Connecting through Compassion: Guidance for Family and Friends of a Brain Cancer Patient
Joni Aldrich, author and speaker. This is the fourth book that Joni has written on how to survive cancer, caregiving, end-of-life issues, and grief. This journey began after she lost her husband, Gordon, to cancer that had metastasized to his brain. She believes that there is an unmet need for practical information to help cancer patients and their families, so she continues to research and write books about the daily rigors of living when cancer invades your world. Joni believes that she has been prepared throughout her lifetime to write books and reach out to people affected by cancer. Turning her own devastation at the loss of Gordon into hope for others is no easy task, but she believes that she is destined to follow this path. Neysa Peterson, RN, MS in counseling. Neysa has a wealth of both educational and practical experience with patients suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. Patients with brain cancer have very similar brain-altering effects as these patients. Through nine years of experience caring for her husband, Jim, Neysa discovered that people with a severe brain illness remain capable of relationships. She learned not to expect Jim to return to her world. Instead, she focused all of her energies on trying to work within the boundaries of Jim's world, which is a totally different approach than many families have when a loved one is diagnosed with a mind-altering disease. Jim was still there, and Neysa recognized that. Not only was Neysa able to keep Jim at home until the disease took him, but she also benefited from the daily treasures of love and bonding that many don't know how to facilitate due to the stigma of brain illness. She learned to allow Jim to be a part of the process, instead of making decisions for him. Instead of "you should," she perfected "why don't you?" or "let's try." Neysa's extensive knowledge helped to bring the message of hope included in this book to families dealing with the difficult reality of brain cancer. Go to www.jonialdrich.com or www.connectingthroughcompassion.com.