Product Description

I Am Not My Breast Cancer gathers the warm, loving, frank, and informed voices of more than eight hundred women—from every state in the nation and from continents as far away as Australia and Africa—who reveal their fears, trade advice, share experiences, and express their deepest, most intimate concerns. Essential reading for any woman with this diagnosis, it offers the companionship of other women dealing with this disease. Taking the reader chronologically through the stages of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and self-discovery, I Am Not My Breast Cancer offers women a deeper understanding of themselves and living with cancer.

Customer Reviews (5)

A must have for any person with breast cancer
I loved this book!I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 and this book saved me from a horrible depression.The stories of others in my same situation was so comforting.

Want to know how the women who've had it feel?
I purchased this book, along with four others, because I am writing a novel in which my character learns that she has breast cancer.I really wanted to know what she would be going through, and not just the medical side of it, but the emotional, the physical, the sexual and the psychological.It's all here and it comes directly from the women who experienced it.This is really a gem.I do not have breast cancer, thankfully, and I really hope I never have to endure these things that I've read about, however these women really shine in their honesty and their courage.I was shocked to learn how much they have to go through.They don't tell us these things.I had no idea that chemotherapy caused premature menopause.I knew it caused nausea, fatigue and hair loss but all of the other multitudes of difficulty, I just had no idea.Regardless if you have cancer or not, this book is something all women should read.I highly recommend it.

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

Product Description
The only text available to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, 100 Questions & Answers About Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions. Written by Lillie Shockney, Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, Instructor in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University s School of Medicine, and tireless breast cancer patient advocate, with commentary from actual patients, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the medical, psychological, or emotional turmoil of this condition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best book
This is the only book that deals with my particular situation, starting with a diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastatic Breast cancer.The entire book is useful, not just one part.I often re-read it too, especially the well organized section on chemo medications and side-effects. Nothing soft-pedaled, but straight-forward questions and answers, which I appreciate.

an excellent source of good knowledge
my wife and i found this book to be a very informative source for finding answers to the many questions we had about breast cancer.well laid out, written in concise language and comprehensive in its scope.overall well done. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover The Power Of Ancient WisdomFor centuries , Traditional Chinese Medicine has helped millions of cancer patients in China, specializing in reducing the risk of breast cancer and healing it by identifying and treating its root cause. Chinese medicine offers a broad range of time-tested, natural, safe, self-healing treating that can complement prevailing Western cancer treatments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a nine-point healing guide that can be individually customized for women diagnosed with breast cancer; those about to undergo surgery, chemotherapy or radiation; breast cancer survivors who want to prevent recurrence, and any woman looking for serious prevention techniques. With his training, Dr. Nan Lu revives the ancient healing wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine --

This book explains the philosophy, history,principles, and theories of TCM; how these relate to breast cancer;and how a woman can restore harmony with TCM self-healingpractices. The practices include movement, dietary recommendations,herbs, emotional balance, and mental messages. However, the book ismore theory than self-help. For example, Lu suggests "a combination ofTCM herbs and special herbal teas to help relieve the side effects ofbreast cancer treatment," but doesn't give any specifics, insteadsaying to write to the TMC foundation.However, on the next page, hegives a recipe for producing breast milk (is this really what a womanwith breast cancer is longing to know?) consisting of peanuts,soybeans, and pork feet. Later in the book he gives some herbalrecipes and food recommendations. He recommends gentle exercise only(not even brisk walking), and notes that "too much sex will causeliver and kidney Qi deficiencies" or even eye problems, recommendingrestricting sex to once or twice a month if you're undergoingchemotherapy or radiation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Life Changing
I read this book because someone gave it to my mother while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. It changed my life. It is really not limited to breast cancer, it teaches women's health in general. There are lists of everyday foods in the back of the book as well as receipes that have really helped my physical symptoms. I would recommend it to ALL women.

Empowering
This book gave me information which would improve my breast care, and not only that by doing the exercises daily it would and has improved my energy.I recommend this book to ALL women.

Helpful information and encouragement toward lifestyle changes
This book gives the reader a sense that they can be in charge of their body and how disease effects them. It gives some commons sense and not so common sense ideas of how to take care of yourself when dealing with cancer. I would recommend it as an alternative therapy resource and guide to making positive changes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing fro
Dr. Nan Lu, extensively trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), founded and developed The Breast Cancer Prevention Project.He is also a founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, Inc., and is involved in SHARE, a self-help organization for women with breast and ovarian cancer.He is also a Qigong master and martial arts champion.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, Dr. Lu describes how ancient TCM techniques can help prevent, treat, and aid recovery from breast cancer.He emphasizes throughout the book that "TCM is dedicated to helping the individual treat the source and not the symptoms of his or her problem."
Dr. Lu presents lots of general information about TCM, natural laws, and Qi, repeating that "everything has a connection and everything has an effect on every other thing."He then applies those principles specifically to breast cancer. He says that "headaches, stomachaches, PMS, or menstrual irregularities. . .are not normal conditions for a healthy body."He regards them as symptoms that should be heeded, to prevent future difficulties.
TCM can be used in many simple ways.For example, doing a monthly breast exam is a source of stress for many women, because it focuses their thoughts on having breast cancer.Dr. Lu recommends "telling yourself instead, that wherever you touch, you are sending in healing energy to protect that location so that you will never have breast cancer."He includes many other ways to conserve, increase, and use the natural healing energy each human possesses.
The healing information is presented in a way that allows each woman to customizethe techniques to fit her own needs.All the techniques are compatible with modern medicine and may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Dr. Lu says that"many of the self-healing techniques I've talked about can help keep your organs working in harmony."Bodies that are in harmony and balanced do not suffer from physical problems, including cancer.
The Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer is a valuable reference for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or current physical condition.

