Amazon.com
In a valuable guide for women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. John Link helps sort through the confusion and the fear, by explaining such things as how to get a second opinion and how to understand a pathology report.

Particularly valuable is Link's step-by-step description of how breast cancer is characterized, or staged, according to tumor size, hormone receptors, and other factors--and how that affects prognosis. As a breast cancer specialist at Long Beach and Orange Coast Memorial hospitals in Southern California, Link knows the medical jargon and what it means. Although his writing style is at times a bit jargony and difficult to read, a breast cancer patient will willingly read and reread every word. The book also includes useful chapters on diet, exercise, herbs, and vitamins; managing the side effects of treatment; healing's mind-body connection; and organizing medical records and keeping a personal journal or log.

Ending on an encouraging note, Link writes, "You should know that most women today are cured of breast cancer. They undergo treatment, become survivors, and go on with their lives. But having breast cancer is certainly a wake-up call to many and may be for you. Life now has added uncertainty." This step-by-step manual helps you navigate the uncertainty and become a survivor, both physically and psychologically.Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Quite technical, but excellent
After getting them for my mom, I highly recommend this book and his other one ("Take Charge of Your Breast Cancer").There's quite a bit of overlap, but I wouldn't want to be without either one.

I wish we had read this book before we rushed into surgery.It discusses some situations in which chemo is done BEFORE the surgery, with the advantage that you can see whether the chemo is working or not by how much the tumor shrinks.Often less radical surgery is then necessary.Too late now...

Also recommended for many helpful tips and a warm tone (but it's about a year less up to date than this book): "Just Get Me Through This".A great overview and starting place before the books by Dr. Link. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Cartoonist Marisa Acocella Marchetto's graphic memoir about her battle with breast cancer is as bold, vibrant, and brave as she is--pumped full of color, the story leaps off the page and into your heart. Poignant and funny, this inspiring story is made all the more powerful by Marchetto's cartoons. Lucky for us, Marchetto agreed to create a cartoon just for Amazon.com customers. Check out her strip below. --Daphne Durham

Amazon.com Exclusive: A Cartoon from Marisa Acocella Marchetto

Meet Marisa, a self-described "shoe-crazy, lipstick-obsessed, wine-swilling, pasta-slurping, fashion-fanatic, single-forever, about-to-get-married big-city girl cartoonist with a fabulous life." Her graphic memoir, Cancer Vixen describes what happens when she finds a lump in her breast. Want to know what happens to an author when they discover their sales rank at Amazon.com? Read Marisa's exclusive strip below to find out.

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Book Description

“What happens when a shoe-crazy, lipstick-obsessed, wine-swilling, pasta-slurping, fashion-fanatic, single-forever, about-to-get-married big-city girl cartoonist with a fabulous life finds . . . a lump in her breast?” That’s the question that sets this powerful, funny, and poignant graphic memoir in motion. In vivid color and with a taboo-breaking sense of humor, Marisa Acocella Marchetto tells the story of her eleven-month, ultimately triumphant bout with breast cancer—from diagnosis to cure, and every challenging step in between.

But Cancer Vixen is about more than surviving an illness. It is a portrait of one woman’s supercharged life in Manhattan, and a wonderful love story. Marisa, self-described “terminal bachelorette,” meets her Prince Charming in Silvano, owner of the chic downtown restaurant Da Silvano. Three weeks before their wedding, she receives her diagnosis. She wonders: How will he react to this news? How will my world change? Will I even survive? And . . . what about my hair?

From raucous New Yorker staff lunches and the star-studded crowd at Silvano’s restaurant to the rainbow pumps Marisa wears to chemotherapy, Cancer Vixen is a total original. Marisa’s wit and courage are an inspiration—she’s a cancer vixen, not its victim.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

Excellent and compelling. A love story and more.
This book is truly excellent. I laughed and I cried. If you enjoy comics, intelligent ones, this is a gem. Will Eisner in heels. A fantastic book. I loved this work.

A highly entertaining read!
I found this book incredibly entertaining ...simply a great read! It rocked my emotions from sadness, to laughter, to disbelief and made me feel extremely fortunate by the end. The cartoons are creative and oh, so humorous. The comedic relief was provided by Mom who could be my own. The story is a triumph over breast cancer and sends a powerful message to all women and families.A must-read, whether you are afflicted with breast cancer or not. You won't be able to put it down.
Barb

Love It!
I have purchased this book 3 times, 1 for myself and 2 as gifts. I don't even know how to describe how great this book is. Not only is it an amazing story of survival, but it has a lot of great information in it. Highly Reccomended!

Worth Reading; helpful for this spouse of a BC patient
A breast cancer comic book?YES.Ms. Marchetto has given us all the gift of the story of her experience in a very accessible form.

One thing that stands out:the poignant interactions with her fellow cancer patients nearly brought me to tears.

Thanks for writing such a great book.

Insightful yetfunny and a boost for your spirits
I am going down a similar path having been diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2007 and having bilateral mastectomy in April.I am now 7 months post op.A friend suggested I read this book.I had it sitting on my table for 2 weeks and picked it up the other night.I read it in a few hours and laughed my way from start to finish.I needed to laugh and I did.

The books is factual and funny - a hard combo for a cancer story.

Do someone you know [who has breast cancer] a favor and buy them this book as a gift.It will be most appreciated. ... Read more

Book Description

"I am not my breast, and I am not cancer; they are only pieces of who I am. What is my heart like, am I kind, strong, loving, compassionate. . . . Those are the things that count."

Customer Reviews (3)

Like a support group, only BETTER!
Reading I Am Not My Breast Cancer is like attending a support group for women with breast cancer, only better.Instead of hearing the experiences of one or a few women, the reader shares the cancer journey with hundreds of women.The 800 women who participated in the original project from which the book is drawn are from all across the United States and from several other countries as well.They shared their feelings and experiences with openness and honesty.They laughed and cried together, gave each other advice, and bonded with each other.

