Coping with Chemotherapy

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-In spite of the title, Alagna's book does not give everything one needs to know about chemotherapy, but it is an acceptable outline. The first two chapters explain what this treatment is and how it works. The major side effects are named and a few suggestions are offered on how to deal with them. While it is true that some people experience little discomfort, that is not always the case, and the difficulties are glossed over. The last chapter discusses doctor-patient relationships. The color photographs are sharply reproduced. The Giddenses' valuable, down-to-earth resource offers lots of advice on how to deal with the physical and emotional effects of treatments and includes helpful accounts of patients' and doctors' personal experiences. There is a brief explanation of major cancers, what chemotherapy is, and how it is used. The realistic descriptions of side effects and numerous suggestions for combating them will help readers cope. Questions to ask the doctor are suggested. This book is more realistic and detailed than Alagna's title. David Drum's Making the Chemotherapy Decision (Lowell House, 1996) is within the abilities of teen readers although published as an adult book.-Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.