Get to the root cause of breast cancer
I had breast cancer on the same breast twice, in 1983 and again in 3/2001. I want to find the root cause as I do not want it to happen again. I find the book easy to read and understand. I will start the Wu Ming Meridian Therapy which seems easy to do. I will also start to take the healing food and herb listed in the book. Thank you Dr. Lu for helping me to heal. If I had a book like this in 1983, I probably would not have breast cancer again in March 2001. I have been recommending this book to other breast cancer survivers at my support group. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (91)

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book 5th edition
The bible of breast cancer book.Dr. Love explains everything you would want or need to know about breast cancer, for those who are facing this life altering situation.She has the latest information from the most recent reseach.So much comes out new everyday that she will for sure need to make a 6th and 7th edition in a few years.It is a very good reference and she explains everything so anyone could understand.

Probably One of the Most Accessible Books
My only disappointment with this book is that I think the 5th edition is coming out soon and I couldn't wait for it.There is a lot of easily understood information in this book and a lot of great philosophy underneath the content.As a nurse and a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, I have to say that there are many significant decisions that need to be made.Being a partner with your physicians in making these decisions is essential - and taking one decision at a time is critical to staying sane through the process.With links to her websites and other resources, this book is a great resource!

Knowledge is your ally
This book is a wealth of information. No matter what your own situation, you need to know as much as possible about all the types and stages of breast cancer, in order to make informed decisions, and to make the entire experience less scary. Learn, and gain the understanding to participate in your own care. Buy this book.

For those fighting breast cancer
This book is a treasure of information, arranged so the reader can easily find information as it is needed.Everyone facing breast cancer should have a copy!

Invaluable reference source
If you have breast cancer you need this book.Every conceivable topic is covered.I have found myself referring to this resource over and over. ... Read more

Product Description
Newly revised and updated-Whether you're a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide both the patient s and doctor s views, this completely updated third edition of this best-selling book gives you up-to-date, authoritative, practical answers to your questions about breast cancer, including risk factors and prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Now including an entire new section on the impact of cancer on sexuality, intimacy and fertility, 100 Questions & Answers About Breast Cancer, Third Edition is written by a prominent breast cancer advocate and survivor and by a cancer surgeon.The book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

100 Questions & Answers About Breast Cancer, Second Edition (100 Questions & Answers about . . .)
I purchased this book to give to someone special to me who has breast cancer.This book was recommended by someone who's sister had breast cancer.

Great information
This book was recommended to me as I walk through cancer treatment with a friend. I have found lots of helpful information re. cancer. Great resource. ... Read more

Product Description
Becoming a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator is an innovative new resource that guides nurses through the process of becoming a nurse navigator at breast cancer centers. Written by a nationally renowned expert nurse navigator, this essential resource provides direction on improving efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of care. Important features of the book include an overview of the history of navigation, case studies to reinforce concepts and information on becoming a certified nurse navigator. It also contains tools to help measure individual performance and demonstrate value to cancer center leaders. Becoming a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator is a must-have resource for oncology nurses and administrators interested in patient advocacy and improved outcomes. ... Read more

Product Description
Well-respected psychotherapist Ronnie Kaye--who won her own battle with breast cancer--has now written a compassionate and comprehensive guide to the emotional recovery from this ravaging illness. This uplifting guide helps women turn a devastating crisis into an opportunity for growth and victory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

My Favorite Book When Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
I only have high praise and warm gratitude for Ronnie Kaye's book which is THE book that helped me get through my own surgeries and chemo and radiation treatments several years ago.I don't think I could have done it without this book. It was the only book I could find at the time that addressed the myriad of feelings I was experiencing.It was the only book I could find at the time that made me feel like a PERSON instead of a PATIENT. And it was definitely the inspiration for my own book about my breast cancer journey, Bright Side of the Road: A Spiritual Journey Through Breast Cancer, which also deals primarily with the emotional and spiritual (not religious) journey that is breast cancer.

Transforming Trials to Lessons in Life
Ronnie Kaye has a marvelous ability to take a potentially devastasting experience and show how to transform it into a stepping stone of life. As both a man and a doctor, I found her book not only enlightening, buttouching as well. Besides illuminating for us -- doctors, patients &family --about how to cope with breast cancer, Ronnie Kaye also providesthe reader invaluable lessons about humor, unconditional love, and thenature of the indomitable spirit. The reader has the opportunity to followin the footsteps of a marvelous teacher who speaks from personal experiencein leading the reader to their own triumphant life.

A positive tool for dealing witha breast cancer diagnosis
Ronnie Kaye has written a wonderful book to help people deal with the emotional issues of a breast cancer diagnosis.It is one of the few that addresses fear of the unknown and the emotional roller coaster that womenare on when dealing with breast cancer.When a woman is being treated, hermedical team's focus is on the clinical part of saving her life.Emotionalissues are rarely addressed or women are told to go find a support group. By using examples of how she has helped women in her own breast cancersupport groups, Ronnie clearly defines coping skills that will help womenregain some control in their lives and live with the fear.Her book islaced with real life scenarios...the very things that all breast cancerpatients face.But she gives us suggestions and ideas on how to liveinstead of dying.Ronnie has been there.She knows that a devastatingdiagnosis doesn't mean the end.Instead, she will guide the reader to anunderstanding of how breast cancer can be an opportunity for growth andfulfillment. ... Read more

Product Description

Today, more breast cancer treatment options are available than ever before. But how can you determine the course of action that is right for YOU?

