Required Reading

Women want to learn about their breasts, breast health and breast cancer. I am going to recommend 4 books that I think women who are facing a diagnosis of breast cancer should read. Please remember, these are my choices - personal preferences may vary.

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book - This is the third edition, by Perseus Publishing and is available at most large retail book stores. The New York Times states that this is "the bible for women with breast cancer". I agree. The book is divided into 7 sections - the healthy breast, breast problems, diagnosis, prediction and cancer prevention, cancer diagnosis, treating breast cancer and living with breast cancer. It is written in easy to understand language, with lots of diagrams and anecdotal stories from Dr. Love. Some women have felt that the book was too detailed and gory for them. I devoured the book. Since it is divided into sections and chapters, you can read only what you want. So you have to go for a biopsy? Check out the chapter and learn what types are available. Just got back your pathology report? This book will explain it to you. I have owned all three editions (each one is updated with new information) and all are dog-earred from being used as a reference for myself and friends. You can also check out her website at http://www.susanlovemd.com

The second book is a novel, written by Laney Katz Becker, entitled Dear Stranger, Dearest Friend - William Morrow publishers. If you are reading my column, you are internet-savy and should enjoy this book. It is the story of two women with breast cancer who become friends via email. One has completed her treatment and the other is newly diagnosed. If you have or have had breast cancer you will laugh, cry and nod your head in agreement with these two women. WARNING: It doesn't have a happy end - this is no fairytale. It might be a novel, but it comes real close to how women relate to each other and their cancer and families. Some of it makes you gulp, but it is a slice of life and it shows the wonderful friendships that can bloom from this dreaded disease. Website is http://www.dearstranger.com

The next choice on my list is Lymphedema - A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing by Jeannie Burt and Gwen White PT, Hunter House Publishers. Never heard of lymphedema? Did your doctor tell you not to worry about it? If you have had any breast treatment (surgery, radiation, hormonal) you owe it to yourself to read this book. Learn the risks of lymphedema and what you can do to minimize your personal risk. Well written for the layperson. I wish all the breast cancer medical personnel were required to read this book.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic