I wish there had been a book like this when I was fighting alongside my partner, Stella, as her 24/7 caregiver in a 19-month battle against the deadliest brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Too often I felt sideswiped by unexpected obstacles. The Internet was a great resource, but having a book at hand illuminating the day-to-day struggle--treatments, questions, decisions, emotions, surprises--would have helped immensely. After Stella died in November 2000, I wanted to write such a guidebook for caregivers and patients who, sadly, are following in our footsteps. As I reviewed hundreds of e-mails to and from friends, Brain Tumor List members, doctors, and others, I realized the book was already written. It provides an almost-daily, immediate chronicle of our experiences, including weeks in a Mexican clinic. A detailed Table of Contents and Index help readers find information about doctors, treatments, medications, and problems ranging from bed sores to radiation injury.
In addition, the book offers a positive message about love, devotion, and fighting for life that, I hope, will inspire others as they confront negativity on a daily basis in their struggle to prevail against all the odds.