CONNECTING THROUGH COMPASSION: GUIDANCE AND FRIENDS OF A BRAIN CANCER PATIENT

Aldrich JJ, Peterson NM, ISBN 978-1439264935, $15.95; Raleigh, North Carolina: Cancer Lifeline Publications; 2009.

This book discusses the challenges of living with the personality and behavior changes that brain cancer brings. Both Aldrich and Peterson cared for a spouse with a brain illness. They have combined insights in this book written in the format of a guide. The authors met and through discussion realized that they had been through the death of spouses who had both died of brain illnesses. Their stories can help others going through the traumatic journey of caring for a loved one with mental and behavioral changes that a brain illness can bring. It is very difficult to be in the role of both caregiver and care receiver. The 20 chapters in the book are interspersed with "Walls of Inspiration," which are stories of people struggling with the same situations. Boxes containing other contributions are also found throughout the chapters. Bulleted sections within the chapters offer steps of possibilities from the authors. The content of the book is the experience base of both authors. The book offers a relatively quick read of reflections delivered in a thoughtful way to give benefit to others as they fight to care for a brain cancer patient.