COPING WHEN A PARENT HAS CANCER

by Linda Leopold Strauss ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1988

A free-lance writer active in Cancer Family Care discusses the effects of the disease on family life. After describing cancer and its treatment (and noting that long-term survivals and cures are becoming more frequent), Strauss explores the disruptions after diagnosis: financial concerns, altered household responsibilities, the need for care of both patient and children, living with uncertainty. Valuable practical information includes how to find a teen support group and why to join, what a hospice is, how to behave with a dying person and at a funeral, and stages of grief--including anticipatory reactions. By noting that trouble can also bring opportunity and by suggesting a bill of rights for family members (e.g., they should enjoy their own good health without guilt and feel free to disagree with the patient), Strauss points out the value of a healthy attitude. The heart of the philosophy here is to involve everyone concerned with what's going on, factually and emotionally. The author conveys well the feeling of a journey that sometimes involves death--but that always involves survival. Bibliography; index.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Rosen

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S