Diagnosis


A Breast Cancer Journey.
Sproull, Amy. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2001. ISBN: 094423528X.
A comprehensive resource that takes the reader through the complete cancer experience from the time of diagnosis to after treatment is completed. It can be used as a resource, a source of information or comfort, and as a workbook.

After Any Diagnosis.
Svec, Carol. 2001. ISBN: 0609806696.
Book is very informative and empowers the patient to become an advocate for his own health. A very useful portion of the book details how to search the Internet for medical information. Book provides useful information to any person who has been diagnosed with cancer. Gives examples of situations in which one should become an active patient and lists sources where one can obtain valuable information on cancer, treatment options, and physicians.

Bosom Buddies.
O'Donnell, Rosie, and Deborah Axelrod. New York: Warner Books, 1999. ISBN: 0446676209.
The book covers a variety of topics including breast health, screening, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up treatment, research and resources. It is written in a humorous yet informative manner, using a question and answer format. Puzzles, songs, jokes, cartoons and a resource list are provided.

Breast Cancer Answers - Understanding and Fighting Breast Cancer.
Feinberg, Bruce. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005. ISBN: 0763734659.
The goal of the book is to help newly diagnosed patients understand cancer-its development, how it is diagnosed, how treatment options work and what information is used to make treatment decisions. The book is written in the following sections: before the surgery (the cell, the breast structure and function, carcinogenesis, genetics and invasion), diagnosing breast cancer (clinical findings, radiographic findings, hereditary breast cancer and evaluation of the breast lump), breast cancer treatment (noninvasive versus invasive, lymph nodes and reconstructive surgery) and systemic treatment planning (staging and grading, systemic therapy and standards of care for breast cancer) and questions (alternative therapies, prevention, advanced cancer and post-treatment surveillance). The book also includes a glossary of terms.

Breast Cancer: A Practical Guide.
Silva, O. et al. Kidlington, Oxford UK: Elsevier Science Ltd., 2000. ISBN: 0444505652.
This handbook covers breast cancer (and non-malignant breast conditions) topics including the epidemiology of breast cancer, risk factors, screening, pathology, treatment, and care of the dying patient. Investigational agents, psychosocial aspects of breast cancer, breast cancer and depression, "following" breast cancer patients, hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer survivors, unusual presentations of breast cancer, the male breast, chemoprevention and issues in breast cancer liability are other topics included. Summaries of important clinical trials and key concepts are included along with specific references.

Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide.
Hirshaut, Yashar, and Peter Pressman. Bantam Books, 1997. ISBN: 0553372033. 3rd Edition, ISBN: 0553380818.
Written by a surgeon and an oncologist, this book provides a comprehensive review of the breast cancer experience from diagnosis to treatment, and discusses life after treatment.

Carlisle Medical Journal.
Carlisle, Darlene. 2005. ISBN: 0976262819.
The Carlisle Medical Journal is an excellent way to keep track of one's personal medical history. There are sections for family history, medications, appointments, medical tests, and surgeries/medical procedures. Anyone who wants to keep track of this type of information can benefit from its use. The Carlisle Medical Journal provides a unique, compact and user-friendly way to organize and record important medical information. To learn more, visit www.carlislemedicaljournal.com.

Crossing the Chemo Room.
Williams, Lonna L. www.greatunpublished, 2000. ISBN: 0158898085.
This is a personal story of one woman's fight with cancer. The author is diagnosed with lymphoma, a rare type of cancer. Lonna Williams starts her 20-week chemotherapy program. She befriends several health professionals who work at the treatment center and other patients who are taking chemotherapy at the same time. Lonna depends on her strong Christian faith, supportive husband, church friends and coworkers to help her deal with the emotional and physical issues of cancer.

Diagnosis: Cancer - Your Guide through the First Few Months.
Harpham, Wendy Schlessel. W.W. Norton & Co., 1997. ISBN: 0393316912.
Written by a physician and past cancer patient who writes from the perspectives of both doctor and patient, this book provides questions to ask during the first few months following diagnosis.

