"It
is unusual to find a book the really explains any illness in terms a child can
truly understand and still not minimize the seriousness of the patient’s
situation. In Metu and Lee learn about Breast Cancer, Dr. Shenin Sachendina,
has accomplished this and more! As a certified general surgeon specializing in
breast cancer and mother of two young children herself, Dr. Sachendina has a
true understanding of how to approach her patient’s children, as she regularly
invites them in to learn about their mother’s disease. She recognized the
need for better literature to present health issues to children.
Fabulous
illustrations by Tammy Sherman bring to life Metu and Lee, Chemo Commando, the
bad guys and the good guys to life as Dr. S answers the siblings questions about
their mother’s breast cancer. The story relates cancer cells, the bad guys,
to building blocks, building a tower that must be destroyed by Chemo Commando
and the other good guy tools Dr. S has to make mommy well again.
This
is the best book we have seen to explain breast cancer to children. It is the
first in a series of books for children. Watch for Metu and Lee Learn About Diabetes,
which focuses on Sam, a young boy in Metu’s class who has diabetes and
Metu and Lee learn about Leukemia in which their friend Chris is battling childhood
leukemia.
A
portion of the proceeds goes to the Metu and Lee Fund of The Foundation of Central
Florida. The books are available through www.metuandlee.com.
The cost is $25.56 ($22 + $2 shipping + $1.56 sales tax) for Florida residents
and $24 total for non-Florida residents. The books are also available at www.amazon.com,
but less money goes to the Metu and Lee Fund."
Carolyn
L. Charkey
breast cancer survivor, peer counselor
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
"Mothers,
daughters, sisters, aunts, co-workers: one in eight women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer in their lifetime. It is a compelling statistic that touches the lives
of many women in the prime of their lives. Many of these women are busy raising families
and are career women in their 30’s 40’s and 50’s. Breast cancer
can deeply affect the lives of people these women love- including children. How do
you explain such a complicated and sensitive issue to a young child who doesn’t
understand what’s going on? A new book written by Dr. Shenin Sachedina, illustrated
by Tammy Sherman, can help. Metu and Lee Learn About Breast Cancer is designed
for children ages 5 and up. It explains breast cancer in language that any child
can understand.
Dr.
Sachedina, who is also a character in the book, tackles sophisticated topics
using creative characters like Chemo Commando and K.I.P (Knowledge is Power).
Metu and Lee learn that breast cancer is “like a small camp that the bad
guys set up,” that needs to be destroyed. They also learn about their mommy’s
possible hair loss and what they can do to help her feel better during her “battle.”
This
colorful and compassionate book is the first in a series written by Dr. Sachedina
dealing with disease. In subsequent books Metu and Lee will learn about diabetes
as well as Leukemia, Dr. Sachedina is founder of The Central Florida Breast Center
and specializes in breast cancer. For more information about the book or the
author please go to www.metuandlee.com"
Pregnant
with Cancer Network
http://www.pregnantwithcancer.org/book_corner.shtml
"Learning
that someone you love has breast cancer can seem overwhelming. This book shows that
family relationships can strengthen through the adversity of such a diagnosis. Written
with easy to understand concepts for children, this book will inspire the family
to continue their conversations about living with breast cancer with those you love."
Dr.
S.Eva
Singletary
Professor
of
Surgical
Oncology
University
of
Texas,
M.D.
Anderson
Cancer
Center
“Where
do you find the words to help them understand all that is happening to you and to
help them cope with all that is to come? You find them in the heart of a doctor whose
care for her patients goes far beyond the medical treatment she provides. You find
them in a wonderful book that is destined to make a difference for thousands of mothers,
children and families facing breast cancer.”
Cindy
Heroux
Orlando
Leisure
Magazine
April
2006
“Dr.
Shenin Sachedina’s medical expertise is evident in her role as a general surgeon
specializing in benign and malignant breast disease. She passionately enjoys her
work, and does everything within her power to make sure her patients deal with as
little stress, fear and confusion as possible as they navigate their way through
a breast cancer diagnosis.”
The BreastCancerSite.com
Above and Beyond Profile
May 2004
"Written
by a surgeon member of our listserv, Dr. Shenin Sachedina, in an effort to help children
understand the diagnosis of breast cancer in a parent. I read this book and was inspired
by the support and strength it could provide to a child who might feel scared, confused
and helpless, as I did in my childhood while watching my beloved parent struggle
with cancer. To learn more and/or to order the book, please visit www.metuandlee.com."
Jeanne
Brunger, MS, CGC
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