Breast Cancer: Beyond Convention is the only single resource that lays out all of the traditional and alternative approaches available today. Assembling a "dream team" of breast cancer experts, the editors of this truly groundbreaking guide encourage readers to work with their practitioners as they consider a variety of approaches, all explained in clear, nontechnical language. Readers will discover

Product Description
An irreverent, funny, compassionate look at what having breast cancer means—and what it doesn’t.

From the pink ribbons to the websites that sell related accessories and stuffed animals, breast cancer has morphed from a disease to an experience. And at every step of the way, society tells women that this experience can teach them profound lessons and maybe even give them a peek at the meaning of life.

But what if it doesn’t?

Before Shelley Lewis got breast cancer she was a smart, edgy network producer. After the long month of treatment ended, she was still a smart, edgy network producer. The cancer was gone but in its place there was no epiphany, no new perspective on life. Lewis found that for herself and other women, breast cancer was many things, but it was not necessarily an opportunity for self-improvement. It didn’t teach them lessons, but surviving it did draw on hard-won life lessons they’d already learned.

A wonderful interweaving of the author’s personal story, interviews with breast cancer survivors, and a sharp-eyed journalist’s look at the breast cancer “community,” this book is full of unconventional wisdom, unexpected advice, and hilarious observations about life inside the pink bubble. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Right on the mark!
Having just gone through this myself, I loved finding someone who gets it!Being strong for everyone else, I could read and let down my guard, crying and laughing and reading the things about people's comments that I wouldn't say out loud!

Wasn't as good as I thought it would be
While I was reading this book, I noticed that I felt more down about having breast cancer than I did before I started reading it. I actually had to stop reading it because it was upsetting me so much. I am a thick skinned person but I found this book to be more on the negative side than on the helpful side. The author is a bit harsh and might scare anyone who has been recently diagnosed or going through treatment.

Just average
After reading the book, definitely felt more down than before.Author's cynicism and harsh judgment of others was not what I expected.Would not recommend the book for those currently undergoing breast cancer treatment.However, there are one or two points she makes regarding the feelings of those diagnosed with breast cancer that I think are universal and stated in a way that the group can identify with.All in all, I think the author came across as belittling of those who do seek to learn some lessons while going through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Disappointed In This Book
I was truly disappointed in this book. The author was full of foul language, whining and other peoples advice. I found no value in the book at all especially being a newly diagnosed cancer patient.
Having cancer is like being pregnant everybody has a different experience. I am glad that I bought this book used and not new. What a waste of money!
What the author did not learn was dignity and self respect. What I have discovered about having breast cancer is you have to have God in your life first and foremost.

Best book about surviving on your own terms
A good book tells you what to do...a GREAT book gets you to decide what to do for yourself...this is a great book for survivors of breast cancer. Great if you're just going though it, or finished your treatment. It empowers the reader to enjoy life and stresses there is no scientific evidence that says your attitude impacts on the outcome of treatment...so embrace your inner bitch if you're into it...or use that sense of humor that works...don't let others dictate what to do about anything...you get to write the rules since it's you're life!!!!! Loved it! ... Read more

Product Description
"How can I know if I'm really cured?"
"Will anyone ever be attracted to me again?"
"Will I ever get to enjoy sex again?"
"It is safe for me to get pregnant?"
"How do I live well beyond menopause without estrogen replacement therapy?"
"What do I tell my boss?"
"My daughter wants to know if she's going to get breast cancer too.What should I tell her?"

If you are one of the 2.6 million women in the U.S. living beyond breast cancer, these may be some of the questions troubling you.You've been through diagnosis and treatment; now you're ready to move from "I have breast cancer" back to "I am leading a normal life."Living Beyond Breast Cancer will help you understand and manage the tough issues you face as you go on beyond treatment, and well into the future.

You'll learn how to become as healthy as possible for as long as possible by eating right, managing your weight, and finding an exercise programthat works with your lifestyle.You'll find out what to do if you've got to stop taking hormones or want to start.You may also need advice on achieving intimacy and having a baby.You'll also find invaluable guidance on growing older and navigating troubling symptoms of menopause, particularly when they're brought on by chemotherapy or tamoxifen or by stopping hormone replacement therapy.A normal life includes dealing with job and health care issues and wills. So you'll find in-depth information on these subjects too.

You're a survivor, and you've got a future.This empathetic book, filled with comprehensive medical information, practical advice, and the voices of survivors who have lived through everything you're going through, will help you celebrate your second chance at living beyond breast cancer.Amazon.com Review
"Breast cancer is never completely over," says author MarisaC. Weiss, M.D., a radiation oncologist. Even when x-rays are negativeand doctors proclaim remission, breast-cancer survivors often sufferfrom continued health problems along with elevated levels of anxiety,and the specter of recurrence is just a small part of the picture.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A Survivor's Guide for When TreatmentEnds and the Rest of Your Life Begins has won endorsements fromboth Bernie Siegel and former surgeon general C. Everett Koop. Itdeftly and with compassion maps out a guide for going back to a"normal" life: for handling fears of recurrence and worries thatfamily members will develop breast cancer and for managing physicalposttreatment problems, including the lingering side effects ofradiation, fertility difficulties, changes in sex drive, and feelingsof unattractiveness.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer iscomprehensive--at more than 500 pages, it has the room to thoroughlycover pain control and medication, genetic testing, weight management,hormone and tamoxifen therapy, alternative treatments such astraditional Chinese medicine, breast reconstruction, and the varioustests for recurrence, from PET and CAT scans to MRIs and blood testingfor cancer markers. It's also a superb reference for emotionalissues, from depression and generalized anxiety to insecurities aboutreentering the job market and revealing the cancer experience tocoworkers. Weiss includes many quotes from breast-cancer survivors, soreaders know they're not alone. The extensive resources and excellentindex add to this book's immense helpfulness. --Erica Jorgensen ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Book Review
The book was very informative and helpful with the information that I was looking for.

