(Untitled)

[nirvano]

My 21-year-old brother was diagnosed with acute leukemia yesterday. He was hospitalized right away and today they've already started some form of treatment. His seems to be an aggressive, fast-moving kind of cancer but fortunately it seems that they caught it at an early stage. He's also very fit and strong which should help

Comments

[cathyam]

I have oesophageal cancer at 32 and started chemo as soon as they had the PET scan done so can relate very well. I did not read books on cancer as I wanted to forget about it, but that is just me, a lot of people I know with it like reading up on it.

For me what I liked was my favorite book which I decided to re-read and some foods that I could not get in hospital that I liked (check with the hospital first). I did bring in DVD's and a personal DVD player but have yet to use it and do not think it is necessary. Photos from home are essential though, I had them at my bedside.

Next batch of chemo in a week and a half and getting closer to beating it. Best of luck to your brother and the rest of your family. Hugs.

[nirvano]

Thank you. You're in my prayers.

[justdbear]

My dad had AML. I am not sure what type of Acute Leukemia your brother has but my dad's was tough too. He started treatment the day after he was diagnosed too.

The thing my dad loved most when he was going through his treatment was getting cards, letters, and photos from us at home. He was missing out so it helped him to get those things. I don't know what else to tell you though, just letting him know that just because he is in treatment (and if he does what my dad did, he will be in mostly isolation for a while) doesn't mean he is not a big part of the action still. Including him by sending him photos and cards a lot is a good thing. :D

[local_lass]

A personal stereo (the type that plays tapes, unless you have a microphone for your pc) and a regularly updated tape of gossip and thoughts from all his friends and family will help to keep him bouyed up and reassure him he's not been forgotten.

Sorry I can't recommend any specific leukemia books as I have a totally different type of cancer, but can I just suggest that any book you do find, read the ending first to make sure it's appropriate. I was given more than one book in which the outcome was not good. :( It didn't help my frame of mind.

This book http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Survivor-Almanac-Charting-Journey/dp/0471346691 is for generic cancer but very good.