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| Foreword | |
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| Preface | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Basics | |
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| Questions 1-5 give the basic background information about blood, the immune system, and other cells involved in leukemia: | |
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| What is leukemia? | |
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| What is blood composed of and what blood cells are affected by leukemia? | |
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| How does leukemia affect my immune system? | |
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| What is bone marrow? | |
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| Facts About Leukemia: Risks, Diagnosis, and Effects | |
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| Questions 6-19 describe the different kinds of leukemia that exist: what they are, who gets them, how they affect the body, and how they are diagnosed: | |
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| Are there different types of leukemia? Why is one called acute and one called chronic? | |
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| How common is leukemia? | |
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| What is myelodysplastic syndrome? Is it related to leukemia? | |
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| What is a blast? | |
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| How does someone know he or she has leukemia? | |
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| What is neutropenia? | |
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| Treatment | |
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| Questions 20-31 describe the different methods of treating each form of leukemia: | |
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| How is leukemia treated? | |
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| What is chemotherapy? | |
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| How does my doctor decide which chemotherapy to give me? | |
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| What is gene therapy? | |
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| What is antisense therapy? | |
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| What is a monoclonal antibody? | |
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| What is immunotherapy? | |
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| Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation | |
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| Questions 32-49 describe the process of transplantation used to cure some forms of leukemia: | |
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| What is a stem cell? | |
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| What is stem cell transplantation? | |
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| Who should have a stem cell transplant? | |
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| What is the difference between autologous and allogeneic transplants? | |
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| How is it determined which type of transplant is appropriate for my care? | |
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| How long after diagnosis should a transplant take place? | |
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| Side Effects and Complications of Treatment | |
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| Questions 50-68 describe some of the side effects and complications of leukemia treatment: | |
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| Will I need blood transfusions? | |
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| Are blood transfusions safe? | |
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| What side effects might a patient experience with chemotherapy? | |
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| What types of infections do I need to be concerned about? | |
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| Treatment Facilities and Healthcare Providers | |
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| Questions 69-87 describe some of the considerations in deciding upon where to get treatment and who to turn to for care: | |
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| How do I know my doctor is providing the right treatment? | |
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| Is there a difference between and attending doctor and a fellow? | |
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| Do all hospitals perform all treatments? | |
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| Do caregivers get any training? | |
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| Can and should family members be caregivers? | |
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| Living with Leukemia | |
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| Questions 88-100 address some of the day-to-day issues that face leukemia patients and their loved ones: | |
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| How does someone know whether he or she is cured? | |
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| Will my child with leukemia grow up normally? | |
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| Do patients ever get back to normal? | |
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| What are the patient's physical limitations after a bone marrow transplantation? | |
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| What is the chance of the leukemia coming back? | |
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| Glossary | |
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| Appendix | |
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| Index | |