Practical, more information than most doctors provide
This book has detailed information that can be overwhelming for those that have diagnoses that are not very early breast cancer. However, if you want to know everything and have a lot of information, you will appreciate this book for all of its content.There is a lot of useful information.If you don't want end of life issues at this time, don't go there with this book, because it covers a lot of territory. For me, parts of this book were scary.

Great book!
This is a great book if you've just finished treatment for breast cancer. After spending a whole year in and out of hospital with operations, chemo and radiotherapy I needed some advice on how to get back to living a normal life but also advice on what I could do to combat a return of the cancer.

Needs to be updated
There's a lot of good information in this book...for 1998.Breast cancer treatment and survival has come a long way since then; this book should reflect that.Also, was surprised at how much stuff they covered that *wasn't* post-treatment.A lot of what this book covered was in other books for the newly diagnosed and those going through treatment -- I wanted more about actual life after treatment, not more recaps of breast reconstruction.

Disappointing.

The Very Best for Metastatic Information!
I've been reading and researching breast cancer on and off for 4 years.A year ago my breast cancer metasticized, and it's hard to find honest information (or any information) about metastatic disease.The title to this book is misleading, because it doesn't mention the fantastic, updated metastatic information.It is by far the most comprehensive, readable treatment of this I've found.I'm ordering several copies to give away. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by two renowned authorities who specialize in the treatment of breast cancer, a surgeon and an oncologist, this lucid step-by-step guide has established itself as the indispensable book women need to make informed decisions about the care that is right for them.

Breast cancer will strike one out of every eight women in the United States. Because there have been many important changes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the last few years, this fully revised Third Edition contains information on the latest developments in the field, including:

• new diagnostic procedures
• changes in the treatment of in situ cancer
• improved surgical techniques
• gene testing
• sequencing radiation and chemotherapy
• HER-2Neu (Herceptin)
• tamoxifen for prevention
• bone marrow and stem cell transplants
• and moreAmazon.com Review
Oncologist Hirshaut and surgeon Pressman form a specializedteam of renowned authority on the treatment of breast cancer. Theirbook--a winner of The American Medical Writers Association's RoseKushner Award--serves as "an additional expert by your side,"providing a backstage look at the essence of breast cancer. Writtenfor women diagnosed with breast cancer or concerned about thepossibility of developing it, the guide is separated into fourinformative yet nonthreatening sections: "From Suspicion toDiagnosis," "Treatment," "After the Treatment," and "Life AfterCancer."

The authors clarify terminology and treatment jargonthat's often lost on the layperson. For instance, fibroadenomas aredescribed as "an orderly growth of cells, confined to the breast, thatresults in benign, movable, and rounded lumps." The TNM system ofstaging is clarified as this: "the conditions Tumor, lymph Nodes andMetastasis are taken into account to determine the stage at which thecancer has been found; staging is a vital tool in measuring risk andchoosing treatment."

Descriptions and illustrations help explainpresurgical procedures, again providing an insider's knowledge intowhat to expect beyond what is usually provided by a regularphysician. Additionally, in a chapter dedicated solely to prevention,the doctors explore factors that may be related to the disease's onsetsuch as heredity, race, diet, vitamins and minerals, alcohol,caffeine, smoking, radiation exposure and other environmental causes,as well as hormones, birth control pills, and hormone replacementtherapy.

The guide concludes with a NABCO (National Alliance ofBreast Cancer Organizations) resource list including numerous officesand phone numbers in each state. Want to know more about breast cancerdiagnosis and treatment?This guide may very well serve as the nextbest thing to an on-call physician, providing clear explanations toquestions--whether general or specific--via a detailed index and 17well-organized chapters. --Cate Bick ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Really informative
Just finished reading thru the 10 Best Questions for Surviving Breast Cancer and found it to be very helpful.They covered the questions I had, were thorough, yet written at a lay person's level.Detail was helpful.Writing was clear and concise.Highly recommend it as a valuable source for anyone who wants to know more about breast cancer and how to survive it.

Indispensable!
Written by two renowned authorities who specialize in the treatment of breast cancer, a surgeon and an oncologist, this lucid step-by-step guide has established itself as the indispensable book women need to make informed decisions about the care that is right for them.

Very good book to guide patients, families through treatment
Betty Rollin's quote on the cover of this book sums it up: "Here are the facts -- clear, unterrifying, and important."I purchased this book for myself and my mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.I wanted us both to be able to read about her disease and learn more about what was going to happen to her without being frightened by statistics and other people's case histories.We have both benefitted from this book because it has helped us to understand the whirlwind of activity that followed her diagnosis.The book is not a comprehensive medical reference; there are other books that do a better job of going into detail (like Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book).But as a readable "guidebook" or handbook to help patients and their families understand the steps involved in the treatment of breast cancer, this book is a very good investment.

The help you need when you need it most!
This book is a systematic presentation of the medical process a breast cancer patient will go through and the significance of each step.Each issue, test and result is explained.The authors believe that a patientshould be an active decisionmaker and advocate of her own interests, andthe book is intended to give her the tools to understand and make informedchoices about her treatment options and the consequences.This is aterrific overview of the situation, which will make net research much moreproductive.Clearly written.There is a resources section in the back. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ
This is such a wonderfully inspirational book and some of the best writing I've ever read. Women sharing their trials, tribulations, heartbreak, and triumph is merely a small part of it. I read the book in one sitting and then for weeks, have been going back and rereading. Thanks to all these wonderfully brave survivors of this insideous disease and thanks for teaching me about life. I plan to buy several copy with an end to passing it to those who need a boost. This book is like a rocket ship. Gun Totin' Chaplain

Personal Stories of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer

Excellent vignets about different phases of breast cancer process including explanation of the stages of the cancer, diagnosis, doctor responsiveness, surgery, medication options. illness progression or remission, recovery or death. Readers interested in person experiences will respond to this book with compassion and understanding.

