Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment

BE A SURVIVOR is a clear, sensitive rendering of the whole breast cancer treatment process. It is upbeat, reflecting my attitude: "Been there, done that." The diagrams were my first close look at what happened in my breast and lymph nodes, and the sidebar questions to ask were vital. Even if I wrote them down ahead, I often would come out of doctor's offices not knowing answers. I did wonder if a male breast cancer patient would get all he needed from this book since the main thrust is on women and the pictures are of women in relationship to men, though Dr. Lange is generally sensitive to using 'partner' instead of assuming the sex of a partner. I would have liked to see on page 73, more emphasis placed on Chinese herbs as big aids in dispensing with nausea. They saved me from misery. And to swimming as both psychologically relaxing and a large help in stretching the arm to prevent lymphedema. I call myself a thriver now--nice word to put at the end of his next book edition. Fine book, I am giving it to someone today. Lynn Scott, Author of the Memoir: MY MOTHER, MY ALZHEIMER CLIENTS, AND ME.

Out of all the books offered to me by my friends during this ordeal, this one has been the most helpful. It's easy to follow and the DVD really helped me get a lot of information without having to commit to sitting down and reading a whole book through. The live images of reconstructed breasts on the DVD was also reassuring. Not to mention the hope I felt seeing interviews with women who have actually been through this and lived to tell about it. It was impressive, too, that the book addressed alternative therapies, which I intend to use as part of my healing process. I'd recommend this book and DVD to anyone who wants information and support about the experience of breast cancer.

This is a wonderful book, packed with information, in a very easy to read format. There are 12 chapters:Facing Breast Cancer; Breast Cancer Basics; Diagnosis and Staging; Surgery; Reconstruction; Radiation; Chemo; Hormonal Therapy; alternative treatments; Clinical Trials; Life after Cancer; A guide for your partner. Each chapter explains what the chapter is about, e.g. What is chemo? How is it given? How it Works. Side Effects. Common Chemo drugs. This book is unique in that it has testimonials throughout from women, and their partners. It also has terrific drawings. I purchased a LOT of books when I was diagnosed. This was the book that I went to during my chemo and before surgery, to really find out what was going on. It is difficult to know what questions to ask your oncologist or surgeon, when everything is new. This book helps you prepare and should give you the confidence to make treatment decisions about your life. Highly, highly recommended.

A little over 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3 lobular breast cancer. I was given this book shortly after the diagnosis by a nurse in the hospital where I work. It is the nuts and bolts of breast cancer, from the staging to the procedures with clear drawings, specific detailed information, and personal notations from women who have been where we are. It went everywhere with me-from chemo to radiation and the multiple surgeries I had. With this information, I had to face very few surprises. The drains left in place after the mastectomy are explained in detail. Radiation is presented clearly and realistically. There are photographs and drawing of how the chest looks after a mastectomy. The book takes some of the fear out of cancer treatment and replaces it with knowledge and advice. if you can only afford one book on the subject of breast cancer, this is the one I would recommend.

If you can only afford to buy one book on breast cancer than this is the one!This book is packed full of beautiful graphics and pictures of real breast cancer patients and their stories. A true and sensitive approach of their journey with breast cancer. The medical details presented in this book reveal breast cancer treatment in an easy to understand and concise manner. The medical information is technically accurate and explicit. No book on breast cancer gives as much information in such a concise and precise presentation. This book deals with all phases of a "breast cancer diagnosis". Included are chapters that highlight how a person deals with the feelings of a breast cancer diagnosis, how to share the news with loved-ones, friends and co-workers, how to create a supportive network, gathering the information needed to make informed decisions, and how to actively participate in the treatment plan.There is clear information on breast anatomy, cancer cell growth, biopsy, diagnosis and staging, surgical treatment, reconstruction options, chemotherapy and radiation treatments and of course, hormonal therapy. This book also has actual pictures of post-surgical breasts and the results of reconstruction. There is also a chapter about complementary and alternative treatments to assist the patient in battling cancer. The final chapters focus on life after cancer and a special section for your partner. I recommend this book as a must to every person I know who is facing the challenges of breast cancer, breast surgery and finally for life after cancer.Beautifully done. Parents of pre-teens and teenagers will find it helpful in explaining this disease to their children. This book is a companion to an award winning CD-ROM that gives the patient the opportunity to trek on a virtual tour of breast cancer!