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Not Just A PatientIn 1997, as Ellen Fein cared for her husband Michael who was undergoing a bone marrow transplant, she never imagined that one day she too would be a transplant patient. Three years later, at the age of 50, she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. 
"I felt like I was living in a bad dream," recalls Fein. "I had one round of induction chemotherapy, but didn't get into remission. That's what happened to Michael, who died in December 1997." Although everyone advised Fein to have a bone marrow transplant herself, she was reluctant because of Michael's experience. Then, in late summer, while vacationing with a friend in Colorado, she decided to visit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. "By the time the day was over, I had decided to have a transplant," says Fein. Within 24 hours, one unrelated donor and two back-ups were found. "I just felt like it was supposed to happen." Now, two years later and doing well, Fein has made good on a promise she made to herself after Michael's death. "I wanted to write a book about all the little, but important, things you need to know while living with a life-threatening illness," she said. "I was always sharing this information with other people, like what to take to the hospital or how to deal with medical information. When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my friend said, 'You'd better write it now.' " And so she has. Not Just a Patient-How to Have a Life when You have a Life-Threatening Illness draws on Fein's dual experience as a caregiver and patient, and emphasizes things you can do to make life have meaning beyond "patienthood". In simple, calm, reassuring terms, the 54-page booklet addresses a range of issues including deciding how much and what kind of medical information you want to know, using support systems, living in a hospital, dealing with insurance and more. "The guide is based on the assumption that each person must pursue healing in a way that fits with who he or she is," explains Fein. "What is the right choice for one patient may not be the right choice for someone else. The suggestions in the guide are just that-suggestions." Fein, a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years experience in the behavioral health field, now works with individuals as a cancer coach. Her book, which costs $10.95 (US) plus shipping, can be ordered online at www.notjustapatient.com or by phone at 802-229-2352. "I firmly believe there are lots of actions-some small and some not so small-that you can take to make life work for you," says Fein. "I wrote this book in hopes it will make the lives of others easier."
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