Recommendation
A book that touches on all stages of breast cancer -- from receiving the news to coping to surviving. Gaining perspective, comfort, or solace from those who experienced it first-hand educates all. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Life Line
I loved this book!It had so much good information and it was based on a real person going through breast cancer.I laughed, cried and was in wonder while reading this book.It is a definite must-read for anyone who is going through breast cancer or their caregiver.

The most wonderful captivating book ever!Rest in Peace Judy

I was just devistated to know that Judy went through this terrible disease not only as written in this book, but again.She lost her life to cancer.This book is not only uplifting spiritually, Judy wrote this book so well, you felt you were by her side through the whole ordeal.

This book was dedicated to her husband Pierre Asti who I have the wonderful pleasure of knowing and after reading it, you will know why Judy wrote "God's man every step of the journey."

Great Reading
This is a must read book. You don't have to have Cancer or know someone with it, just reading about Judy's walk with the Lord is great.

This is a wonderful book!
Warm and inspiring.Thank you, Ms. Asti, for disclosing your fears, faith, humor and personal triumphs to us.An excellent resource for anyone going through a similar experience, or who wishes to love and support someone who is.

Disappointing!
While the scriptures are wonderful and uplifting, I was disappointed with Ms. Asti's focus on spending money, buying expensive wigs, clothing and furniture. ... Read more

Product Description
Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook is the only book designed to be given to patients by their health care provider as a comprehensive guide to understanding treatment options and self-care. No treatment advice is given, allowing the treatment team to offer final recommendations. Instead, the patient is guided through the experience with graphically illustrated explanations of surgical options, treatments and self-care. A concise glossary empowers her to understand the language and participate in discussion about her care. Sixteen tear-out worksheets serve as a tutor for information collection. Reasuring remarks appearing throughout the book from survivors show that others have faced and met the challenge of breast cancer.

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook takes a patient from diagnosis through recovery. Discussions include:

*the emotional impact and response of patients
*how to manage the fears of a diagnosis
*how to communicate with mate, children and family
*types of surgical and reconstruction options
*pre-and postoperative procedures and self-care
*understanding a pathology report
*chemotherapy, radiation therapy
*care of surgical arm, exercises and lymphedema
*breast self-exam after breast surgery
*how to determine normal versus clinical depression
*sexual issues
*diet and exercise
*sources of support, help and much more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Recommended by Others
This was recommended by others and given to a cancer-victim as a gift.I have never read it.

Breast Cancer Handbook a must
A great guide to walk you through all aspects of breast cancer. I've given it to several friends who have been through all stages and kinds of breast cancer and each of them say it has been the most helpful resource for all their questions. They continue to use it and refer to it.

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook
I think the book is very comprehensive and answered some of my questions BUT I also felt that reading it just after I was diagnosed was extremely scary.

In other words, I felt there was just too much information for me,and in some areas, too technical.I will, however, donate this book to our local hospital mammograph department as I feel they can use it well.

Some cancers disappear untreated, study finds
There are many people who cure (themselves) from cancer (and other diseases, for that matter). A few things they all seem to have in common:
They take responsibility for their health/sickness away from doctors or anyone else.
They get rid of negative feelings (like anger, grudge, helplessness and, most of all, by doing this, FEAR). In other words, they CHANGE their lifestyle (most of the time they also take control of what they eat - which is where this book comes in handy).
But most important (togheter with finding peace of mind):

They give their body TIME TO HEAL ITSELF!

Cancer disappears if not discovered (atleast 22% of all breast cancer, for instance):

[...]

Also, take a look at 'German New Medicine' (google for it).

Please people, don't believe everything your good doctor says, look it up
for yourself (but don't get put off by biased articles, before you even start).

May God bless you all.

I wish I was given this book immediately upon my diagnosis
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and understandably, shuffled off very quickly from doctor to testing, to surgery, with more testing and more doctors. Because our medical system is segmented and not designed to treat the person as a whole, there was lots of room for misinformation and lack of information. I don't know if my health care providers assumed other people were telling me how to prepare, or what the process was, or just figured it wasn't their job.

When you first learn you have cancer, like me, you probably think, "Cancer = Death."This is just not the case any longer. Had I had this book in my possession from day one, my fears would have been quieted and a sense of control and peace would have replaced most of my anxiety and fear. Even the doctors will agree, your emotional health, and outlook will affect your recovery.

This book does not try to be a comprehensive, "absolutely everything you need to know" in one book. But it does deliver a lot of information for the layperson, and if you're like me, you'll have hundreds of questions. If you can get even one answered by this book, it's worth the price for peace of mind it can bring.

Some of the things that this book covers that doctors don't pro-actively talk to you about is, the emotional impact to you, how to tell your friends, how to talk to your children about your illness, getting second opinions, what to expect the day of surgery and after, how to understand your pathology reports, the medical explanations of diagnosis, treatments and options, how to deal with health insurance and your employment and more.

