Review of First Survivor
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Joanna Perry
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
First Survivor is about a young boy's battle with terminal cancer. The author is Mark Unger, the boy's father. The Unger family's day-to-day life goes from ordinary to a dramatic life-or-death contest when they receive the diagnosis. Their three-year-old son, Louis, has neuroblastoma. In 2001, neuroblastoma was fatal to 70–75% of children with the cancer.
Mark and Mary Ellen, his wife, had another son, five-year-old Harry. They commit themselves to doing everything possible for Louis. Most days, this is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Their concern that young Harry gets the attention he needs adds to their anxiety. They can only be in one place at a time. Mary Ellen moves into Louis' hospital room. Mark meets Harry's school bus and sleeps at home, but Harry misses Mary Ellen and Louis. This mother and father experience worry, fear, anger, and concern while giving Louis the support he needs and caring for Harry. Family and friends pitch in. Mark puts his work on hold. Fortunately, he owns his business and can do this without economic hardship.
Mark and Mary Ellen soon learn they must be proactive in Louis's cancer treatment. Mark especially does research and emails doctors and others around the country with expertise in neuroblastoma treatment. Mark keeps a record of his conversations with the physicians in the hospital and notes the procedures, the results, and Louis's reaction to them. Through this research, he learned about Sloan-Kettering Hospital's aggressive and somewhat more successful treatment for neuroblastoma. At Sloan-Kettering, the Unger family meets Dr. Kushner, the specialist in neuroblastoma treatment who takes on Louis's case. The family travels back and forth from Connecticut to New York City often. They are hopeful. What follows for the family is a whirlwind of emotions. Their strength and determination are admirable. The bond between husband and wife is one of the best things going for young Louis and Harry. They take on the cancer as a family. I admire this father’s determination to do the best for his son, no matter the inconvenience or cost. Louis’ parents may get discouraged, but they do not quit on him.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 and 5 out of 5 because I like the steady flow of the author’s writing style. He maintained my attention throughout the book. However, I admit to being unable to keep up with the medical jargon when delivered in bulk. Louis’ health situation changes repeatedly, and the reader experiences shock and frustration because Mark Unger conveys it so well. The few errors I found did not deter me from appreciating the book. Mark has an outburst of mild profanity, which I thought was understandable.
First Survivor is a guide for family members going through a similar crisis. I recommend this book, and I am encouraged by it.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
First Survivor is about a young boy's battle with terminal cancer. The author is Mark Unger, the boy's father. The Unger family's day-to-day life goes from ordinary to a dramatic life-or-death contest when they receive the diagnosis. Their three-year-old son, Louis, has neuroblastoma. In 2001, neuroblastoma was fatal to 70–75% of children with the cancer.
Mark and Mary Ellen, his wife, had another son, five-year-old Harry. They commit themselves to doing everything possible for Louis. Most days, this is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Their concern that young Harry gets the attention he needs adds to their anxiety. They can only be in one place at a time. Mary Ellen moves into Louis' hospital room. Mark meets Harry's school bus and sleeps at home, but Harry misses Mary Ellen and Louis. This mother and father experience worry, fear, anger, and concern while giving Louis the support he needs and caring for Harry. Family and friends pitch in. Mark puts his work on hold. Fortunately, he owns his business and can do this without economic hardship.
Mark and Mary Ellen soon learn they must be proactive in Louis's cancer treatment. Mark especially does research and emails doctors and others around the country with expertise in neuroblastoma treatment. Mark keeps a record of his conversations with the physicians in the hospital and notes the procedures, the results, and Louis's reaction to them. Through this research, he learned about Sloan-Kettering Hospital's aggressive and somewhat more successful treatment for neuroblastoma. At Sloan-Kettering, the Unger family meets Dr. Kushner, the specialist in neuroblastoma treatment who takes on Louis's case. The family travels back and forth from Connecticut to New York City often. They are hopeful. What follows for the family is a whirlwind of emotions. Their strength and determination are admirable. The bond between husband and wife is one of the best things going for young Louis and Harry. They take on the cancer as a family. I admire this father’s determination to do the best for his son, no matter the inconvenience or cost. Louis’ parents may get discouraged, but they do not quit on him.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 and 5 out of 5 because I like the steady flow of the author’s writing style. He maintained my attention throughout the book. However, I admit to being unable to keep up with the medical jargon when delivered in bulk. Louis’ health situation changes repeatedly, and the reader experiences shock and frustration because Mark Unger conveys it so well. The few errors I found did not deter me from appreciating the book. Mark has an outburst of mild profanity, which I thought was understandable.
First Survivor is a guide for family members going through a similar crisis. I recommend this book, and I am encouraged by it.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Almost Mortal by Christopher Leibig
