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Support for Breast Cancer Patients

A Caregiver's Challenge: Living Loving Letting Go.
Schacht, Maryann. Santa Rosa, CA: Feterson Press, 2005. ISBN: 0976414007
The author of this book is a cancer survivor herself. She delves into the realm of coping with cancer from a caregiver's perspective. Topics are highlighted with important ideas and concepts to consider when dealing with a person who is living with cancer. She helps to remove the taboo of exploring emotions and the secrecy of medical conditions, and sheds light on basic approaches for alleviating pain and nausea. The author provides an easy format for laying out financial assets, expenses, and income; as well as providing a format for legal documents, such as medical power of attorney, living wills, and last will and testaments.

A Healing Journey: Writing Together Through Breast Cancer.
Bray, Sharon. Amherst, Mass.: Amherst Writers & Artists Press, 2004. ISBN: 0941895297.
This book is a moving account of a program designed to help women with breast cancer express their humanity by writing about their experiences as a group. The author describes her profound experiences with an amazing group of women dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, the author has intimate and detailed first-hand knowledge of what a woman goes through after that dreadful diagnosis is made.

A Spiritual Journey through Breast Cancer.
Asti, Judy. Northfield Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 1881273350.
This book is a personal account of the author's experience with breast cancer and how her faith helped her through difficult times and in defeating the disease.

Assess Your True Risk of Breast Cancer.
Kelly, Patricia T. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2000. ISBN: 0805064680.
This book is a guide to assessing your risk for breast cancer. It conveys complicated breast cancer statistics in an understandable form and provides options for genetic testing. It also gives you the tools you need to make an informed decision about your rights and options as a woman confronting the issue of breast cancer.

Beauty & Cancer: Looking and Feeling Your Best.
Noyes, Diane Doan, and Peggy Mellody. Taylor Publishing, 1992. ISBN: 0878338098.
A handbook designed to help women improve their appearance and levels of comfort both during and after cancer therapies.

Before I Say Goodbye: Recollections and Observations from One Woman's Final Year.
Picardie, Ruth. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2000. ISBN: 0805066128.
Being a journalist, it was a natural thing for Ruth Picardie to write about her rapid spread of breast cancer. Her emails and columns describe her diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer. Letters from readers shared their sorrow over her situation and words of encouragement from their own battles with cancer or the loss of a loved one. There are funny parts to this book, too, such as her new interest in body maintenance, makeup and clothes.

Beyond Breast Cancer: Our Stories of Hope and Courage.
Ellis, Alda. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House Publishers, 2002. ISBN: 0736908595.
This book is about how breast cancer survivors deal with their breast cancer. Each story is different in how each one lived their life and how breast cancer became the center of attention.

Breast Cancer: A Family Survival Guide.
Penderson, Lucille M., and Janet M. Trigg. Bergin and Garvey, 1995. ISBN: 0897894383.
This book is a helpful guide to detecting breast cancer, dealing with it physically and emotionally, and surviving it. Issues such as insurance, physical changes, family stress, recovery and death are discussed in language for the general reader.

Breast Cancer Answers: Practical Tips and Personal Advice From a Survivor.
King, Judith. Franklin Lakes, NJ: The Career Press, Inc., 2004. ISBN: 1564147576.
This book tells you how to deal with work concerns, insurance and relational issues, special nutritional and emotional needs, and side effects of treatments. Topics are addressed that some patients may be embarrassed to discuss with their doctor or even with a best friend, such as depression and changes in sexuality. The author has written the book she wishes had been available to her-one that will help breast cancer patients understand the ins and outs of a wide variety of procedures and stages of the journey, as well as where to look for help within and outside traditional medicine.

Breast Cancer: Daughters Tell Their Stories.
Oktay, Julianne S. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc., 2005. ISBN-13: 9780789014511.
This book presents the results of a qualitative, grounded theory study of breast cancer survivors, providing in-depth information about an aspect of breast cancer that has been previously overlooked. The author presents eight years of extensive research on the effects that young mothers with breast cancer can have on their daughters. This book is an overview of how the study was conducted, as well as personal accounts of 41 adult women who shared their experiences during their mothers' illnesses.