Knowledge is power, and this book is chock full of answers, suggestions, resources that your doctors just won't think to tell you. If you've been diagnosed and feel that you have questions and don't know where to go to get them all answered, this book is an excellent resource and springboard.
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Product Description
The Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Breast Cancer is a concise a how to guide that takes you through the journey of breast cancer treatment. It guides you through the overwhelming maze of treatment options available, the complicated schedule ahead, and the task of putting together your plan of action so that you become a cancer survivor. Empower yourself with accurate, understandable information that will allow you participate in the decision making about your care and treatment. ... Read more

Product Description
Foods, exercises, and attitudes to keep your breasts healthy. Supportive complimentary medicines to ease side-effects of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or tamoxifen. Foreword by Christiane Northrup, M.D.Amazon.com Review
Designed to be a resource for both women who want to maintainbreast health and those who've been diagnosed with breast cancer,Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way draws on"women's wisdom," or the inner knowledge often ignored by modernmedicine, as a powerful tool for healing. Author Susun Weed proposesan anticancer lifestyle, and, if cancer does enter the picture, asix-step plan for healing (sleep is at zero, or "Do Nothing"; surgeryis number six, which she terms "Break and Enter"), with variouscomplementary healing techniques included throughout.

Weed iscareful to point out that supplements and herbs can hurt as much asthey can help, and she lists several alternative-medicine techniquesthat should be avoided no matter what. The steps she doesrecommend--from herbal oils for breast massage to help detect lumpsearly to the herbs milk thistle, dandelion, and burdock for women withliver damage from tamoxifen--are explained clearly, sometimes withfascinating quotes from centuries-old books on healing.

Weed willdraw ire from some readers for recommending that mammograms beavoided. She says they tend to squeeze cancer cells into thebloodstream and can't detect cancer until it's metastatic, which arereasons enough to not have them, and adds that women would be betteroff by making her suggested anticancer lifestyle changes, paying moreattention to their breasts, and performing regular self-exams.

Thewarnings about the dangers of electromagnetic fields, exposure toestrogen, and organochlorides from plastics may frighten some, butWeed means to enlighten and empower. She dedicates the book toenvironmentalist and Silent Spring authorRachel Carson and poet Audre Lorde, who both died of breast cancer.Extensive herbal resources, a solid glossary, and a thorough index areincluded. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Breast Cancer Bible
I gave my original copy to someone and had to reorder when I recently was re-diagnosed.This book provides excellent information and advice to help you negotiate between alternative and conventional treatments for cancer.It gives one a sense of peace and control

Every woman (and a few doctors) needs to read this book
I am a breast cancer survivor and wish I had found this book a couple of years ago.It is very empowering to read and and encourages women to take control of their own health and wellness. Once you get in the medical system, it's easy to feel victimized and over your head. Medical people try to scare you into treatments and drugs that may not be in your best interest.Ladies you need to educate yourself and learn how to care for and nourish your own body.This will go a long way in keeping us all out of harm's way within the medical establishment.Susun Weed stresses the importance of nutrition and self-care as a means to staying well, as well as not being afraid of your own body. (Many of us are, I think).This is a great resource for any woman, especially those with breast cancer - or who think they might get it -- and that could be virtually everyone!Recommend very highly.

Susun Weed rocks
I really enjoy Susun Weed's books and this was no exception. I find her style very down to earth and full of practical advice. However, I would not recommend this book to people who believe everything their allopathic doctor tells them.

Thank You, Thank You Susun!!
As a breast patient dealing with stage 4 metastic cancer, I have been reading (at least 50 books) and researching on-line, both conventional and alternative medicine, for 3 and a half years. Susun's book is the most comprehensive, straight forward book with the most practical, helpful information I have found anywhere. It is my medical bible.
I am buying copies to share.

A Must Read
This was a required book for school and I found it so helpful and inspiring, even though I had never thought about breast cancer before now.It was not at all frightening and there were plenty of practical everyday tips and exercises for maintaining breast health.I highly recommend this book for women of all ages. ... Read more

Product Description
A Friend to Help You Through...

No matter where you are in your breast cancer journey, this book is the companion you need. Whether...

• you've just heard the dreaded diagnosis for the first time
• you're in the middle of decisions and treatments
• you're experiencing the disappoint of recurrence
• or you're several years beyond the initial trauma...

No matter where you are in that journey, you need someone who understands. You need a trusted friend to walk along beside, someone who's gone before you. You'll find that friend between the pages of this book.

This book is yours to use in whatever way serves you best. You can start in the beginning and work your way through, or you can use the detailed table of contents to help you find just what you need for what you are experiencing on any given day.

This Helpful Guide Will Be Your

* Mentor * Record keeper * Journal * Devotional * Prayer guide * And friend

Each chapter includes

• A Sister Shares -- stories from breast cancer "sisters"
• Mentoring Moment -- lessons learned, helpful hints, encouragement
• God's Love Letter to You -- paraphrased scripture for you to personalize
• Journaling Guides -- encouraging prompts to help you journal your own breast cancer journey
• And more!

You don't have to make this journey alone. Hope and help await you in the pages of this book, written just for you in your time of need.

Bonus! Sanity Tools Appendix includes

• How to do research
• National contacts
• Decision-making worksheets
• Breast cancer journey map
• Finding your purpose in your pain
• And much, much, more

Customer Reviews (10)

This comforting book will help anyone diagnosed with breast cancer find a place of solace and hope ...
The tension in the room is almost palpable.The scenario from hospital to hospital is almost generic:Several women are seated around a room, each sporting an ill-fitting gown that inevitably exposes parts of her body to total strangers. There is a duet of women holding a loud and senseless conversation in one corner while others shuffle through outdated magazines,staring at pages without really seeing them.The entrance and exit of women from the room is like so much startling punctuation.

"You can undress in here.Take a gown and leave your street clothes in this locker.You can take your pocketbook with you."

"You can get dressed and go home now."

"The doctor will be down in a few minutes to talk to you."