Ruth Peltason took those many and varied threads and wove them lovingly into this book.I Am Not My Breast Cancer is not a medical resource, it is a practical resource.It is not the story of one woman's breast cancer, it is the distillation of hundreds of women's experiences with breast cancer--young women, women in midlife, older women, women with early stage disease and women with metastatic disease.Ms. Peltason, herself a two time breast cancer survivor, treats each woman's experience with dignity and respect.

Any woman touched by breast cancer will find herself in the pages of this book, and it will help those around her understand a little better what she may be going through.Cancer centers and doctors' offices should be sure this volume is added to their libraries--it fills a void and meets a need like no other book out there.As a breast cancer survivor, I say, "Thank you, Ms. Peltason, for writing I Am Not My Breast Cancer!"

Give this to anyone affected by breast cancer.
As a man whose wife is undergoing chemotherapy, I wanted to read this book for several reasons. I wanted as much understanding as possible about the emotional aspects for all involved, I wanted to see how well I was doing as the significant other and I wanted to Understand what I might be missing/overlooking about the whole process.
This book did an incredible job answering all three questions. The distillation of wisdom, anger, hope and total honesty of the 800 women involved in the creation of this book is amazing. The brief, but succinct comments, collected on such a diverse arrangements of topics will not only provide helpful paths for those undergoing treatment, but also for ANY family member, friend or co-worker sincerely interested in understanding and supporting the individual battling the disease of breast cancer.
This book should be in every public and health science library as it will do for the soul and spirit what other books cannot.

These ladies really get it!
This book should-WILL become a key resource for any woman (or man) who has recently been diagnosed with Breast cancer. It will also bring those who have lived with the disease in remission or hence eradicated, with a sense of comraderie that you rarely glimpse once you are "years out", as we say in the world of survivors. Anyone reading this collection of online dialogs will be able to relate to what is being said. Those who have "been there" will smile, laugh, cry and nod in agreement while reading through the hundreds of passages that have been included in this rich, compassionate and inspirational book. The author Ruth Peltason has also added her own notations peppered throughout, to share some of her own experience as a 2 time Breast Cancer survivor. These women GET IT! I believe this book will also aid those who have stood by watching helplessly as someone they love is effected by this horrendous disease. It allows others to see and feel what these women really went through. Buy this book for a friend, a co-worker, a loved one, or to share with a medical professional. The wisdom, the humor, the warmth that these women have shared online and now in book form is a personal journey that touches the soul. Highly Recommneded! ... Read more

Book Description
The task of choosing the right prostate cancer treatment is daunting. It is further complicated by conflicting information the patient receives from physicians and the Internet. This book is written by a prostate cancer survivor who now runs an international prostate cancer support group. It's about his journey and the important things he learned along the way. It is the book the author wishes had been available when he was diagnosed 6 years ago. It is intended to provide specific information for men who are at risk or have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. All major treatment options are examined and the pros and cons of each are summarized. A relatively new, non-invasive, highly effective treatment is highlighted. It is an option that cures cancer as well as any other option, but generally leaves the patient with a higher quality of life and fewer, if any, side effects. This book has been endorsed by several physicians as well as other highly respected people from all walks of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

This is the place to start
Prostate cancer is complex, and it's a cancer that strikes at the heart of masculinity, so it's not only fearsome but hard to talk about or even think about except with dread. And it's even harder trying to make a decision on what to do, because there are so many treatments out there and more coming all the time, and everybody says their treatment is the best. What this book does - in simple, straightforward language - is not only describe the disease (he has the only comprehensible description of Gleason scoresI've ever seen) but offer choices. It tells you how to about making a decision on something that's going to change your life forever. It's weighted heavily in favor of proton beam therapy, because that's what the author decided to get and came out of it very happy with the results. For example, eight years later he's alive! And well! And functioning! The bottom line is that there's a wealth of information out there if you know where to start looking, and that's what this book does so well - give you tips and leads and education and the stories of people who have walked a mile in your shoes. If you want to take charge of your life - which now happens to include prostate cancer - rather than leave the decisions to other people, this is the place to begin.

a book that will change your life
i only wish that i knew aboutthis book when i was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 3 weeks ago, instead of just stumbling upon it 2 weeks after being diagnosed.this book does all the research for you to help you make an intelligent decision about the "right treatment for you"!i am scheduled for proton therapy in 6-8 weeks and this book is the reason i chose this "no-brainer" decision. i gave a copy of this book to my urologist so the next patient he tells they have prostate cancer to, he can also recommend proton therapy from the start.THANKS BOB!

confirms that i made the correct choice of therapy
my prostate cancer was treated at the LLU Proton facility. As surgeon Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery i chose Proton therapy and very glad i did . I only wish i had this book to read prior to making my chice. I made the right choice but this book spells everything out in a clear manner. Very informative and complete. Every man with prostate cancer should read it.
J. Edson Price Jr. M.D. FACS

Unsure about radiation for your prostate??Read this, NOW!!
As a veteran of 34 years in nuclear power and a mechanical engineer I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Markini's book.His explanations written in common language were clear, concise, and easily understood.My wife is a Registered Nurse and she enjoyed the book, too.She commented how his explanations of the nuclear side of things was a lot clearer than mine ever were.He makes points that other books and publications miss.For instance, when a surgeon states an incontinence rate he/she does not count wetness due to laughing or sneezing.I was (still am) leery of gamma radiation treatment having been through many annual requals and incident reviews for radiation exposure but when I learned of proton beam radiation and could understand the physics, I was sold!!

After devouring Mr. Marckini's book, re-reviewing all the options (hopefully there is not another one lurking out there I have not found), careful consideration, and lots and lots of prayer, I decided Proton Thereapy for treatment of my Prostate Cancer.Therefore, I canceled my Radical Prostatectomy scheduled for October 25, 2007.