Breast Cancer? Let Me Check My Schedule!
Cederberg, D, and D. Davidson, J. Edwards, et al. Innovative Medical Education Consortium, Inc., 1997. ISBN: 0813333938.
A compilation of ten professional women meeting the challenges of fitting breast cancer into their very busy lives.

Breast Cancer Survivors' Club, A Nurse's Experience.
Schockney, Lillie. Loveland, Colo.: Real Health Books, 2000: ISBN: 0970460104.
The author has unselfishly given us a very intimate insight into her fight and victory against breast cancer. The reader learns how to cope successfully with a cancer diagnosis. The author documents how a positive outlook, lots of laughter, proper medical care, prayer and faith in God brought her safely through treatment.

Cancer Fitness: Exercise Programs for Patients and Survivors.
Schwartz, Anna L. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004. ISBN: 074323801X.
This book is a guide to recovery and fitness for all cancer patients, offering the option of tailoring a program for specific needs. Through exercise, patients will regain some control over their bodies, manage side effects more successfully, and increase the body's ability to heal. The illustrations provide good examples of the movements, and the author explains how important it is to be proactive in one's recovery.

Cancer for Two.
Balch, Dave. A Few Good People, Inc., 2003. ISBN: 0972690115.
This book is the journey through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment of Christine and Dave Balch. An inspiring true story and guide for cancer patients and their partners. She was a healthy middle-aged, active woman with no children who was diagnosed with breast cancer. The book takes the reader step-by-step through her treatment. Also written as a guide for the caregiver and others who may face a similar journey. For more information visit www.CancerForTwo.com.

Cancer Has Its Privileges: Stories of Hope and Laughter.
Clifford, Christine. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 2002. ISBN: 0399527761.
This book offers hope and inspiration by using humor as a tool to deal with the many challenges of cancer. The author encourages you to find and enjoy the humor in your own life. This book has a gift for blending powerful insights with heartwarming stories and practical advice. Funny, profound, reassuring and inspiring for anyone coping with cancer.

Carlisle Medical Journal.
Darlene Carlisle, Darlene. 2005. ISBN: 0976262819.
The Carlisle Medical Journal is an excellent way to keep track of one's personal medical history. There are components for each aspect of medical journaling. There is a section on 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. Many times it is hard to keep up with every detail of treatment, scheduling appointments, previous surgeries and procedures, etc. The Carlisle Medical Journal provides a clever way to do that by placing everything at your fingertips. To learn more, visit www.carlislemedicaljournal.com.

Celebrating Life: African American Women Speak Out about Breast Cancer.
Dunnavant, Sylvia, and Nancy Wilson. USFI, Inc, 1995. ISBN: 0964321149.
This book captures the personal stories and triumphs of African American women in regards to breast cancer.

Chemo This! Finding Your Balance & Creating a Pathway Through Cancer.
McBain-Roberts, Patricia. Burnstown, Ontario, Canada: General Store, 2001. ISBN: 18924263375.
The author takes us through her personal battle with breast cancer and discusses what she did that helped her get through the ordeal. She uses her skills as a Certified Human Resources Professional to better understand the different ways people deal with cancer depending on the type of personality they have. A resource section is included in the back of the book. It contains a list of videos, CDs, tapes, products, books, and information about Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Breast Cancer.
Canfield, Jack, et al. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, Inc., 2005. ISBN: 0757302742.
The book is divided into short, easy-to-read sections containing questions to ask the doctor, short stories, and pages reserved to record the reader's thoughts, feelings and facts. The topics discussed are pertinent to any cancer survivor and include information regarding the discussion of a cancer diagnosis with children, loved ones and physicians. The book focuses on the importance of humor, mind/body focus, coping with change, clinical depression, support groups, healthy eating and fearing the return of cancer.

Confronting the Cow - A Young Family's Struggle with Breast Cancer, Loss and Rebuilding.
Donner, C.B. Moonlight Publishing, LLC, 2000. ISBN: 0967963796.
The book focuses on how the children and husband rebuild their lives after the loss of their mom and wife. The children comfort and teach the dad about grieving. After their loss, the father continues to incorporate their mom's memory into heir daily lives.