Janet Thompson, founder of the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry, one of those "unfortunates" who had to wait for the doctor, tells about her unnerving experience in her book, "Dear God, they say it's Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey."Though no stranger to adversity, Janet was totally shocked by this unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer and, as she relates, "a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, and their world starts to whirl with yours."Through her tears, trials and tribulation she decided that her breast cancer was a gift from God, an opportunity to share with others and to help them along in their journey through breast cancer.

Thompson divides each chapter into subsections that include a "Topic Title" (quotation), "Dear God" (her personal letter to God), "A Sister Shares" (an appropriate vignette from a breast cancer sister or sisters), "Mentoring Moments" (bits of advice, tips, inspiration), "God's Love Letter to You" (a personalized scriptural adaptation), "Let's Pray" (scriptural or praying with the author) and "Your Letter to God" (opportunities to journal).False alarms, fear, apprehension, "routine" vs "diagnostic" mammograms, meeting the specialists, biopsies, agonizing waits, telling the family, "paralyzing shock," confusion, taking an active role in one's treatment, lumpectomy or mastectomy, hair loss, bodily changes ... this book will help a woman to sort, journal and travel along with others through her illness (or that of another woman) with emotional and spiritual support from the author and other breast cancer sisters/survivors.

This book, regardless of whether or not one is a Christian, will be a useful book to have, read and share with others.One in seven women will get breast cancer in their lifetime and one of them could well be you or someone you love.It was startling to casually come across a line in the book that told of the fates of the women who contributed to the "A Sister Shares" sections."Leslie's recurrence took her life while I was writing this book."October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Call to schedule a mammogram today.

"Please don't let me be one of them."
-- Janet Thompson

A Cancer Patient Must
Bought this book for my friend who has breast cancer and is going through some difficult chemo. She has done nothing but rave about this book and thanked me over and over. She said it has offered some great insights and helped her know she isn't alone!!!

The Breast Cancer Journey Guide
This book has been very helpful in the information and experiences other women have gone through in their breast cancer journey. One must remember that every woman is different and reacts to these experiences differently, but overall, it has been very helpful in knowing what to expect in the future, while connecting with what has already been experienced and knowing someone understands.

Just When I Needed It...
I came across this book about midway through my radiation treatment.With other people thinking, "Well, she got through surgeries and chemotherapy; this radiation treatment doesn't seem to be all that difficult for her", the spiritual support was just what I needed.

This book is one I have purchased and sent to a friend between her diagnosis and treatment; she says it has been very helpful, especially the page format of wide margins for your own notes and list and appointment pages.

I recommend this book as a basic breast cancer reference book.

A Terrific Resource for Church Ministry
This book is a terrific resource for our church's Caring Hearts ministry to hand out to newly diagnosed cancer patients.Our mission is to offer Christ-centered personal and confidential comfort and support to caregivers, cancer patients, and the bereaved in our congregation.This book is a comprehensive, practical guide that is easy-to-read; yet more importantly, it offers such wonderful spiritual encouragement to those faced with cancer.Our true hope and strength is found in Jesus, our Lord, and each chapter leads you directly there.

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Product Description
A cautionary tale about American medicine's experimentation with female hormones, this balanced book chronicles the 60-year attempt to "cure" menopause with estrogen and the 40-year history of chemical contraception, weighing the pros and cons of estrogen use and allowing women to make informed decisions about their bodies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliant and prophetic
I bought this book when it first came out in 1993, and everything journalist Carol Ann Rinzler said then has now become accepted by the top medical researchers.Estrogen (especially when combined with progestin) DOES cause breast cancer, and the supposed benefits of estrogens for preventing heart disease are now being hotly debated.The HERS study (the first big randomized controlled trial on women with heart disease)actually found women had more heart attacks during the first year than women not on HRT. If you still have any doubt that estrogen causes breast cancer, READ THIS BOOK.Only when we're fully informed can women make clear-headed decisions about whether or not to take estrogen drugs for the rest of our lives.

Good case re estrogen causing increase in breast cancer
An good example of, I have no conflict of interest, journalism. Ms. Rinzler has done her homework. She makes a sound case for the idea that the exponential increase in Breast Cancer is mostly the result of the massive introduction of estrogen into women's lives. Birth Control Pills, Hormone Replacement Therapy, DES and more, are all clearly implicated. Why then do they continue to be sold, with ever increasing favor? Why is this being denied/ignored? Why is this just shuffled off as a factor to consider? Why has this book received so little attention? Women should read, study and meditate on this book. Take it to heart. Ask yourself these questions. A fine example of excellent journalism, well written, staight foward and easy to read ... Read more

Product Description
    I have taken my personal experience in practice along with the details of treatment of patient together with published literature and proposed a testable theory of breast cancer. The lack of a theory of cancer and especially breast cancer has made treatment difficult and empirical.

    The book is divided into four parts. The first part discusses iodine. From published facts, we can arrive at a proposal that iodine could be the first phase of a two phase cancer defence system. It appears that iodine in the extra-cellular fluid outside of the cells is the main surveillance system for abnormal cells. Iodine also triggers the natural death of normal cells in the body. There are many cells types in the body undergoing a natural death. For example some of the cells in the stomach have lives of only 2-3 days. The name of this process is apoptosis.

    Carefully documented descriptions of the cancer process at different places in the body reveals most cancers have similar stages through which it passes. The cancers are not really cancer until the cells start to move by invasion through the nearby connective tissue. Cells develop abnormalities for a variety of reasons and can continue to become abnormal all the way up through atypical cells and to carcinoma in situ. Carcinoma in situ is the dividing line between the two phases of cancer development. Iodine in correct doses will reverse all of the changes up to and including the carcinoma in situ.

