Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia

"I was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma on February 7, 2002, when my daughter was almost nine months old. I was devastated to hear the words you have cancer of the placenta. I sat there with this stupid grin on my face, holding back the tears." And so began Tara Johnson's frightening journey into the world of a rare gynecological cancer. Choriocarcinoma is so rare-some 1 in 40,000 pregnancies-many oncologists have never treated it, much less come across information about it that's suitable for patients. After being dismissed for nearly four months with postpartum bleeding, Tara was finally properly diagnosed and her treatment began. The story she tells in this book is touching and personal. It includes intimate details about her battle with cancer-and with a medical system that ignored her symptoms while that cancer spread. The book is also a hands-on guide for patients dealing with the challenges and the life-threatening complications of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, or GTN. GTN is an umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders of the placenta. Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: A Guide for Women Dealing with Tumors of the Placenta, such as Choriocarcinoma, Molar Pregnancy and Other Forms of GTN explains the medical questions and issues of GTN-its tests, treatment and risk factors-as well as the complex social and emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis. It also contains a resource list designed to connect patients to support groups near their homes and online. Tara and Meredith are a unique team. While Tara became a choriocarcinoma expert through her own experience, diagnosis and treatment, Meredith's expertise in bioethics and medical research combines their skills, deftly weaving personal narrative with "harder" facts. The result is an incredibly compelling and informative read.