Dear Stranger, Dearest Friend.
Becker, Laney. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 2000. ISBN: 0380978539.
Two women start a friendship through the Internet. The story begins as one woman finds a lump and takes the reader through her entire treatment and reconstruction. Both women have young children at the time of their diagnosis and share experiences of the changing relationships with their children, husbands, families and friends.

End-of-Life Care: Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Kuebler, Kim K., and Patricia H. Berry, and Debra E. Heidrich. W.B. Saunders Company, 2002. ISBN: 0712684521.
This is an excellent book for nurses who are interested in or already working in the field of nursing. There are four main parts of this book: General principles of End of Life Care; Holistic Care at the End of Life; Advanced/End -Stage Disease Process; and Clinical Practice Guidelines. This book provides important guidelines and tools for nurses who care for the terminally ill. Interdisciplinary team members work together to provide the dying person the best care and quality of life until their death, and help family members through the grieving and dying process of their loved ones.

Every Step of the Way- A Faith Journey Through Breast Cancer.
Lillehei, Pam. 2000. ISBN: 1890676713.
The author takes the reader through finding the lump to diagnosis and treatment. At each stage of her cancer experience, she feels that God has put someone there to help and support her through this time. She turns to prayer and her church network to help her cope and understand. The book also gives prayer guidelines and practical suggestions for family, friends and caregivers.

Examining Myself: the Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery.
Mayer, Musa. Faber and Faber, 1994. ISBN: 0571198457.
In addition to a detailed account of her breast cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery, Mayer shares her insightful view of survival.

Facing the Mirror with Cancer.
Ovitz, Lori. Chicago: BellePress, LLC, 2004. ISBN: 0974893803.
This book is a guide to using makeup to make a difference and to help face the mirror confidently and embrace life again. Cancer does not have to rob you of your self-esteem or beauty. The author is a sought-after makeup artist to top models and celebrities. This beautifully photographed 200-page book illustrates step-by-step tips and techniques for dealing with appearance issues during cancer treatment and beyond. For more information visit www.facingthemirror.org.

Fighting Cancer from Within.
Rossman, M.D., and L. Martin. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2003. ISBN: 080506916X.
This book addresses the different needs of cancer patients as they face diagnosis, treatment choices, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other issues. This book teaches how to use the power of your mind for healing. It will also show you how to use guided imagery and the mind-body connection to stop worrying and to start winning to the very best of your ability.

Fighting for Our Future.
Murphy, Beth. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. ISBN: 007140254.
This book was written while author was doing research for a Lifetime Television documentary, Fighting for Our Future. The 13 chapters in the book discuss issues for young women in the sequence they may be faced through the course of breast cancer. The chapters include an overview of breast cancer in young women; entering and negotiating the health care system to get a diagnosis; considering treatment options; fitness, diet, and taking care of your body; alternative, complementary and integrative approaches to healing; getting support; coping with changes following treatment; considering reconstruction; dealing with fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding, parenthood issues; metastasis; activism.

Finding the "CAN" in Cancer.
Emerson, Nancy, et al. 2005.
This book is a collaboration of four women who combined their personal experiences into a "hands-on" guidebook for the cancer patient and/or caregiver. The authors provide a comprehensive look into the cancer experience and offer practical information, comforting tips and encouragement. Topics include coping with the diagnosis, understanding procedures and treatment options, side effects from treatment, looking and feeling better, alternative therapies and spiritually nurturing the soul. The authors offer personal notes throughout the book, sharing their real experiences and solutions to cope with particular topics.

Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness.
Hjelmstad, Lois Tschetter. Mulberry Hill Press, 1993. ISBN: 0963713957.
Through journal entries, poetry, reflective essays and photographs, this book offers poignant insights, realistic optimism and an intimate portrait of courage.

Garden Angels.
McDaniel, Lurlene. ISBN: 0553570935.
A touching story about a teenager who finds comfort and strength tending a beautiful garden while coping with losing her mother to breast cancer.

Get Well Wishes.
Cotner, June. New York: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 0062516469.
This touching book by June Cotner is a compilation of prayers, poems and blessings from various authors and spiritual leaders. It includes sections offering comfort, faith, courage, hope, healing, reflections, gratitude and inspiration.

Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas.
Daley, Lesley. Ventura, Calif.: Wild Hair Publishing, 2005. ISBN: 090765991.
This book is a compilation of real-life experiences with cancer, shared by a group of incredibly unique women. Each reveals her inner-strengths and personality with an emotional vignette about her life with cancer, including honest and personal photographs. The candid photographs give the reader more insight into what makes each woman unique and strong and how they cope with their illness.

Grace for Each Hour: Through the Breast Cancer Journey.
Nelson, Mary J. Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House Publishers, 2005. ISBN: 0764200240.
This book is full of meditations that will speak to the heart. The short readings will encourage, support, comfort, strengthen, and reassure breast cancer patients when they need it most. Written by a five-year survivor of breast cancer, this inspiring book is designed to comfort women facing breast cancer and help them grow in faith and spirit during this difficult time.

Grace for the Journey: A Story of Illness, Hope and Faith.
Sampson, Elaine R. Sweet Valley Press, 2005. ISBN: 0976157403.
This book begins with the story of the author's journey of her faith and search to know a personal and loving God. It describes her experience living with the enormous challenges of both chronic and life-threatening illnesses and how God developed a servant's heart within her as a result. This book testifies to the sustaining power of faith and to the peace, comfort and assurance it gives during illness.

Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness.
Lynn, J., and J.Harrold. New York: Oxford Press. ISBN: 0195116623.
This book's content progresses from living with a serious illness to preparing to die, while dealing with issues of both the body and mind through the process. Practical information is provided as well as thought-provoking ideas that may lead to personal reflection. Personal quotes inserted to provide examples and insight are effective and often very touching.

Healing from Within: Emotionally Surviving Cancer.
Jaffe, Steve. Book 2 in The Mind Diet Series. ISBN: 0972060510.
This book can be a very helpful resource to those who actually spend the time and effort reading the poetry and then jotting down their own experiences and feelings. The poetry really makes one think and commit to self-reflection. The book is a compilation of poetry on various topics that is intended to inspire the reader to use his own expressive writing as a tool for positive perspective on life after cancer.

Healing With Handmade Bread.
Summers, Kathy. Lincoln, Neb: Universe, Inc., 2004. ISBN: 0595304516.
The book is based on the author's own diagnosis with breast cancer. Halfway through writing her book, she alters the focus on teaching how to make bread as you heal from breast cancer. This book has practical tips for breast cancer patients on prayer and meditation, support from friends, family and counselors, recommended books, and exercise. The author believes that bread making can be therapeutic, and that if women with breast cancer learned to make bread it could help their physical, mental and spiritual healing.

Helping Children Cope With the Loss of a Loved One: A Guide for Grownups.
Kroen, William C. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing. ISBN: 1575420007.
This book covers many helpful topics for adults who need to explain the loss of a loved one to a child. The book gives informative ways adults can help children understand death, work through their grief, and move forward with life afterward. It offers suggestions for helping children remember and celebrate the life of a lost loved one.

Helping Your Children Cope With Your Cancer: A Guide For Parents and Families.
Van Dernoot, Peter. New York: Hatherleigh Press, 2002. ISBN: 1578261058.
This book provides an instant support group for families in which a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. The book consists of 25 essays written by professionals, parents, and children. The essays written by parents give specific advice about how to help a child deal with a parent's cancer. The children's touching essays describe feelings of fear and regret in the face of a parent's illness.

Hitting the Wall: Memoir of a Cancer Journey.
Glacel, Barbara Pate. Seattle: Hara Publishing, 2001. ISBN: 1883697735.
A touching story of a woman's journey through her personal breast cancer experience, written from her journal entries and email from family and friends. Suggestions for survivors and a resource list are also included.

Hope and Heroes: Portraits of Integrity.
Shainbaum, Barry. Toronto, ON: London Press, 2001. ISBN: 0968864503.
The book is a collection of photographs of people who have done remarkable things in their lives. The selection of people being profiled includes some very famous people along with others that are lesser known. A brief biography is given for each person along with the photograph. Heroes include Maya Angelou, Nancy Brinker, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Sheen. Messages of inspiration and integrity are in each person's story.

Hope is Contagious: The Breast Cancer Treatment Survival Handbook.
Porter, Margit Esser. Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1997. ISBN: 0684842181.
Written by a breast cancer survivor, this book is intended for women who have had or are facing treatment.

