Each year about 4,000 children and teens in the United States are diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor. The illness and its treatment can have devastating effects on family, friends, schoolmates, and the larger community. This newly updated edition contains essential information families need during this difficult time. It includes descriptions of the newest treatments, such as computer-assisted surgery, stem cell transplants, and targeted therapies as well as practical advice about how to cope with diagnosis, medical procedures, hospitalization, school, and finances. Effective ways to form a partnership with the medical team are provided, as are resources for medical information, emotional support, and financial assistance. The poignant and practical stories from more than 100 children with brain or spinal cord tumors and their parents show the personal side of diagnosis and treatment. Parents who read this book will find simply explained medical facts, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be a strong advocate for their child.

Tania Shiminski-Maher, a pediatric nurse practitioner, has worked for more than 30 years with children and teens who have brain and spinal cord tumors. She lives in New York City. Catherine Woodman is a physician who has published peer-reviewed papers on ethics of pediatric research and late effects of treatment for childhood cancer. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa. Nancy Keene is the author of several books, including Chemo, Craziness, and Comfort;Childhood Cancer; Childhood Leukemia; Educating the Child with Cancer; and Your Child in the Hospital. She lives in Bellingham, Washington.