Review of First Survivor

[Nganyi Humphrey]

[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The author, Mark Unger, uses the phrase "Every day is a great day" in this book during the period when his second son, Louis had neuroblastoma. This was a period of more than five years, and it was devastating for the family. Mark’s wife, Mary Ellen, watched and tended to the needs of Louis from when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma until he finally healed. This book gives a record of the suffering, despair, and triumph of the Unger family in overcoming pediatric cancer. The book further states three ways in which neuroblastoma can be treated. Louis had a brain tumor relapse of neuroblastoma, and there was no survival before. It was the most feared, but with determination and the tireless search for answers by Mark Unger, Louis was healed.

First Survivor is a well-deserved title for this book, the reason being that Louis had a momentous breakthrough, therefore leading to a treatment protocol named after Louis at Sloan Kettering for kids who have the same relapse as Louis’. I like the generous outpouring of help that Mark received from the doctors he wrote to via email.

I have nothing to dislike about this book. The editing was exceptionally well conducted, as I discovered no single error when I read the book.

I rate this book five out of five stars. It gives a detailed account of how to handle a patient suffering from cancer. It states the drugs used and the possible side effects. It describes the care Louis needed when he went home after chemotherapy. Interestingly, it seems like the author captured every important detail and the challenges he faced together with his family after they learned Louis had pediatric cancer, up to when Louis was healed.

This book encourages the need for families to be tight, strong, and determined with untold reserves for perseverance, just like the Unger family when faced with adversities in life. It enhances optimism in our day-to-day activities. This book is a good recommendation for individuals interested in learning more about neuroblastoma and general information about cancer cells.

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Grace Jane]

An informative look at the complexities of pediatric cancer.