How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness.
McCue, Kathleen. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 1994. ISBN: 0312146191.
This book can answer questions parents have about helping a child deal with a serious illness. It offers ways to get children involved in helping the ill parent and how to prepare children for seeing their sick parents in the hospital.

Humor After the Tumor: One Woman's Look at Her Year with Breast Cancer.
Gelman, Patty. Prometheus Books, 2004. ISBN: 1591022185.
This book is the story of the author's own diagnosis and treatment, and it approaches the serious business of cancer with a hopeful and light heart. Her story is a guide for surviving cancer and thriving, using the resources available to each of us--love, faith, family and friends. The author shares her journey, in which she uses humor, courage and determination to overcome breast cancer.

Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party.
Bivona, Ginnie Siena. Irving, Texas: Authorlink Press, 2000. ISBN: 1928704158.
This book is a fictionalized account of a woman in denial of breast cancer. This book is about the power of friendship and the endurance of love.

I Didn't Know What to Do.
Sabalka, Sara. Littleton, Colo: WHAT-2-DO, 2001. ISBN: 0970749902.
A compilation of many individual stories from cancer survivors who describe how someone reached out to them after their cancer diagnosis. Each personal recollection is uplifting and inspiring for anyone who seeks thoughtful ways to connect to someone with cancer.

I Don't Remember Signing Up For Cancer!
Waldrip, Sherry Karuza. Mukilteo, Wash: WinePress Publishing, 1998. ISBN: 1579210805.
This book is a humorous window of hope for the discouraged heart. The author writes eloquently and humorously about her journey with breast cancer and how her strong faith in God, along with loving family and friends, helped her get through her most difficult times.

I'd Rather Do Chemo Than Clean Out the Garage.
Di Giacomo, Fran. Dallas, Texas: Brown Books Publishing Group, 2003. ISBN: 0971326525.
This book tells how laughter and a positive attitude can empower a person to seek a more positive outlook on life with cancer. The author has learned from personal experience that one of the most powerful weapons against cancer is humor. The book shows the readers how the stresses and pains of living with cancer can be leavened with laughter and joy.

I've Got Cancer, but It Doesn't Have Me! A Survivor's Book of Poems.
Whipple, Barbara. Westmont, Ill.: Full Moon Press, 1995. ISBN: 0964789701.
This book is a personal collection of poetry by a breast cancer survivor, written during the author's journey with breast cancer. The personal poems reveal true and touching insights into her experience through diagnosis, mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and remission. This book reveals honesty and passion for beating cancer and living life.

I Wish I Knew, I Wish I Knew How to Help, and I Wish I Knew Who I've Become.
Barry, Fanny. Bethlehem, PA: Rob-Win Press, 2005.
The author has written a series of three books regarding her personal reflections on thriving in the process of survival and recovery of breast cancer. "I Wish I Knew" shares her first reactions to her diagnosis. "I Wish I Knew How to Help" provides information for co-survivors, family and friends of a breast cancer survivor who may or may not know how to respond and support a breast cancer survivor. "I Wish I Knew Who I've Become" speaks out about how facing mortality can change a person's life in a positive way. The author clearly shows how facing breast cancer has been a positive life change in helping her gain courage and strength. Each book contains about 15 pages that are short and easy to read. For more information, visit www.thatbarrygirl.org.

Journey Unknown: Focusing on the Emotional Aspects of Cancer, Mastectomy and Chemotherapy.
Barnhart, Margaret Phalor. Journey Press, 1994. ISBN: 0962512117.
A collection of poems, thoughts and pictures that express the author's emotions as she experiences cancer, mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Joy Is a Plum Colored Acrobat.
Burton, Wendy. New York: Harmony Books, 2004. ISBN: 1400054796.
During her own cancer treatment, the author used a meditation tape that sparked imaginative visualizations. As the inside flap of the book explains, "Her imaginings of tiny Cirque du Soleil acrobats leaping lightly through her breast ducts, with brightly colored beach umbrellas protecting her good cells as little chimney sweeps scurried through and swept away all of the cancerous cells, were so helpful for her throughout the process that she began sharing them with friends who were struggling with their own diagnoses." This book is a unique form of therapy that provides readers with 45 different visualization exercises to engage in before, during, or after cancer treatments. Examples include gigantic flying pink flamingos, cruising down the Amazon, the Happy Dance, and many more. The book contains four-color illustrations to help patients with the visualizations.

