important part of her identity. Honna attends Memorial University of Newfoundland as a part-time student when time permits, working toward a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Honna and Nancy were two of the first five people appointed as patient advocates to the Children's Cancer Group (CCG), a research organization consisting of pediatric cancer specialists from Canada, the United States, and Australia. They attend CCG meetings and facilitate communication between CCG investigators and the patient community.

Nancy Keene has written or co-authored five health books for families. She is co-creator of the Patient-Centered Guides series and Editor of pediatric titles. Nancy is a tireless advocate for childrens health issues, including pediatric clinical trials, childhood cancer, late effects of childhood cancer treatments, pediatric pain relief, and emotional support for families. She frequently speaks for professional and parent groups and works on/with national pediatric advocacy organizations and committees.