Prior to learning of Proton Beam Therapy on September 22, 2007 from a High School buddy who works at Loma Linda, I thought I had researched all available options thoroughly and decided that surgery was the best option for me.After that decision I checked into the various methods to perform the surgery and the records of the doctors.That is why I had scheduled surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.Surgeons there have successfully performed thousands of the surgeries using the DaVinci II robotic machine.They are the best in the Philadelphia area.

However, on September 22, 2007, I found out from my friend who is a trained surgeon and practices in California that I had missed an available treatment option - Proton Therapy.Imagine that - a trained surgeon recommending proton beam radiation therapy.Since that time I have done significant investigation into this treatment option and believe that Proton Therapy is the best alternative for me.

The treatment has been in use for over 15 years and many thousands of men have been successfully treated.It seems amazing to me that Proton Therapy is virtually ignored in the various brochures I received from the doctors (surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists) I spoke with during my research and most information retrieved with internet searches until I started using the word Proton in the search.There are currently only five operating Proton treatment centers in the US.Five more are under construction.

This is a great book - You Can Beat Prostate Cancer, And You Don't Need Surgery To Do It by Robert Marckini.And if you write the author, his E-mail is in the book - He calls you back THAT DAY

I, also, learned that doctors although very knowledgeable in their field of specialization have very limited knowledge about the entire field of medicine Their advice has to be weighed according to their specialty

A medical oncologist at Christiana told me Proton Beams are not used to treat prostate cancer65% of the 11,000 patients that have received proton treatment at Loma Linda University Medical Center were prostate cancer patients.Go to www.protons.com , the official Loma Linda site, to verify this and learn more about proton treatment

A surgeon at U Penn told me the side effects for Proton treatment are the same as regular radiation treatments.Go to www.protonbob.com , and click on the link to differences between proton and other treatments.You will see a publication called Oncolink which is a U Penn publication This paper clearly shows reduced side effects.Proton BOB is a support group.Their site has a lot of interesting stuff!!!!

Now both these men are great doctors but their knowledge is not all inclusive.They know their field and believe their treatments are the best for most people.They are amongst the many that have not yet discovered Proton treatment

This book pushed me to the edge of deciding to go for Proton Thereapy.What pushed me over was thefact that U Penn is building a proton treatment in the new Abrahamson Cancer Center.Certainly, U Penn would not spend well over $100 million on this technology if it was not a proven and effective treatment option.There are many articles published by U Penn personnel espousing the benefits of Proton Treatment.

I recommend that you remember the term Proton Treatment.And should you be diagnosed with a cancer, stay independent and make your own decision.Check out proton beam treatment for yourself.

The authors experience are almost ten years old but my recent visits to Loma Linda University Medical Center have found his statements about the people, places and events still accurate.There are new technologies and adaptations of old giving improved results bit still none is as good as proton Beam Therapy.When I have spoken with the author he is up on all the latest news and treatment methods and can discuss them fairly.Perhaps he should consider a sequel - "Ten Years After and Life Has Never Been Better,"
You Can Beat Prostate Cancer

Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?A Must Read Before Your Treatment Decision
Every man diagnosed with prostate cancer and his family absolutely must have this book on their list of research materials.Mr. Marckini presents an unflinchingly honest, poignant and highly readable history of his personal journey through what is largely a difficult and frightening medical wilderness for those seeking treatment.An engineer by profession, his research into treatment options was extraordinarily thorough, careful and fair.As one who has been recently diagnosed with intermediate stage prostate cancer, I can personally attest to the value of this book, coming to my attention as it did after weeks of study, discussions, and the agony of uncertainty as to which course of action to follow.Thanks to Mr. Marckini's remarkable book, I am now moving forward with a strong sense of peace and hope.You Can Beat Prostate Cancer is a must read.
... Read more

Book Description
Prostate cancer is now the most common nonskin cancer among men in the United States. In 2005 alone, 250,000 new cases were diagnosed, and that number is certain to rise with each passing year. No one is more aware of this than David Ricketts, experienced cookbook author and recent prostate cancer survivor.

Shortly after surgery and radiation treatments, Ricketts began to research food and lifestyle changes that might inhibit the likelihood of prostate cancer as well as its progression. The result is this uniquely specific cookbook, which takes full advantage of foods thought to fight prostate cancer while eliminating those believed to contribute to the disease. Eat to Beat Prostate Cancer Cookbook features more than 200 delicious recipes for everything from snacks, sandwiches, and drinks to main-course dishes-all foods that will appeal to the entire family. This tremendously useful book also benefits from the author's firsthand experience, as he offers insight into what to expect regarding diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, as well as practical advice for making the transition to healthier cooking, smarter eating, and a longer life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Helping treatment with nutrition and excellent recipes
The word "cancer" is possibly one of the most fearful one can hear.Along with good medical treatment, it is so useful to do something yourself to help.Good, tasty, nutritious meals are a very good start.This gem of a cookbook is a must.I heartily recommend it.The recipes are not complicated. I am not a "gourmet" cook.But they are easy and the ingredients can be found in most food stores and health food stores.I wish more physicians were inclined to stress nutrition along with proper medication, but this is something you can do yourself.By all means, get this book!

Highly Recommended!
David Ricketts wrote this book because he developed prostate cancer; I cook from it because it's chockful of fabulous tasting, easy-to-prepare, and super-nutritious recipes. And because, as a nutritionist, I know that basinga diet on the foods featured in this book is a smart choice, not only for men who are trying to beat prostate cancer, but for anyone who is striving to stay healthy.

Eat to Beat Prostate Cancer Cookbook
This is a great cookbook for anyone to use.Easy to follow recipes, foodsthat are very healthy and spices that enhance the flavors.

Our cholesterol has gone down and that was not the focus of purchasing the book.

Recommend without reservation!!