Lisa's Story.
Batiuk, Tom. New York: The Penguin Putman, Inc., 2000. ISBN: 0399526668.
The comic strip format offers a new way to discuss breast cancer and the emotional impact it has upon the woman, her family and friends. The comic strip shows how sense of humor can be valuable when faced with a serious illness. It has resource information on breast health, diagnosis, treatment options, coping with breast cancer and survivorship. The resource section lists books, brochures, hotlines, and Web sites that are helpful to breast cancer survivors.

Live Longer, Live Larger.
Buchholz, William M., M.D. and Susan W. Buchholiz. O'Reilly & Associates, 2001. ISBN: 1-56592-845-8.
Written for cancer survivors and those individuals faced with a terminal illness, the book provides tips to reduce symptoms of disease in an effort to improve quality of life. The book incorporates a number of patients' stories that pertain to the continuum of a cancer diagnosis including treatment, remission, relapse and endgame. A resource section is included. The book is an excellent guide for patients who not only want treatment to extend their lives but who are interested in improving their lives.

Livestrong.
Lance Armstrong Foundation. New York: Broadway Books, 2005. ISBN: 0767921380.
This book shares inspirational stories from cancer survivors - from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. The Lance Armstrong Foundation compiled the book from cancer survivors across the country with a forward by Lance Armstrong. The book contains 26 stories from cancer survivors, which describe the initial diagnosis, treatment issues, coping strategies, and existing support systems. Breast cancer survivors share their experiences and speak candidly about how cancer has affected their lives. For more information, go to www.lancearmstrong.com or www.livestrong.org.

Loose Threads.
Grover, Lorie Ann. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2002. ISBN: 0689844190.
This book explores several emotions such as disbelief, anger, fear, isolation, sadness and confusion. The book is written in a poetic format and covers breast cancer related topics such as biopsy, surgery, prosthesis and wigs, radiation, chemotherapy and recurrence. Integral to the story is the importance of support and faith.

Love, Judy: Letters of Hope and Healing for Women With Breast Cancer.
Hart, Judy. Conari Press, 1993. ISBN: 0943233526.
The author's personal story combined with a variety of self-support techniques intended to encourage the healing process.

Make Your Own Miracle: Surviving Cancer.
Huff, Paul. Southern Mountains Press, 2005. ISBN: 0972396349.
This book is a compilation of 55 short essays by people who overcame cancer odds. The author found common threads in the stories, such as relentless commitment to survival, clarity of purpose, belief in a higher source of power and a definably positive attitude. This book includes a resource guide to cancer organizations, Web sites and special programs for cancer patients.

MindBody Wellness: A Self-Help Stress Management Manual.
Edwards, Morry. Acorn Publishing, 2003. ISBN: 0972896902.
This book is written for cancer survivors. It provides information and exercises to ease the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The author writes the book from the perspective that cancer is an opportunity for growth and development. The workbook provides relaxation strategies for people to feel less stressed and in control of their lives and their cancer diagnosis.

Not Just a Patient: How to Have a Life When You Have a Life-Threatening Disease.
Fein, Ellen. Victoria, Canada: Trafford Publishing Co., 2003. ISBN: 1553958608.
This book was written by a woman who first cared for her husband with bone marrow cancer and then was a patient herself, with leukemia. She gives tips for making life more comfortable and normal while living with a life-threatening illness. She provides a guide for quality of life when undergoing medical treatment to " give your life meaning beyond "patienthood." The topics covered include: taking care of yourself, obtaining medical information (including good lists of questions to ask), choosing/not choosing treatment, getting support, living in a hospital, being at home, dealing with insurance, and when it is time to stop treatment.

Not Just One in Eight: Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families.
Stevens, Barbara F. 2000. ISBN: 1558748326.
The author compiles 19 stories of interviews with breast cancer survivors and members of their support team. It gives the reader an honest perspective of what the survivors and their support team went through as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis. There are four parts to the book: Part I includes the stories of breast cancer survivors and their families, Part II gives an overview of risk factors and new medical advances in breast cancer, Part III gives information to help women, particularly young women, lessen the chance of being misdiagnosed, and Part IV covers sex and sexuality.

