Chemotherapy & radiation for dummies / by Alan P. Lyss and Humberto Fagundes, with Patricia Corrigan.

Includes glossary and index.

Introduction -- Part I: Your journey through cancer treatments: preparing for the trip -- Recognizing the realities of chemotherapy and radiation -- The mutants take over: a primer on cancer -- You will be tested: what all those tests show -- Part II: Your choices along the way: making good ones -- Defining chemotherapy: the anticancer drugs -- Defining radiation: a burning issue -- Setting new standards: the role of clinical trials -- Getting a second chance: bone marrow transplants -- Part III: Chemotherapy: what to expect and how to deal with side effects -- What to expect during chemotherapy: a head-to-toe mouthwash -- Gimme a boost: immune and bone marrow stimulants -- Coping with serious side effects of chemotherapy -- Coping with less serious side effects of chemotherapy -- Part IV: Radiation: what to expect and how to deal with side effects -- What to expect during radiation: tattoos and moisturizer -- Coping with side effects of radiation therapy -- Part V: Your success strategies: assembling your support team -- Your health professionals: your friends and guides -- Good nutrition: eating right no matter how you feel -- Meeting spiritual needs: turning to prayer and meditation -- Finding a support group: realizing you are not alone -- Part VI: Your future after cancer treatments: looking ahead -- Finishing therapy: an end and a beginning -- Dealing with recurrence: here we go again -- Defining yourself after cancer: the new normal -- Part VII: The part of tens -- Ten myths about cancer -- Ten ways for family and friends to help you -- Ten things beyond your control -- Ten ways life will be better after cancer -- Ten sources for more information -- Glossary.

Examines the treatment options available to cancer patients, tells how to select the right oncologist, and offers tips on setting up a treatment plan, maintaining health after therapy, and locating support groups.