Diagnosis: Cancer - Your Guide to the First Months of Healthy Survivorship.
Harpham, Wendy Schlessel. W. W. Norton & Co., 2003. ISBN: 0393324605.
Written for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families, this book assists individuals in getting through the first couple of months after a cancer diagnosis. The book emphasizes the concept of "healthy survivorship" in an effort to diminish pain, debility and loss due to a cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book.
Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Addison Wesley, 2000. ISBN: 0738202355.
Written by a breast surgeon, this book contains information about breast diseases and beast health. A good resource for every woman, whether or not she has breast cancer.

Facing Fear - A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer.
Madey, Nancy. Lincoln, Neb.: Writers Club Press, an imprint of iUniverse.com, Inc., 2000. ISBN: 0595151175. (Or, call 1-877-823-9235)
While the title emphasizes a young woman's account, women of all ages can identify with much of Nancy's journey. The book provides the reader with an insider's view of the author's personal experience as a young wife and new mother diagnosed not once, but twice with breast cancer. It exposes the highs and lows a survivor may experience from detection through treatment. It also gives an overview of possible treatment choices and emphasizes the importance of self-examination.

First, You Cry.
Rollin, Betty. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2000. ISBN: 0060956305.
First, You Cry is a re-released memoir written by Betty Rollin about her personal experience with breast cancer. The story documents her feelings and reactions from the time she first noted a change in her breast and continues beyond treatment. The story is poignant and told with humor, offering support to readers who have breast cancer.

Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery.
Murphy, Gerald, and Lois B. Morris and Diane Lange. New York: Viking Penguin, 1997. ISBN: 0670853704.
This book gives the facts and peace of mind that comes from having accurate, reliable information when needed most. A complete user-friendly decision-making guide for anyone confronting cancer.

Journey into Day Meditations for New Cancer Patients.
Freeman, Rusty. Valley Forge, Pa: Judson Press, 2000. ISBN: 0817013504.
This is a book of devotions written by a pastor who has been diagnosed with cancer twice. The series of devotions follows a journey-like process from early diagnosis through treatment to post treatment. The devotions reflect real struggles, confusion, difficulties and doubts at various stages of the journey. The devotions offer encouragement and advice from one who has actually been through the experience.

Living Through Breast Cancer.
Kaelin, Carolyn M., and Francesca Coltrera. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. ISBN: 0071444637.
This book is a good reference tool that is educational, informative, and relevant. It is a step-by-step manual to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The book provides diagrams and charts that make the reading easy to follow, and it explains the latest medical knowledge about the disease, its treatment, and its aftermath. The author tells you what you need to know in order to work with your doctor and make the most informed decisions about your treatment options. Included is a resource list of cancer organizations, treatment facilities and vendors.

My Mother's Breast.
Tarkan, Laurie. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company, 1999. ISBN: 0878332278.
Each emotional story provides a different twist on how cancer affects a person. The daughters' raw emotion proves to be an excellent support for other individuals reading this book. The book provides an inside look at the inner thoughts and feelings of women whose mothers have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Otherwise Healthy.
Shrager, Lynda. At the Pond Publishing, 2000. ISBN: 0970825137.
The book is written by a breast cancer survivor who wanted to help others gather and document all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. She understands how important it is to have all the facts about one's cancer diagnosis organized in one place. The book includes many useful details that will be helpful for a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. To order Otherwise Healthy, please visit otherwisehealthy.com or call (518) 475-1792.

Straight Talk about Breast Cancer from Diagnosis to Recovery: A Guide for the Entire Family.
Braddock, Suzanne W., and Jane M. Kercher, John J. Edney, and Melanie Morrissey Clark. Addicus Books, 1996. ISBN: 1886039216.
Written by a doctor, the book is a guide for the whole family and answers common questions about breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Companion.
La Tour, Kathy. Avon Books, 1994. ISBN: 0380719967.
A breast cancer survivor combines personal stories with medical information that provides a comprehensive overview.