    The thyroid hormone controls connective tissue function. So connective tissue around organs forms a structural biological barrier to the spread of cancer. Cancer spread to distant organs only develops in the connective tissue of those organs. Therefore, if the connective tissue defence is not strong then the cancerous cell from a distant site can land there and grow. If however the thyroid hormone level in the connective tissue is high enough then the connective tissue will perform its normal defence duties and not allow the cancer cell to enter it and develop.

    Using these principles, fibrocystic disease and breast cancer become more understandable. Supplemental iodine in the correct doses will remove all lesions from carcinoma in situ back to just an abnormal cell by triggering death of these cells by apoptosis. Spread of cancer cells in the connective tissue can be arrested by adequate treatment with thyroid hormone to strengthen the connective tissue barrier.

    My experience with patients using this approach so far has been successful. The principles are that there are two phases to cancer one controlled by iodine and the other by thyroid hormone. Thus the book deals with the prevention and survival of breast cancer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Highly Recommended!
No need to repeat points made by others. This book is accurate and very informative. For over 15 years I've researched human iodine consumption in relation to fibrous cysts and other health issues and this book sums it all up.

Very thought-provoking book!
I just read the opening chapter and the last chapter titled "Breast Cancer," and I plan to read the rest tonight and tomorrow. I was very impressed with the information! And I hope that the medical profession will take note!

Also, I would like to highly recommend visiting the website: earthclinic.com (which is how I found out about this book). People from the U.S. and other countries have emailed in their experiences with natural remedies...and one of the remedies listed on earthclinic is using iodine.

On the site are tabs for "Remedies" (A-Z that show you all the uses for a particular remedy) and there is a tab for ailments (A-Z that list all the ailments...and what remedies people are using for each ailment. And there is a tab for pets (that includes remedies and ailments--because it is very important to take care of pets, too).

Very Informative
As a RN, Medical Laboratory Technologist and breast cancer survivor, I literally read this volume in one sitting.At times I found it to be a bit technical or maybe it is just that my organic chemistry and cellular biology courses were some 30 years ago.Dr. Derry does specifically state that this is his theory based on his understanding of the current literature.I do agree that most of us are iodine deficient.One thing I have noticed in talking with other breast cancer survivors is that a largemajority of us have both breast cancer and hypothyroid.Far too many for it to be statistical coincidence.Of the women I know who have had or have breast cancer at least 50% also carry a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and or fibromyalgia.I also have the fibromyalgia diagnosis and wonder how much of this is actually hypothyroid.I feel strongly enough about Dr. Derry's theory that I have begun taking supplemental iodine.I would recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about either thyroid function or breast cancer.

Disappointed to say the least
Not at all what I expected.Hard to read and very vague.No real directions and lots of technical bull that left me scratching my head.
I would not recommend it at all.The title is very misleading.It did not present any how to's or instructions like the title implies.A waste of money.

Proposes Iodine as Prevention and Treatment for Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer and Iodine by David Derry MD PhD,is a unique 100 page volume which presents the academic case for iodine as prevention and treatment of breast cancer.The book should be handed out freely during October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Although written for the lay reader, it should be required reading for all medical students, breast surgeons, mammographers, breast cancer oncologists and any doctor who orders mammograms.

With ten pages of medical references including the work of B A Eskin and W R Ghent, Dr. Derry discloses the remarkable connection between iodine deficiency, fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. Iodine's anti-cancer activity lies in its control of apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Derry presents case studies complete with surgical pathology confirmation showing regression of both fibrocystic breast disease and carcinoma-in-situ breast cancer with iodine treatment. He also presents a case report case of infiltrating breast cancer involving the skin which regressed after prolonged application of topical Lugol's iodine solution.

I can report from the experience of my own family members that iodine supplementation causes regression of fibrocystic breast disease.

Derry's ideas in the book could be easily revised into an NIH grant proposal to research and confirm the role of iodine.To do so would advance the nation's health and be a great public service.Iodine is safe, inexpensive and readily available without a prescription.A US policy of iodine supplementation matching the Japanese dietary intake of iodine could very well be our best preventive measure against breast cancer.

Jeffrey Dach MD
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Product Description
Breast Cancer, 2nd edition is the 7th volume of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Care Series, featuring the best standard treatment protocols from the experts at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. As more is learned about the relative roles of different treatment modalities, a pattern of practice is emerging where several different disciplines are involved early in the diagnostic and treatment phases of breast cancer. The impact of new and established diagnostic approaches that utilize radiodiagnosis and pathology in combination are requiring that a full range of special expertise from these disciplines be made available to patients. This clinical guidebook is an essential resource for the busy practitioner, allowing for quick, authoritative access to the latest and best in multimodality therapies. Topics covered in this volume include screening for early detection of breast cancer, hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genetic syndromes, diagnostic radiology, ultrasonography, pathology, surgical options, radiation therapy for early and advanced breast disease, tumor markers, standard and high-dose chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, reconstructive surgery, post-treatment rehabilitation, and symptom management and quality of life. Over 125 photographs and line-drawings illustrate the principles discussed in the text. This handbook will become an important guide and resource for community oncologists, as well as general surgeons, internists, and family practitioners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Practical Guide for Breast Specialists
The second edition of Breast Cancer' MD Anderson Guide incorporated all important developments in breast cancer management: prevention, screening, and therapeutics were revised. It is a practical guide, with a direct language, showing how is the institutional routine at Nellie B. Connally Breast Center in MD Anderson. Perhaps the great message emerged from this book is the multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care as the best practice today. Unfortunately this approach is not for all realities, and remains a great challenge for most centers in developing countries. But, at the end, it is a fast, complete, and practical review recommended for all breast specialists. ... Read more