Eat To Beat Prostate Cancer
David Ricketts is back again, and better than ever!In his newest cookbook,
Eat to Beat Prostate Cancer Cookbook, Ricketts shares his valuable insight
for not only those fighting this dreaded disease, but for those looking to
attempt to prevent using the one thing we can control in our lives, our
diet.Recipes are easy to follow and tasty as well.The problem becomes
which to try first!This book is a must have for every household chef. I knew I wanted to cut back on my meat consumption and include more soy
products and tofu.Finally, I found the book that will assist me in my goal!
Don't wait.Get your copy today and put your life back on track, the tasty,
healthy way!

This is the one
Eat to Beat Prostate Cancer is an excellent resource for many folks.It is NOT just for those dealing with prostate cancer. It is chock full of interesting and tasty recipes which include a variety of soy products.There is a full complement of recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts.Any woman who wants to include soy in her diet to deal with menopausal symptoms, any person who wants to decrease the amount of animal protein in his/her diet or any parent who wants to include high quality soy protein in the family meal plan should invest in this resource.It is much more than just a cookbook.I have purchased many soy based cookbooks over the years looking for something like "Eat to Beat..."This is the ONE!Thanks,David Ricketts. ... Read more

Book Description
¡§A Primer on Prostate Cancer, The Empowered Patient¡¦s Guide¡¨ is a basic resource to be used by patients and physicians when there has been a diagnosis of prostate cancer.It outlines a strategy of disease management that is designed to maximize outcomes for the patient and his loved ones.All aspects of diagnosis and testing are discussed; all currently approved treatments for prostate cancer are described.Discussion of treatment options includes information on side effects and includes questions the patient may not think to ask his doctor. Discussions of various treatments include the salvage therapies that might be employed if primary treatment fails. There is an extensive section on the theory and practice of androgen deprivation therapy in it¡¦s various forms, since many patients have need of this type of information.There is a discussion of ¡§Treatments on the Horizon¡¨ for the patient who is interested in the ongoing research in the world of prostate cancer.This is a current, comprehensive guide to prostate cancer presented in understandable terms with a user-friendly color format that will help the reader educate himself about prostate cancer.The book strives to help patients and their loved ones to combat ignorance and fear, replacing that with the empowerment of education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

All patients should read
Well organized and illustrated. Especially helpful for early stages of diagnosis and in meeting family member's concerns. I wish I'd had it sooner.

Great book
The book is really well written.It is chock full of information...figures, web links, and references.Great place to start to educate one's self if newly diagnosed.

Invaluable Prostate Cancer Book
Book Review
A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide, 2nd Ed.
Stephen B. Strum, M.D. and Donna Pogliano
Hollywood, FL: Life Extension Foundation, 2005, 124 pp.
Ranked in the Top Ten of my Cancer Bibliography.
Ranked in the Top Five of my Prostate Cancer Bibliography.

I have surveyed or read so far over 100 cancer books in researching my own book. This ranked in the top 10% in both my categories primarily because of the excellence of its useful and professional content and presentation and the sophisticated level of the discussion. After my prostate cancer diagnosis, quickly learning I would not get enough time with my doctor, I dug deeply into many libraries and web sites. Public libraries are helpful, but severely incomplete and rarely up to date. With a background of two college degrees and Managing Director of a large research corporation, I knew how to do research and began to seek deeper information sources and understanding on cancer and medical websites. Here, also, there are problems: insufficient depth, too general, uncertain or dated reliability, suspect motives and dispersed value in millions of locations. Studies have shown that patients have a lot of trouble finding good material on the web, trying to find diamonds in the rubble. Then, I turned to Amazon and began to build my own library of the best available. This solved my problem.

Dr. Strum is a specialist in prostate cancer. This book is condensed and loaded on almost every page with color diagrams, charts, tables, photos, scans, Physician Notes and medical writing and details I would expect in a med school text. With my previous preparation, I was able to understand and apply almost all of it to my own situation, a great leap forward for a non-scientist. Not every prostate cancer patient will be ready for this, but buy it, refer to it as you do your homework elsewhere and your disease progresses, and it will soon become the core of your understanding and view of your future.

Along with the beautiful, colorful and clear presentations, I loved the several examples that were identical to my own journey, followed by the explanation of choices and exact treatment I have had: what a relief to study, decide and then get the same confirmation from my own doctors as we moved through several stages of diagnosis and treatment; what a thrill to study a photo of a problematic bone scan and compare it to my own favorable, cancer-free scan following treatment.

Your doctors are, of course, the final and up-to-date authority: be well-informed, so you can participate in the decision-making with the experts; but recognize that the busy medical community may not have the time or detailed knowledge of your situation to give it the attention you can. As you go, you will find a number of excellent books like this to guide you. It is important to have current information about the fast-moving science of medicine. That makes it a lot easier to get past the basics, ask good questions and accept or refine the doctor's judgment and recommendations. Seek out and devour books like this one, and you will be miles, perhaps even some time, ahead of most patients. With that confidence, your improved mental attitude will assist in your progress.
John Roberts (www.CanFighters.com)

The Essential PCa Text
I began this battle in the depths of ignorance. After a year+ and ineffective treatment, I began to learn, almost too late, about PCa from this book and to become an empowered patient.

I have studied both the first and second editions, and have them at my side constantly.

When my local medics failed, Strum and Pogliano's work preserved and still preserves my life.

