Surviving Leukemia : A Practical Guide

In 1982, Dr. Robert Patenaude was diagnosed with leukemia. This book is the moving, first-hand account of his experience. From the first shock of hearing the diagnosis and the anguish of his hospitalization, to chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, the author gives a painfully frank description of his experiences and shows the incredible survival instinct that helped him beat the disease.

Patenaude offers the reader a complete and scientific understanding of leukemia. Each chapter is written in layman's terms and thoroughly covers the scope of its topic. Patenaude leads the reader through the different classifications of leukemia, how they progress and how they are treated. Scientific explanation is complemented by Patenaude's ability to explain the how and why of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

• Chapter 1 tells Dr. Patenaude's own experiences with his leukemia.
• Chapter 2 discusses matters relating to the circulatory system, such as: the cell; blood; plasma; types of blood cells; bone marrow; blood clot formation; and hemopoietic, cardiorespiratory, central nervous, digestive and urinary systems.
• Chapter 3 describes different diagnostic tests: blood test; bone marrow puncture and the bone biopsy; rachicentesis; X-ray examinations; nuclear medicine; and surgery and diagnosis.
• Chapter 4 examines malignant blood diseases such as cancer and the different types of leukemia and congenital diseases of the blood system.
• Chapter 5 looks at the treatment of blood diseases: chemotherapy; radiotherapy; surgery; bone marrow transplant; and immunotherapy and gene therapy.
• Chapter 6 offers practical advice for patients coping with effects such as mouth-related problems; loss of appetite and nausea, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, and fatigue and anxiety.

Both expert physician and patient, he answers all the questions frequently asked by leukemia sufferers about symptoms, phases, treatments and research. Surviving Leukemia is illustrated with tables and includes a glossary of 300 medical terms.

Surviving Leukemia is a unique, exceptional book designed specifically for people with blood diseases, their families and care givers.

From the Preface by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, 1990 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine

In the current high-technology context of medicine, it is not surprising that patients and their families have difficulty understanding what is going on around them. Most books on blood diseases are very technical, since they are intended for nurses and doctors. Therefore, I am very happy that this book has been published. It is very easy to read and will help all patients and their families.

Dr. Robert Patenaude is an emergency physician in Quebec. For many years, he has worked with people with blood diseases, and their families. He has actively participated in the development of research on bone-marrow transplants, and believes that providing patients with fair and complete information is a crucial element in all treatment.