Although countless books and pamphlets have been written for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, little exists for women who have finished their treatment. While many outsiders assume that the end of treatment brings only relief, women who have had breast cancer know that the post-treatment chapter in the breast cancer experience is one of the most difficult. Schnipper, a breast cancer survivor and an oncology social worker, helps prepare women for life after breast cancer by imparting information and advice in an intimate and direct manner. She covers all aspects of the experience, including physical recovery, coping with family members who expect everything to go back to normal immediately, fertility and fear of recurrence. The idea of transformation underlies the book, and she devotes a moving chapter to the different ways some women have gained or regained a sense of spirituality. As Schnipper writes, "Our lives have been changed in many ways and we have tried to be understanding and flexible about our possibilities. Our hearts and souls, however, need time to catch up." In this volume, readers will find a guide that might help them better understand their infinitely complex circumstances and find hope.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This is the book I wish I had been able to offer women being treated for breast cancer during my years as an oncology social worker and the one I wish had been available when I completed my own treatment for the disease. It presents the ongoing challenges of survival while offering the reader practical, common sense advice and solid support. Ms. Hill allows her own vulnerability and compassion to emerge but the reader is always aware that the author is a skilled professional with a unique perspective. The style feels conversational allowing even the most complicated information to come across to the reader as entirely accessible. The chapter on Sexuality is done with sensitivity as well as humor and is full of practical suggestions. It should help many women and their partners. The chapter on Genetic Testing offers one of the most understandable I've read about this complicated issue. Information on the possibility of early or late recurrence, always a difficult subject but one every survivor contemplates,is handled well. Throughout the entire book, this reader was engaged. There is no "one size fits all" message in this book. Finally, the anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book will allow many readers to feel less isolated as they recognize their own reactions in those illustrated here. They will also learn to appreciate their individual responses and differences. This well conceived and implemented book will be helpful not only to women completing treatment, but to their families and health care providers. It is a gem.