If You Have Prostate Cancer, Read This Book First
Prostate Cancer (PCa) diagnosis is a scary time in a man's (and his family's) life.While most PCa books are written by doctors stressing the treatment benefits of their own discipline, this book does a wonderful job at explaining the many options without recommending any particular treatment.Many doctors try to push their patients into quick treatment decisions; Dr. Strum encourages patient empowerment through thoughtful education and understanding of the disease.He advises each individual to take their time in locating the best doctor to perform whatever treatment the patient decides upon, as this will result in the best outcome (the least degree of post-treatment problems).Since my PCa diagnosis in May 05, I have recommended this book to numerous friends and their families!It helped me feel 'comfortable' with my disease, it helped me seek the best treatment, it helped me find the best "artist" doctor.This book is a winner, and should be a First Read on your list!! ... Read more

Book Description
The second edition of this comprehensive guide to cancer helpspatients and their caregivers learn about causes and prevention of cancer;offset the side effects of conventional medicine; evaluate effectivealternative treatments; utilize natural therapies involving diet,lifestyle, and nutritional supplements; and achieve deep healing through amind-body-spirit approach. Featuring in-depth discussions of 20 specificcancers, including detailed descriptions of integrative treatments, thisaccessibly written guide is an invaluable tool for understanding andimplementing integrative and complementary cancer care. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fighting Back
Diagnosis: Cancer.Here is your first step in fighting back if you or a loved one has been given this diagnosis. To have all this information at your fingertips is empowering. This book is so well written, very understandable for a layperson; you will want to keep it close-by for answers to questions that pop up all the time.Each page is backed with research, which is encouraging and impressive. Hopefully this integrative approach to treating cancer will become the rule. It just makes sense.

As a physician....
As a physician, I have and will continue to recommend this book to anyone who is newly diagnosed with cancer. This book is readable and yet so thorough in its scientific research. This should be the standard for all healthcare-consumer books.

Medicine can no longer afford to ignore Integrative Healthcare offerings.
It is informative and empowering. You want this on your shelf at home because someone you know and love will one day NEED this.

Excellent resource for cancer patients and health care providers

If knowledge is power, Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Cancer is a real powerhouse. Eschewing medical or technical jargon, this book helps readers decipher the terminology used by oncologists. I especially appreciated the discussion of 10 ways to analyze internet information. This alone is worth the cost of the book for patients desperately sorting through reams of information and claims.

The book is organized into four distinct parts, plus a useful appendix. Part I covers cancer basics, detailing early detection and diagnosis techniques in clear, accessible language. Each form of conventional treatment such as radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy, is addressed in Part II, which explains what to expect and how to minimize side effects. Part III contains a detailed discussion of supporting key body functions and explanations of how and why each step is desirable. Handy charts of common chemotherapy agents list which supportive nutrients to increase and which may be contraindicated. These are invaluable to help patients and providers design supportive plans and avoid undesirable interactions. Part IV discusses individual cancer types, detailing the basic biology of the organ, common treatment options, and best supportive therapy ideas. The appendixes include a nutrient directory, a glossary of medical terminology, and copious references.

Included throughout are first-person patient stories that humanize the technical information, allowing a deeper understanding of the impact a diagnosis of cancer can have on patients and their loved ones. These stories also remind us how important it is to treat the whole person, not just a diagnosis, and how each patient must find their own pathway to healing.

Overall, this book provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available for cancer patients and providers. I would strongly recommend that anyone living with cancer or treating patients with cancer get a copy and use it regularly.

Just what is needed
This book is filled with useful information.I already have a list of people I want to buy it for, basically everyone I know with cancer or who has a family member with cancer.A description of traditional treatment for each cancer type is given and then complementary treatments are also described.All the information is supported by scientific research, and has been carefully vetted.The information empowers the layperson to make informed decisions about what treatments to try and how effective they might be.There is an overwhelming amount of information on the web about alternative cancer treatments, and unfortunately most of it is a sales pitch for some unproven product.This book provides the information you need.In addition there is a great deal of information about cancer prevention, causes and treatment in general.The inclusion of patient stories, breaks up the factual information and gives something for patients and family members to relate to.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description
Good nutrition is vital to people undergoing cancer treatment, yet treatment side effects can make eating seem unappealing. Now Betty Crocker, two oncologists, and a nutritionist bring back the joy of eating topeople undergoing cancer treatment with delicious recipes that are nutritious and easy to make. A thoughtful, practical gift for patients and families coping with cancer, the book includes:

• 130 recipes, from breakfasts and snacks to dinners and desserts, like Extra-Easy Baked Ziti, Fettuccine with Asparagus and Mushrooms and Country Blueberry Cobbler
• Advice from cancer patients, from coping with the emotional roller coaster to making recipes more appealing
• Recipes tagged to show which are helpful for the most common side effects of cancer treatment, plus special diet menus to help with them
• "Q and A" between Dr. Ghosh and cancer patients about how to handle the effects of cancer treatment
• An easy 7-day menu plan based on eating small meals six times a day -- just right for patients in treatment
• Cancer resource guide, nutrition and medical glossary

Customer Reviews (11)

Disappointing!
This book was very disappointing for me. Some of the information contradicted itself regarding nutropenia, which made me suspicious of the content of other topics. I have only tried one of the recipes and didn't care for the taste.

Just a Cookbook with a unique spin
This is a useful cookbook for reference, but it is not something that I feel is absolutely necessary in my cooking library. As a regular cook and a breast cancer patient, I found the recipes to be basic modifications of ordinary recipes.

If you are struggling with a specific side effect of cancer, then this book does offer helpful organization of foods/recipes for that purpose. It is useful in that way. On the other hand, I think most cancer patients find a core group of foods that they tolerate well, and stick with them through treatment. Also, talking with other patients and reading internet articles has been more useful to me than this cookbook. Sorry -- but I really think this is just another way to market something to cancer patients. We're vulnerable once we're diagnosed, so watch out.

Are you LIVING with cancer?
I gave this book to my grandmother.It has tips on dealing with nasea, how to prepare food so it doesn't taste metalic, etc... Lots of real and useful information for getting proper nutrition.My grandmother wasn't in the right frame of mind to accept the information.Good food will greatly contribute to our health and well being, I'm sad she could not allow herself this.It is a great book without being to new agey- after all it's by America's kitchen sweetheart, Betty Crocker.How more traditional can you get?Best of health to you and yours.

Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook
This is more than a cookbook.It is wonderful for the one who is preparing meals for a loved one who is battling cancer.I've given it as a gift to several of my friends in the same position.What a great book full of great recipes and information.

cancer cookbook
I use this book all the time and have found it extremely helpful while undergoing chemotherepy,all the recipes are very well thought out and very tasty. ... Read more

Amazon.com
An informative and absorbing read for both medical practitioners and their patients, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer takes aim at "the breast cancer industry" with a barrage of thought-provoking ammunition.

