After Breast Cancer: Answers to the Questions You're Afraid to Ask

I purchased, After Breast Cancer: Answers to the Questions You're Afraid to Ask, for a friend of mine who was diagnosed with primary breast cancer two years ago. Before giving my friend the book, I read it, so I would not be suggesting a book that might "scare" her. Having metastatic breast cancer myself, I found myself wishing I would have had such a resource after my initial diagnosis. The book is extremely well-written and addresses all of the key issues of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. It's educational and offers the patient a "take-charge" mentality of a breast cancer diganosis. This book is a "must read" for women (and men) who are dealing with or have dealt with breast cancer.

I wish I'd had this book last year when my treatment was over. It would have prepared me for the flood of emotions and fears that I grappled to understand and deal with...I was done, why was I so depressed???? There is an abundance of information available for the person who is newly diagnosed and during treatment, but very litte for after and what I've read did not address the major concerns, like follow up testing...what test, how often? Now, a year later I feel that I truly do understand and will probably re-read that chapter before every follow up visit.This would be a very helpful gift for someone you care about when she finishes treatment.

Of all the books out there on breast cancer survival, this one is the very best. It is full of first hand accounts from people who have coped with treatment and the after effects of breast cancer.Unlike many of the fluff books on the market about breast cancer survival, this book is organized into sections that cover the various fears and topics that concern the aftermath of treatment. It goes beyond other books by presenting factual and helpful information everyone needs to face those fears and make logical decisions concerning follow up testing.I read this book in one sitting and wish it had been written when my treatment ended. Every breast cancer patient should have this book and so should their oncologist!

This is a must-buy for a person with breast cancer, or that person's family members, friends, and even medical professionals. It truly answers questions that people are afraid to ask, and does so in a lucid way that leaves one feeling clearer about what's next... and calmer at the same time.Musa Mayer is an internationally known and respected breast cancer activist who interviews a number of breast cancer survivors about the emotional fallout of a cancer diagnosis and carefully presents their views. She also sheds light on what sort of medical follow-up is reasonable, and why, and what sort is not useful, and why not.The book is a gem: well-crafted, sensitive, well-researched. It fills a void. The end of treatment often entails a lot of uncertainty that patients don't know how to resolve, a feeling of unease and depression at odds with what "civilians" (or non-cancer patients) might expect. The latter might think that the end of treatment would be a time for whooping and hollering. But a breast cancer patient is left feeling in limbo, not sure what's next.This book helps enormously. I cannot praise it highly enough.

This book really hit home for me because it spoke to the deep fears I was not sharing with others. "After Breast Cancer" addresses the issues we all have to deal with when the initial 'shock', treatment, and testing is over. After the diagnosis, surgery and treatment, I felt a little like one does after the funeral of someone close. You go through the motions, mostly in shock still. Everyone is around you, concerned and caring and holding you up. Then all of sudden, it's quiet. For them, it's over. For you, it's just begun. This is where "After Breast Cancer" comes in and plays such an important role. I like the fact too that the author has interviewed real people feeling this real loss and fear of the future. For me, this book at this time in the process of life was and is a blessing to enable me to go on with more knowledge and strength. I will read it again and again and recommend it to all who are just picking up the pieces after the storm.