Living Through Breast Cancer: What a Harvard Doctor and Survivor Wants You to Know about Getting the Best Care While Preserving Your Self-Image

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is, or wants to support someone who is, living through breast cancer. I bought this book the day after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted a book that was the equivalent of the "What to Expect" books written for expectant and new parents. This book completely fit the bill. Dr. Kaelin's explanations of the science and lingo surrounding breast cancer and treatments are thorough and accessible. She also provides information about how you'll feel during and after surgery and treatment, what you'll need to have on hand to support your healing, and how to manage the side effects of treatment. One of my favorite things about the book is that information regarding lumpectomy and mastectomy is separated, as is information regarding radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I really appreciated this, as I was having difficulty reading the websites that covered all this information all together--it was too scary. Having this information separated made it possible for me to read only what applies to my own situation, but I also know that I have the other information if I should need it. The other great thing about this book is that the language is very carefully chosen to avoid references to struggling and fighting, but focuses instead on coping and living as well as you can during and after surgery and treatment. This positive approach is calming and reassuring to me.

There are several books and dozens of web-sites with information and guidance for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. This is, by far, the best that I've seen. It is written in a way that is easily accessible and full of great information and data. I highly recommend this as a resource for both the cancer patient and anyone interested in the subject.

This book was the first one I read after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is a book to which I often return. It's written in a down-to-earth, approachable style that still conveys current information without oversimplifying it for the lay reader. The author is a doctor who is a noted breast cancer expert AND a breast cancer survivor herself. These facts combine to make this book a very valuable resource and an important addition to the "must-have" books on breast cancer.

This is the best book I have read on breast cancer because it addresses the biology of breast cancer with the reality of the symptoms. It is written by a physician who knows what it is like to lose every single eyelash, and can tell you not only why you lost it, but how to keep on smiling without it. This book has it all - even a whole chapter on the effects of aggressive chemotherapy on cognitive skills and how to cope. When I read the tip 'jot down where you parked your car', I knew this was THE book for me - I had already been doing this. If there is only one book you are going to read on breast cancer, this is the one.

Living Through Breast Cancer by Carolyn Kaelin and Francesca Coltrera is a well-written, comprehensive, unbiased guide to the latest options in breast cancer treatment and recovery. This seamless blend of scientific knowledge, state-of-the-art medical practice, complementary approaches, and personal experience is written in a clear, easy to understand style. (And it also has excellent illustrations of current surgical options and post-surgery exercizes.) The material is well organized in a format which makes it a valuable reference tool for patients and medical professionals alike. It is a must-read for everyone with an interest in breast cancer treatment and recovery. It's the latest of over 25 books I have read since my breast cancer diagnosis, and it's the best by far.