The book is equal parts criticism and suggestion. Current health treatments, including HRT, receive serious condemnation, and authors John Lee and David Zava carefully provide plenty of medical research to back up claims that excessive estrogen is a main source of cancer-causing irregularities. While the names of all the different natural and synthetic hormones can get overwhelming for the lay reader, with perseverance your new vocabulary of terms like androstenedione, estradiol, and cortisol will enable you to communicate more effectively with your doctors. The authors credit these hormones not just with a role in cancer, but with culpability for everything from insomnia and acne to fatigue and migraines. A full chapter extols the virtues of natural progesterone cream, and urges women to order their own saliva tests for proper evaluation of their hormone levels.

Diet and exercise recommendations are simple, outlining reasons to limit fats, sugars, and meats while increasing vegetables and adding a multivitamin. These recommendations extend to adolescents and urge getting off the couch and beginning a gentle exercise program to women of all ages and in each stage of life. --Jill Lightner Book Description
An informative and absorbing read for both medical practitioners and their patients, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer takes aim at "the breast cancer industry" with a barrage of thought-provoking ammunition. The book is equal parts criticism and suggestion. Current health treatments, including HRT, receive serious condemnation, and authors John Lee and David Zava carefully provide plenty of medical research to back up claims that excessive estrogen is a main source of cancer-causing irregularities. While the names of all the different natural and synthetic hormones can get overwhelming for the lay reader, with perseverance your new vocabulary of terms like androstenedione, estradiol, and cortisol will enable you to communicate more effectively with your doctors. The authors credit these hormones not just with a role in cancer, but with culpability for everything from insomnia and acne to fatigue and migraines. A full chapter extols the virtues of natural progesterone cream, and urges women to order their own saliva tests for proper evaluation of their hormone levels. Diet and exercise recommendations are simple, outlining reasons to limit fats, sugars, and meats while increasing vegetables and adding a multivitamin. These recommendations extend to adolescents and urge getting off the couch and beginning a gentle exercise program to women of all ages and in each stage of life. --Jill LightnerDownload Description
Since 1950 breast cancer incidence has risen by 60 percent;and each year over 40,000 American women die from it. Conventional treatment protocols are simply not working and worse, they may even be harmful. But women do have prevention and treatment choices their doctors may not be telling them about. Now John R. Lee, M.D., and David Zava, Ph.D., explain these options and offer potentially lifesaving strategies to lower risk and help stop this devastating disease. Bestselling author Dr. John Lee has led the way in using natural progesterone therapy for lifelong health for pre- and post-menopausal women. Now he joins forces with breast cancer researcher Dr. David Zava to create a breakthrough hormone balance program that could help save your life. Discover; The problem with conventional ERT and HRT: how synthetic hormones may trigger cancer; The long-term risks of birth control pills; The breast cancer drugs currently used that may be doing as much harm as good and why doctors use them anyway. The unsettling truth about mammograms and radiation therapy. The protective benefits of using natural hormones to create balance. The potential dangers in our homes, our water, and food With a revolutionary program featuring natural progesterone, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer shows women how they can help prevent breast cancer and help eliminate a recurrence if they have already had the disease. Based on cutting-edge research, this progressive approach to hormone balance is both eye-opening and empowering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Very Informative1
This is a very good book that every woman should read if you have a family history of breast cancer OR other cancers. This book really helped me get on the the path to start my success of breaking the cycle. At times it was a tough ready, as I am not a medical person, but it did give me the tools so I can refer back. I will be keeping this on file and using it as a guide for the future.
I also high recommend the hormone balance test that the book recommends. I have completed it and on a great treatment that is changing my life.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
I found the first chapter of this book to be interesting particularly because it discusses where breast cancer came from and why we can't prevent it.

*Current breast cancer drugs can hurt us just as well that can help us.
*The potential dangers in our home, our water, and food.
*Gives different perspectives of opinions and options.

Very Informative
Great book - essential for any woman who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.Includes details I never got from my doctors and helped me understand the disease.

Essential reading for all women
This is a well researched and well written book. Unlike many publications in this genre - it explains the science and provides the references for back-up.

The book is easy to read - even for the non-scientific - and has a clear message for all women in this age of artifical hormones and petro-chemical pollution.

Find an oncologist who will read this book
My mother had a double mastectomy and radiation.This happened because estrogen dominance led to osteoporosis, and that led to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).Now she's been sentenced to 5 years of Tamoxifen.She read this book twice and went to her oncologist with the information.The doctor wouldn't even listen to her.Dr. Lee's knowledge about estrogen dominance, HRT, and progesterone cream will ring true for many women with a predilection to breat cancer, with breast cancer, with any type of cancer, or with any of the multitude of estrogen dominant conditions (allergies, autoimmune disorders like lupus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, decreased sex drive, depression, foggy thinking, migraines, miscarriages, PMS, and strokes just to name a few!).If you have breast cancer- my advice is to read this book and then take it to your oncologist.If he/she isn't open-minded enough to read it, find another doctor. It could save your life.Also, for all who are suffering through pre-menopause or menopause, I highly recommend Dr. Lee's other books: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About PREmenopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty; What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance. ... Read more

Book Description
A crash course on canine cancer, for all dog lovers. Covers prevention,diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, diet, supplements and homecare. Medical animal writer Kaplan shares journey with her own lymphomasurvivor, Bullet. A must read for those who have a dog with cancer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Help your dog fight cancer
This book is full of insight, information and the love of a wonderful dog. It is written by the dog owner, who in not a vet. Therefore, the information comes from opinions and research of many professionals and trial and error of the owner/author. It was very helpful for us.

very informative
after reading the book, I found it to be very informative and am hoping things work out for anyone who has a dog with this disease.

