Magical Story by Leslie Bowden and Brian Bowden
"In Magical Story, a mother gives insight into her son's diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin's Disease. The story takes place in Long Island when Brain Bowden was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease after many different tests to determine his illness. The book covers the chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and descriptions of the different tests done to lead to the diagnosis of Hodgkin's Disease.
Magical Story covers mainly the tests, drugs, and other treatments of Hodgkin's Disease. The book doesn't really cover the biology of the disease but rather the science of treating cancer. The description of the tests that lead to the diagnosis of Hodgkin's Disease is quite informative. It took many month's for Brian and his family to finally learn what was causing his fatigue, and the description of these tests allows one to realize just what Brian and his family went through.
"The treatment of Hodgkin's disease involves chemotherapy and radiation. The books strongest area is the descriptions of the different drugs and treatments of this disease. While reading Magical Story, one can picture just what is exactly happening to Brian. His loss of hair, face swelling, and soreness is greatly described in the book.
"The book is an emotional journey of a teenager and his family. The book allows a glimpse into a family that has to deal with the possibility of a son not being able to survive his teenage years. The book is very informative and tear-jerking. Magical Story is a wonderful book for anyone who has experienced or wondered about the trials and tribulations of a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Disease." posted on Amazon.com
Magical Story documents a teenager's battle with Hodgkin's Disease as told by his mother, Leslie Bowden. Both positive and practical, Magical Story brings hope to other parents and children because Brian Bowden is now five years post-chemotherapy, living a full and happy life. While living through this devastating time in their lives, the author looked for books to read or people to talk to who understood her fears and concerns. Talking to the people at the hospital, families and medical staff, was very helpful. However, families who battle illnesses are not always at the hospital. The most up-to-date book Brian's mother could find on Hodgkin's Disease was written almost twenty years earlier and the girl had died. Since medical science changes constantly and Brian's story ends on a positive note, Leslie Bowden felt compelled to share Magical Story with other families.
"Each case and story are different, but every child has the dream of survival. It's a difficult road, but with love, support and an aggressive and caring medical team, it is an attainable dream. "My son has reached his all important five years off chemotherapy. This is a major milestone for survivors of Hodgkin's Disease. It seems that not so long ago, this day was very far away. Now that it's here, we would like to share our story and hope that it encourages someone else not to give up when all seems hopeless." – Leslie Bowden
About the Author: The author, who has a medical background, has incorporated both the technical and emotional aspects of her son's ordeal in an effort to address as many issues as possible.
Format: Perfectbound paperback Size: 6 x 9 inches Page count: 96 pages
ISBN-10: 0971331820 ISBN-13: 978-0-9713318-2-2 Retail price: $12.95
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"With the large number of children and adolescents that are diagnosed with lymphoma every year - there just are not many books discussing a personal experience that is a modern account. Leslie Bowden's story of her son Brian's ordeal is a bold statement on the courage and struggle a teen may go through with cancer. A good read." posted on Amazon