Woman to Woman: A Handbook for Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

This book is fantastic! Its practical, step-by-step, reassuring suggestions and guidance are offered warmly and clearly from a woman who is herself a breast cancer survivor. Hester Hill is a breath of fresh air--from the specific tips on clothing, meals, and planning a hospital stay to making critical decisions about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A vital part of Hester's advice is her strong belief in support groups--as she, somehow, becomes part of your own support group through the compassion, love, wisdom, and down-to-earth knowledge that come through the pages of her book. Every word is a nugget.

This easy to read, straight-forward, clear and compassionate book is filled with essential information that every woman who has faced this frightening diagnosis needs to know. The authors' gentle conversational style speaks to the reader like a knowledgeable friend. The comfort of their words originates from their own personal challenges coupled with their professional knowledge of what the journey entails.Anticipating questions and personal needs, the book logically takes the reader through the process of treatment and recovery. It provides a foundation of solid information and resources. Despite the gravity of the diagnosis there is a positive supportive tone that acknowledges that a majority of women can emerge from this terrible ordeal and do it with strength and dignity.It's so comforting knowing that one is not alone. The resources within this book apply no matter where a woman calls home. In this technologically connected world, a woman living a distance from a major metropolitan area can also find ways to navigate her care from reading this lovely book.Knowledge is power. The authors clearly believe in the strength of their fellow sisters. This is their gift their way to use their considerable talents to assist others.

An expanded version of an earlier paperback booklet, this wonderful resource reaches out and supports women across a wide range of ages and lifestyles experiencing the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis. Written warmly, clearly and directly to each woman, the book addresses not only health-related matters but also personal and psycho-social ones such as spousal and child-related issues. It does not attempt to be comprehensive but provides up-to-date notes, resources, and bibliographical information. The authors, Schnipper and Berns, know first-hand the reality of this diagnosis; each has been treated for breast cancer and is herself a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and professional. Hester Hill is an Oncology LICSW and Joan Berns, PhD., a very gifted writer. I have given this book to numerous women...too many friends, relatives and acquaintances...have read it myself even though I have thusfar not become a statistic..but we are all part of this and so I urge you to get a copy, read, and recommend it. You will have saved a large number of fellow human beings from the terror of the unknown. FEAR FLIES IN THE FACE OF AN OUTSTRETCHED HAND BEARING LOVE AND INFORMED SUPPORT.

Woman to Woman is a must read for every woman who is newly diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Presented in a compassionate, encouraging and non-threatening way, the authors offer sound advice on dealing with the dreaded diagnosis and making the journey to recovery. Who better to learn from than two woman who understand the range of emotions a woman feels upon being diagnosed with breast cancer--two women who themselves are breast cancer survivors. Read this book first before you read any of the other books on breast cancer. There is no better information offered in any other book I have read since my own diagnosis less than two years ago. This is a must read.

A breast cancer diagnosis was one of three major events that impacted my life within a two and one half year period. This handbook was written by two women who understood my needs at the time. There are many medical texts, doctors' appointments, opinions and web sites to help, but none can compare to the personable tone and clear specific directions this book offers. Thanks to the advice offerred in the handbook I was able to make it through a time in my life that I wasn't sure I could navigate. This wonderful book is a lifesaver for any woman newly diagnosed or fearing a diagnosis of breast cancer. You know you are not alone.