A must for every dog owner's book shelf
A friend loaned me her copy of this book when my sister's dog was diagnosed with cancer.Now that I've read it, I'm buying my own copy to have as a ready reference.This book will not tell you how to treat your own dog; it will help you devise a plan which is appropriate for your own dog and your own personal situation.The author reviews all of the things you need to consider, and shares her own decision making process by telling Bullet's story. It's a good story, one you'll want to finish. Even if your dog is healthy, buy this book, read it now, and you'll be prepared if your dog, or a friend's dog is diagnosed with cancer.

Help your Dog Fight Cancer
This is the most informative book I've ever read on the subject. Also a very moving story which I will read over and over again!

The info on veterinarians, oncologists and web-sites is incredable!

A MUST buy, also for those whose dogs do NOT have cancer.

Great help
It was an easy read but unfortunately one cannot utilize every single suggestion the author offers up.However we did use a lot...like changing Cody's (sweetest Golden Retreiver in the history of Golden Retreiver's) diet to something more organic..gave him yogurt which he loved..chicken..and filtered water. But after the first chemo treatment caused such unusual discomfort and stress in him, we decided to forgo any further treatments and let him go naturally.He did very well for about 8 weeks after the chemo stopped but when we found one morning he could not get up..then we knew it was time. He could still eat voraciously and drink like there was no tomorrow and as aware as ever...but he couldn't get up.It was a sad goodbye....very very sad.Sorry..anytime I have a chance to talk or write about Cody, I go off.It is very helpful to me.But the book helped us notice things we may not have noticed if we hadn't read it....so for me altho the end result was sadly unfortunate...I believe the book contained a lot of good ideas.Ok..I'll stop now ... Read more

Book Description
Your support group in a book, filled with boundless strength and profound hope - until the fight is won.Along with the shock, fear and loss many women face upon a breast cancer diagnosis comes unexpected strength, wisdom, and strong networks of sharing, support and healing.In Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul, survivors and their family members talk openly about how difficult their fight with breast cancer has been and how they made it through the dark times with a belief in a higher power and the support of those closest to them. Find strength in the encouraging stories of how family members confront their fears and show genuine affection for one another through gestures such as a granddaughter cutting the hair off of all her dolls so that they will look more like her grandma, who is bald from chemotherapy, and the gentle touch of a three-year-old son on his mother's back giving comfort to his sick mommy, and a husband who shows his wife the depth of his love during a weekend getaway after she heals from a total mastectomy.Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivors Soul will show you the beautiful side of the human spirit and spark the optimism sometimes lost in the mist of an illness.It is for everyone with breast cancer and everyone who loves someone touched by the disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Encouraging and Uplifting
In the format of the bestselling series, breast cancer survivor Mary Olsen Kelly has gathered snippets of courage, healing and hope into categories like "Love," "Challenges," "Character," "Survival" and "Gratitude."Each story is written in a different voice and, though some are far better than others, all provide an important perspective and insight into this devastating illness.

A powerful source of encouragement for survivors, family, friends and all who love them.

Support Group Between Two Covers
As the co-author of this book, I have to thank the amazing story contributors who wrote deep and moving stories about their journey through breast cancer in order to help those who have been newly diagnosed, their families and friends. This book would not have been possible without their courage, strength, and humor. Yes, there are a lot of funny stories in here too. It was an honor to work with such talented and generous women survivors (and one man) who are all surviving and thriving. This book is inspiring, it gives you a lift and lets you know that as you go through the often scary treatments for breast cancer, you are not alone.

Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivors Soul
Wonderful! Inspirational! I love all the Chicken Soup Books!

A Gift For A Friend
I bought this book as a gift for a friend who is a breast cancer survivor.However, I did read the book before I gave it to her.It was very inspirational, supportive and encouraging.I was greatly uplifted by this book, as I am by all of the Chicken Soup books.They are wonderful books and very needed in a world that tends to focus on the negative.These books are a great reprieve from some of the ugliness that we have to deal with in our every day lives.Thank you Jack Canfield.

comforting
I bought this book several months after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.It was a comfort for me to read about other experiences that were positive.It is a club that nobody wants to belong to but...it is a club filled with wonderful people. ... Read more

Book Description
A book of powerful stories about cancer patients and their families who have been touched by God in miraculous ways--some in their bodies, others in their minds, all in their spirits--offers inspiring testimony that, when God and cancer meet, cancer is conquered. The author, herself a cancer survivor, gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of 18 personal encounters with God.

Here's what others are saying about When God and Cancer Meet:
"Lynn has captured the essence of hope in this book; captured hope in ways that I have always taught in my professional world as well as in my spiritual community. This book is a treasure to those who struggle with the fears of cancer and I want to keep it close at hand for those reasons."

--Judy Lentz, RN, MSN, OCN, NHA
Executive Director, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

"I co-lead a cancer support group at my church, and we have been looking for "just the right book" to study and discuss. Guess what?! Lyn wrote it! I was truly touched by all the stories; of course being a cancer-survivor myself, I saw myself in one of the stories, as if Lyn were writing my own personal story. I was truly impressed with the way she incorporated scripture, and God's viewpoint into every story. I think that is of utmost importance for anyone facing this disease.
Lyn's book is "Real-Life"; some quickly are healed of the cancer, some deal with it over a prolonged period, some deal with recurrences, some, mercifully, die rather quickly. I share Lyn's belief that GOD sometimes chooses to heal in different ways: physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In the process of surviving a primary brain tumor, surgery, Chemo, and radiation, I gave my life to Christ, realizing that my physical health was not GOD's main concern, my Spiritual health was the biggest victim of a disease that needed attention and this was the way He FINALLY got my attention. Lyn's book alludes to this fact in every one of her stories. In this day and age that we are living, where it is against the rules to even mention GOD ( unless we mention His name in vain) it is refreshing to have a book written, praising Him for His care and concern for us; written by a woman who has experienced the disease firsthand, and continues to minister to others with cancer, and to work for a Doctor! who isn't ashamed of his Faith ! WOW!!
Obviously, Lyn's book has my highest reccomendation, and my support group will be purchasing multple copies, and we plan to invite Lyn to speak with us. Lyn is a wonderful person, and I thank God for allowing our paths to cross. I'm sure this book will touch many lives,and give many a new perspective and hope with their cancer."

