Stella's Story

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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.