Product Description
While many believe that being diagnosed with leukemia is like being handed a death sentence, South Dakota native Louis George Whitehead provides living proof that survival of this life-threatening and life-changing illness is possible. At age twenty-one, Whitehead’s doctor informs him that he is suffering from acute myeloid leukemia. After two rounds of chemotherapy and a relapse a few months later, Whitehead makes the decision to undergo a bone-marrow transplant. Living through Leukemia chronicles his story of endurance and optimism. Whitehead shares his feelings following his initial diagnosis and through the realization that a fatal outcome was possible. He also details the events and symptoms leading … More >>
My husband was just diagnosed with AML so I was hoping that this had some insight but really learned very little – not much factual info and very little meaningful experiential stuff. The free literature from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was infinitely more meaningful.
Rating: 1 / 5
Louis Whitehead was 21 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. The disease took almost two years out of his life, where all he could focus on was his battle towards recovery. In this book, he chronicles his struggle with the illness; from the first symptoms begin to show up, through diagnosis, treatment, and finally his complete recovery. The book provides a detailed account of the steps involved in battling this life-threatening disease, including chemotherapy, irradiation, and a bone-marrow transplant, followed by a long recovery period that is both physically and emotionally exhausting. The book is mostly factual and descriptive in its writing style, but Whitehead also touches on his spiritual strength and never wavering belief that he will survive, as well as the support from family and friends that helps him pull through the ordeal. He also discusses his experiences with lengthy hospitals stays and medical staff. Many are helpful and caring, but there are others who seem to forget that they are dealing with human beings and tend to treat patients as “cases,” leaving the patient feeling lost and lonely in his quest for recovery.
Whitehead’s book should be helpful reading for anyone going through a similar illness, or for people whose loved ones are suffering from cancer. It gives the reader a thorough understanding of the steps involved in the battle with leukemia and shows that it is possible to come out on the other side with health and spirits intact
Rating: 5 / 5