The Breast Cancer Handbook-Taking Control After You've Found a Lump.
Swirsky, Joan, and Barbara Balaban. Harper Perennial, 1998. ISBN: 1888315059.
Written by a clinical nurse specialist and social worker, this book provides a step-by-step guide for the woman facing a breast biopsy and diagnosis.

The Breast Cancer Survival Manual.
Link, John. Henry Holt and Company, Inc., 1998. ISBN: 0805055150; 2nd Edition, 2000. ISBN: 0805064001.
The book is written as a handbook for the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient so that she can get information and be empowered to participate in the decisions regarding her care and treatment. The resource section includes a list of organizations and a discussion of Internet Web sites. The author states that he will update the manual through an Internet Web page.

The Complete Cancer Survival Guide.
Teeley, Peter, and Philip Bashe. 2000. ISBN: 038548657.
Written by colon cancer survivor and former press secretary to George Bush, Peter Teeley covers almost every aspect of cancer care, including the common types of cancer, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management, coping skills, resources, and more. Each topic is outlined using up-to-date information and facts.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer.
Sorenson, Sharon, and Suzanne Metzger. Indianapolis, Ind: Alpha Books, 2000. ISBN: 0028639383.
Easy to read. Gives first-hand advice to newly diagnosed patients including "Tales from the Trenches" and "Take it from Us". There is a reason for hope after a breast cancer diagnosis and this book helps with facts about mammograms and biopsies, simple advice about telling your family and friends, and explanations of radiation and hormone therapy.

The Race is Run One Step at a Time.
Brinker, Nancy, and Catherine McEvily Harris. Summit Publishing Group, 1995. ISBN: 156530182X.
A down-to-earth resource book explaining medical information and terminology that includes questions to ask your doctor, photographs and a resource section. The book includes the author's own story and the dramatic story of her sister, Susan G. Komen.

Understanding Cancer: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment.
Coleman, C. Norman. Baltimore, Md.: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000. ISBN: 0801860199.
Written by a physician, this book takes the reader through the steps that are involved in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The book offers a detailed explanation of how normal cells behave and how they can become cancer cells and discusses the importance of screening and diagnostic tests. The author discusses the long-term risks and benefits of treatment and how these are considered with treatment options. An overview of standard treatments is given with the focus on chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. A chapter on clinical trials covers the different kinds of trials, importance of research protocol, and the positive and negative aspects of clinical trials.

When It Happens to You - A Practical Guide Through Breast Cancer.
Dal Pozzo, Earlene, and Joann Dilts. California: Bull Publishing Company, 2000. ISBN: 0923521496.
The authors, a psychiatrist and a teacher, share their insights from their journeys through breast cancer. These survivors help other women know what to expect with a breast cancer diagnosis. They write about times where they struggled to be in charge of their treatments. While the book is not technical, it offers practical information regarding breast cancer issues.

While Coping With Breast Cancer.
Hashem, F.T. Baltimore, Md: PublishAmerica Book Publishers, 2002. ISBN: 1592860206.
This book is one woman's story about her breast cancer diagnosis while coping with depression and her family's tragedy. Her father passed away around the same time she was diagnosed. The book discusses diagnosis, treatment, physiological issues and support.

Woman to Woman.
Schnipper, Hester Hill, and Joan Feinberg Berns. New York: Avon Books, Inc., 1996. ISBN: 0038806320. 2nd Edition, 1999. ISBN: 0380806320.
Written by two breast cancer survivors, this book is full of positive thoughts, practical advice and tips on how to get through the time from breast cancer diagnosis to treatment. The book covers issues such as finding support, selecting a medical team, treatment tips, treatment decisions, survivorship issues and a comprehensive list of resources.

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook, Fourth Edition.
Kneece, Judy C. Columbia, S.C.: EduCare Publishing, 2001. ISBN: 1886665109.
Written by a nurse, this book offers support, information and practical advice for women with breast cancer. Inspirational quotes from a breast cancer survivor in every chapter add to the interest and personal feel of the material. The appendices contain reference material to support and expand upon the information given within the chapters, as well as worksheets that make the book an interactive workbook.