Review of First Survivor
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David Okolie
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
Life can be tough and throw some crazy curveballs our way, leaving us feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. When that happens, we often turn to prayer and put our trust in a higher power to get us through. Mark Unger's book, First Survivor, tells the story of his family's struggle to cope with their son Louis's challenges and how they found a way to overcome them.
The story begins in August 2001, when Mary Ellen noticed something was off about her son Louis's walk. He had also become quieter than usual, which was unusual for him. Concerned, she took him to see their pediatrician, Dr. Germain, who referred them to a specialist, Dr. Renshaw. After some tests, they got the news that Louis had Perthes disease. But just as he was starting nursery school, new symptoms appeared, and a hospital visit revealed the devastating possibility that he might have leukemia. This marked the beginning of a heartbreaking journey for Louis and his family, one that's deeply inspiring and eye-opening to read about in this book.
The Unger family's story takes a tough turn as they navigate the grueling journey of Louis's treatment. As they try to cope with the chaos, they're torn between caring for Louis, who's showing incredible courage in the face of painful treatments, and his big brother Harry, who's feeling the strain of his brother's illness on their family life. Louis's bravery is inspiring, but it's also clear that this ordeal is taking a heavy toll on him, leaving everyone wondering how he's holding up.
In the final stages of their journey, Mark Unger and his family face a crucial decision: where to continue Louis's treatment. They weigh the pros and cons of staying at Yale, a capable but less specialised hospital, versus transferring to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, a leading expert in neuroblastoma treatment. After consulting with Dr. Brian Kushner and other specialists, they opt for a revolutionary experimental treatment at Sloan Kettering. This innovative approach involves injecting radio-labeled antibodies directly into Louis's spinal fluid. Despite undergoing brain surgery, intense chemotherapy, and other challenging treatments, Louis shows remarkable strength and ultimately becomes one of the first patients to survive a previously incurable brain relapse.
I loved this book! The glossary was a game-changer; it helped me understand tricky terms and stay engaged without any interruptions. The author's writing style was refreshingly clear and organised, and they had a gift for capturing the characters' emotions and vulnerabilities in a way that resonated with me. Honestly, I'm struggling to find anything negative to say about this book, it's a true standout!
First Survivor by Mark Unger is an absolute masterpiece, deserving a 5 out of 5 stars rating. It tells a powerful and inspiring story that tackles the harsh realities of childhood cancer head-on. Louis's journey is heartbreaking, and his family's struggles are deeply moving. The author shares their story with unflinching honesty, conveying the raw emotions and challenges they faced. The writing is superb, making the story flow seamlessly. Louis's story is a shining beacon of hope for families affected by childhood cancer, and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and inspiration. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Life can be tough and throw some crazy curveballs our way, leaving us feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. When that happens, we often turn to prayer and put our trust in a higher power to get us through. Mark Unger's book, First Survivor, tells the story of his family's struggle to cope with their son Louis's challenges and how they found a way to overcome them.
The story begins in August 2001, when Mary Ellen noticed something was off about her son Louis's walk. He had also become quieter than usual, which was unusual for him. Concerned, she took him to see their pediatrician, Dr. Germain, who referred them to a specialist, Dr. Renshaw. After some tests, they got the news that Louis had Perthes disease. But just as he was starting nursery school, new symptoms appeared, and a hospital visit revealed the devastating possibility that he might have leukemia. This marked the beginning of a heartbreaking journey for Louis and his family, one that's deeply inspiring and eye-opening to read about in this book.
The Unger family's story takes a tough turn as they navigate the grueling journey of Louis's treatment. As they try to cope with the chaos, they're torn between caring for Louis, who's showing incredible courage in the face of painful treatments, and his big brother Harry, who's feeling the strain of his brother's illness on their family life. Louis's bravery is inspiring, but it's also clear that this ordeal is taking a heavy toll on him, leaving everyone wondering how he's holding up.
In the final stages of their journey, Mark Unger and his family face a crucial decision: where to continue Louis's treatment. They weigh the pros and cons of staying at Yale, a capable but less specialised hospital, versus transferring to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, a leading expert in neuroblastoma treatment. After consulting with Dr. Brian Kushner and other specialists, they opt for a revolutionary experimental treatment at Sloan Kettering. This innovative approach involves injecting radio-labeled antibodies directly into Louis's spinal fluid. Despite undergoing brain surgery, intense chemotherapy, and other challenging treatments, Louis shows remarkable strength and ultimately becomes one of the first patients to survive a previously incurable brain relapse.
I loved this book! The glossary was a game-changer; it helped me understand tricky terms and stay engaged without any interruptions. The author's writing style was refreshingly clear and organised, and they had a gift for capturing the characters' emotions and vulnerabilities in a way that resonated with me. Honestly, I'm struggling to find anything negative to say about this book, it's a true standout!
First Survivor by Mark Unger is an absolute masterpiece, deserving a 5 out of 5 stars rating. It tells a powerful and inspiring story that tackles the harsh realities of childhood cancer head-on. Louis's journey is heartbreaking, and his family's struggles are deeply moving. The author shares their story with unflinching honesty, conveying the raw emotions and challenges they faced. The writing is superb, making the story flow seamlessly. Louis's story is a shining beacon of hope for families affected by childhood cancer, and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and inspiration. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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