The Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan (Harvard Medical School Guides) by Carolyn M. Kaelin, Francesca Coltrera, Josie Gardiner, and Joy Prouty

This is a remarkable book that's chock full of interesting things you may not know. It's aimed at the 2 million-plus women now living in the United States who've been treated for breast cancer, but I was fascinated with it and I'm not in that number. It contains clear explanations, real-life stories, straightforward diagrams, lists of resources and descriptions of surgery and implant options. It's the first Harvard doctor-approved workout book designed specifically for breast cancer survivors and the first to address each type of surgery and treatment with separate, appropriate exercise prescriptions. In fact, the book contains almost 100 pages of recommended exercises, all designed to help combat the heavy toll taken on a woman's body by breast cancer treatments. It's a collaboration between Master Reebok trainers Joy Prouty and Josie Gardiner, health writer Francesca Coltrera and Dr. Carolyn Kaelin, the founding director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Coltrera did the lion's share of writing and her style is pleasantly conversational and accessible, especially considering the dense medical information that's imparted. True story: I found myself engrosssed while reading about the lymphatic system. It's fascinating! Who knew? (Palm Beach Post ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
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!