Review of First Survivor
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Jaituni Sanghavi
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
Life is unpredictable. It can throw challenges at you without prior intimation, and most of the time you have no option but to accept your fate and embrace those challenges as optimistically as you possibly can. However, what if that challenge is thrown at your child, who is barely even three years old? And what if that challenge is cancer?
I’m sure it would shatter your entire world and bud within you a feeling of anger and frustration initially.
The book First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger speaks of this very challenge and how the Unger family was left devastated after their young son, Louis, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The terrifying ordeal began when the author's wife, Mary Ellen, noticed unusual changes in Louis. Initially, it was his peculiar walking style and reduced talkativeness. Concerned, they consulted pediatricians who diagnosed Legg-Perthes disease. However, further complications arose, and Louis became increasingly fatigued and irritable and started taking naps during the day. After a series of medical visits, the family found themselves in the Children’s Emergency Room, where, amidst a parade of doctors and uncertainty, they received the devastating news: Louis possibly had leukemia.
However, on Thanksgiving Day in 2001, the Unger family faced the daunting reality of Louis's illness when Dr. Beardsley, their oncologist, ordered a bone marrow biopsy. A few days later, Dr. Beardsley confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Seeking hope amidst this profound despair, Mark and Mary Ellen Unger emerged as determined advocates for their son and illustrated the strength and resilience of parental love in the face of unimaginable challenges. This part of the book was so heart-touching for me, and I could imagine the pain and turmoil Louis’s parents must have gone through.
The book then talks about the ruthless journey of the Ungers and the relentless challenges of Louis's treatment. Amidst the turmoil, the family struggled to balance their attention between Louis, who bravely endured the painful procedures, and his older brother Harry, who felt the weight of his brother's illness on their family dynamic. Louis's remarkable resilience surprised everyone, but it also raised questions about the toll this battle was taking on him.
In the latter chapters, Mark Unger delves into the critical decision-making process faced by his family as they explore treatment options for Louis's neuroblastoma. Unger provides detailed accounts of his interactions with experts, specifically Dr. Brian Kushner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The family confronts a daunting choice: continue treatment at Yale, a competent but less specialized facility, or move to Sloan Kettering, renowned for its expertise in neuroblastoma.
Eventually, they find hope in a ground-breaking experimental treatment at Sloan Kettering, involving intrathecal infusions of radio-labeled antibodies directly into Louis's spinal fluid.
The family embraces this cutting-edge therapy, witnessing Louis's remarkable resilience throughout the process. After enduring multiple treatments, including brain surgery and aggressive chemotherapy, Louis defies the odds and becomes one of the first long-term survivors of a previously incurable brain relapse.
In the compelling conclusion of First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, Mark Unger reflects on the remarkable journey of Louis. The term "breakthrough" takes on a profound meaning as it encompasses the tireless efforts of doctors, parents, and young Louis himself. Driven by unwavering determination, the Ungers shattered traditional barriers between doctors and patients.
The narrative captures not just medical triumphs but also the emotional resilience of a young boy who faced unimaginable challenges with optimism. Against all odds, Louis emerged as a beacon of strength, symbolizing the power of hope and the extraordinary impact of love, determination, and cutting-edge medical science. Thus, I proudly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I liked everything about this book. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this warrior-like journey of Louis.
I believe First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of a family and the medical pioneers who refused to accept defeat, offering a profound glimpse into the world of pediatric cancer and the transformative potential of human resilience and innovation.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Life is unpredictable. It can throw challenges at you without prior intimation, and most of the time you have no option but to accept your fate and embrace those challenges as optimistically as you possibly can. However, what if that challenge is thrown at your child, who is barely even three years old? And what if that challenge is cancer?
I’m sure it would shatter your entire world and bud within you a feeling of anger and frustration initially.
The book First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger speaks of this very challenge and how the Unger family was left devastated after their young son, Louis, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The terrifying ordeal began when the author's wife, Mary Ellen, noticed unusual changes in Louis. Initially, it was his peculiar walking style and reduced talkativeness. Concerned, they consulted pediatricians who diagnosed Legg-Perthes disease. However, further complications arose, and Louis became increasingly fatigued and irritable and started taking naps during the day. After a series of medical visits, the family found themselves in the Children’s Emergency Room, where, amidst a parade of doctors and uncertainty, they received the devastating news: Louis possibly had leukemia.
However, on Thanksgiving Day in 2001, the Unger family faced the daunting reality of Louis's illness when Dr. Beardsley, their oncologist, ordered a bone marrow biopsy. A few days later, Dr. Beardsley confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Seeking hope amidst this profound despair, Mark and Mary Ellen Unger emerged as determined advocates for their son and illustrated the strength and resilience of parental love in the face of unimaginable challenges. This part of the book was so heart-touching for me, and I could imagine the pain and turmoil Louis’s parents must have gone through.
The book then talks about the ruthless journey of the Ungers and the relentless challenges of Louis's treatment. Amidst the turmoil, the family struggled to balance their attention between Louis, who bravely endured the painful procedures, and his older brother Harry, who felt the weight of his brother's illness on their family dynamic. Louis's remarkable resilience surprised everyone, but it also raised questions about the toll this battle was taking on him.
In the latter chapters, Mark Unger delves into the critical decision-making process faced by his family as they explore treatment options for Louis's neuroblastoma. Unger provides detailed accounts of his interactions with experts, specifically Dr. Brian Kushner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The family confronts a daunting choice: continue treatment at Yale, a competent but less specialized facility, or move to Sloan Kettering, renowned for its expertise in neuroblastoma.
Eventually, they find hope in a ground-breaking experimental treatment at Sloan Kettering, involving intrathecal infusions of radio-labeled antibodies directly into Louis's spinal fluid.
The family embraces this cutting-edge therapy, witnessing Louis's remarkable resilience throughout the process. After enduring multiple treatments, including brain surgery and aggressive chemotherapy, Louis defies the odds and becomes one of the first long-term survivors of a previously incurable brain relapse.
In the compelling conclusion of First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, Mark Unger reflects on the remarkable journey of Louis. The term "breakthrough" takes on a profound meaning as it encompasses the tireless efforts of doctors, parents, and young Louis himself. Driven by unwavering determination, the Ungers shattered traditional barriers between doctors and patients.
The narrative captures not just medical triumphs but also the emotional resilience of a young boy who faced unimaginable challenges with optimism. Against all odds, Louis emerged as a beacon of strength, symbolizing the power of hope and the extraordinary impact of love, determination, and cutting-edge medical science. Thus, I proudly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I liked everything about this book. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this warrior-like journey of Louis.
I believe First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of a family and the medical pioneers who refused to accept defeat, offering a profound glimpse into the world of pediatric cancer and the transformative potential of human resilience and innovation.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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