--Chris Winand, cancer survivor ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Don't let the God in the title fool you
I typically don't recommend books that deal with religion/God in any way because of the variety of beliefs in the people I associate with, however I felt this book did a good job in not specifying any one belief system and would likely not offend anyone, God-fearing or not.Helps gives those in despair a reason to hang on, meaning to their pain.Recommended highly.

Cancer Survivor Who Loves and Uses This Book
I am the sister that Barry Hidey speaks about in his review of this book. He gave me this book during my bout with breast cancer. It deals with all kinds of people and how they dealt with their cancer. In my experience I have found that people respond differently to cancer and everyone will find stories that touch their hearts. I too have used the book when after my own cancer a dear friend found she also had breast cancer.

A very comforting book for those with cancer
In this book, Lynn Eib shares stories of people she has worked with as a hospice counselor.There are stories of people with all sorts of cancer and different outcomes, but in each story there is a nugget of peace and hope, even in the grimmest of situations.As described in one of the stories, "either way, we win."We will either live with cancer or get rid of the cancer and go to Heaven, and either way God has us in His hand.

I gave this book to a friend who is battling cancer, and she was riveted to it the whole evening.

Great resource for anyone fighting Cancer!
When my sister was diagnosed with [...] cancer, 5 years ago, this book was a good source of understanding and spiritual strength. Lynn Eib is a cancer survivor and she tells the stories of about 20 people who also faced cancer. As a pastor, I find that cancer brings many questions about faith, Jesus and healing. I have given away about 25 copies of this book to people in our congregation, both those with cancer and family members who also struggle with their faith in a time like this.

This is a witness to the presence of God in the midst of some of the darkest time of a person's life. This book can bring hope and healing to those who read it.

When God and Cancer Meet
Excellent book written by someone who has been through the experience.Good for anyone just diagnosised who is looking for encouragement and understanding. ... Read more

Book Description
In Cancer Is Not A Disease, bestselling author and internationally acclaimed health expert, Andreas Moritz, proves the point that cancer is the physical symptom reflecting our body's final attempt to eliminate specific life-destructive causes. He claims that removing such causes sets the precondition for complete healing of our body, mind and emotions. This book confronts you with a radically new understanding of cancer - one that outdates the current cancer model. On average, the conventional approaches of killing, cutting or burning cancerous cells offer most patients a remission rate of merely 7%, and the majority of the few survivors are "cured" for just five years or less. The prominent cancer researcher and professor at the University of California (Berkeley), Dr. Hardin Jones, stated: "Patients are as well, or better off, untreated." Any published success figures in cancer survival statistics are offset by equal or better scores among those not receiving any treatments. More people are killed by the treatments than saved.Cancer is Not a Disease shows you why regular cancer treatments can be fatal, what actually causes cancer, and how you can remove the obstacles that prevent the body from healing itself. Cancer is not an attempt on your life; to the contrary, cancer is trying to save it. Unless we change our perception of what cancer really is, it will continue to threaten the life of nearly one out of every two people. This book opens a door for those who wish to turn feelings of victimhood into empowerment and self-mastery, and disease into health. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Paradigm shifting - Must Read!
With cancer effecting 50% of U.S. citizens now, this book is a must read for everyone!It explains the mechanism of cancer and provides answers that make sense - FINALLY!Paradigm shifting and incredibly valuable info.

Essential insights, not just for cancer patients!
Cancer Is Not A Disease is not just a book for those suffering from cancer. It provides you with some of the most precious and fundamental principles behind the healing of any illness. The premise of true healing rests upon the recognition that during an illness the body is not trying to kill you or punish you in some way. Rather, a disease is part of the body's intrinsic intelligence and constant effort to live and survive. If we saw disease as the body's attempt of self-protection, supporting its efforts (versus attacking or suppressing it through approaches of medical intervention) would make spontaneous healing not only possible but most likely.

An old proverb says, "Only a new seed can yield a new crop." What we need most at this time of confusion in the field of health and treatment is a new approach that recognizes and heals the reasons behind the body's many survival attempts (diseases). Cancer Is Not A Disease is for everyone who wishes to create a permanent state of balance where the body no longer needs to take recourse to such drastic protective measures as infection, cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Exercise Options
Excellent Exercise Options-It's important to know what will work for you and for your situation. Very well explained and good illustrations.

The Breast Cancer survivor's Fitness Plan (Harvard Medical School Guides)
This book is packed with information.The explanations are clear and easily understood.The exercises recommended are illustrated and instructions are explained in layman's terms.It provided information that I did not receive from my doctor regarding those all important exercises.Ex.Warm Ups after surgery.

I subscribe to the school that knowledge is power and this book provided more information to me that was helpful.I recommend it.

You can be strong!
This is a great book for women with breast cancer who want to be strong or stay strong. It has great information on what kind of exercise we need and has specific exercises for our various surgeries. When I started chemo everyone told me that 80% of women gain weight. I was lucky to find a local fitness program for people with cancer (Living Strong Living Well) and I was able to work out during the time I took Taxol. Not only did I not gain weight but I know how to lift weights and feel so strong. This book will now help me get through Tamoxifen and work on being fit for life. Well done! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent starter book!
When you or a loved one get a cancer diagnosis - EVERYTHING is so overwhelming. There is so much information to process and so many decisions to make. This book is a very quick read and can help you quickly start changing your diet to one that is more healthy. It includes information on managing the side effects of cancer treatment. More than half the book is quick, easy recipes to help you get started. I highly recommend this book as your "healthy-eating starter" book. Then once you aren't so overwhelmed you can purchase a larger, more in-depth book on cancer prevention nutrition. ... Read more