Thumbs Up for Three New Patient Resources

If you’re looking for a gift to give a loved one who has cancer, The Healing Way: A Journal for Cancer Survivors ($19.95), by Margie Davis is a good choice. This tasteful spiral-bound book offers patients an opportunity to reflect on their feelings, and chronicle their journey through cancer treatment.

At the top of each page is a series of questions that prompt the writer to reflect on some important aspect of treatment, their life and their concerns. The book includes a section to record questions the patient wants to ask the medical team, as well as test results, contacts and important dates.

Published by Element Books, The Healing Way can be ordered online at www.healingway.com or through any bookstore (ISBN 1-86204-696-4).

My Journey Through a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant ($15.00) is an excellent journal/activity book for children undergoing a transplant. This 50-page spiral-bound book provides space for children to record important information about themselves and their feelings, as well as pictures to color, and activities—like designing a bumper sticker for their IV pole—that they can do while hospitalized.

The book was developed by a team of child life specialists, dieticians, and nurses at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and is available for $15 plus $2.50 shipping and handling. To order send check or money order to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, PO Box 19024 FM 700, Seattle WA 98109-1024.

A Guide to Good Nutrition During Cancer Treatment ($10) by Sandra Aker RD CD and Polly Lenssen MS RD CD FADA is an excellent resource for persons recovering from a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. The guide describes common eating problems following chemotherapy, and recommends nutritious, easy-to-tolerate foods. Included are calorie, protein and fluid guidelines, high-risk foods to avoid, tips for eating safely when away from home and a discussion of the special needs of children. To order send $10 plus $3.00 shipping/handling to Nutrition Program E-211, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. North, PO Box 19024, Seattle WA 98109-1024.