Pink Hat Diaries.
Low, C., and L. Lively. Arlington, Texas: Low/Lively Productions, 2000. www.pinkhatdiaries.com or 1.866.PinkHat.
This book reveals the inner thoughts and feelings of a breast cancer survivor, from diagnosis to treatment to healing. Any breast cancer survivor can relate.

Port in the Storm.
Giller, Cole A. Washington, DC: LifeLine Press, 2004. ISBN: 0895261324.
This book helps patients understand the difficulties of making medical decisions and discusses the steps involved. It describes how medical decisions have become more difficult, as there are more medical options and medical information available in a complicated insurance environment.

Reclaiming Our Lives After Breast and Gynecologic Cancer.
Falco, Kristine. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 1998. ISBN: 0765700999.
The author is a two-time breast cancer survivor who specializes in medical psychology. In her practice, she has helped women reclaim their feelings of lost femininity and womanhood after having breast or gynecological cancer. This book was written so that others may benefit as well. In the book, the author shares her own experience with breast cancer and some of the psychological effects the cancer and mastectomies had on her self-identity and sense of womanhood.

Reconstructing Aphrodite.
Lorant, Terry, and Loren Eskenazi. Verve Editions, 2001. ISBN: 0966035232.
This is a collection of stories and pictures of women who chose to have their breasts reconstructed after a breast cancer diagnosis. The images and their stories shed light on the subject of breast reconstruction.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook.
Davis, Martha, and Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman and Matthew McKay. Fine Communications, 1998, Fourth Edition. ISBN: 1567310753.
A comprehensive, easy-to-follow workbook that explores several techniques to reduce stress, including time management, meditation, assertiveness training, coping skills training, biofeedback, nutrition and exercise.

Spinning Straw into Gold.
Kaye, V. Simon and Schuster Trade, 1991. ISBN: 0671701649.
A counselor shares her personal breast cancer experience and recurrence with wit and understanding. Also included are suggestions for coping and full emotional recovery from breast cancer. An excellent resource for single women.

Staying Alive.
Hunter, Brenda. Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press, 2004. ISBN: 1578561329.
The author is a six-year cancer survivor and psychologist who shares her own personal journey and how she choose to fight the disease - not with chemo or radiation, but with a healthier lifestyle that encompasses restoring the body with nutritious foods, learning how to deal with stress and emotions positively, and relying on faith and prayer. This book talks about life-changing strategies that improved her odds for any recurrence of breast cancer.

Straight from the Heart: Letters of Hope and Inspiration from Survivors of Breast Cancer.
Yalof, Ina. Kensington Publishers, 1997. ISBN: 1575662175.
A collection of 72 letters from breast cancer survivors who share their personal stories.

Thanks for the Mammogram! Fighting Cancer with Faith, Hope and a Healthy Dose of Laughter.
Walker, Laura. Baker Book House, 2000. ISBN: 0800717783.
As a breast cancer survivor, Laura Walker describes her experiences with breast cancer and treatment in such a manner that one can instantly relate to her situation and feelings. With humor, Laura chronicles her diagnosis, treatment, reconstruction, and follow-up care. The purpose of the book is to support women and family members facing breast cancer, although anyone could enjoy this well-written story. Laura helps the reader experience the "laughter is the best medicine" theory along with her story of hope and faith.

The Breast Cancer Book of Strength & Courage.
Bodai, Ernie, and Judie Fertig Panneton. Prima Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 0761563555.
This collection of intimate and personal stories addresses many concerns of a breast cancer survivor---understanding a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment options, finding and accepting support, disclosing the diagnosis to family, friends and children and the power of faith in coping with a diagnosis. The heartfelt stories combine humor, wisdom, truth and inspiration for breast cancer survivors, family and friends alike.This book epitomizes the strength, optimism, courage, fear, determination and wisdom of countless breast cancer survivors. Each story is a testimony to humanity's ability to accept and overcome. The book embraces important elements of life such as family, marriage, children, religion/faith, love and survival.

The Healing Way: A Journal for Cancer Survivors.
Davis, Margie. 2000. ISBN: 1862046964.
This book is a journal for cancer survivors, which can be a therapeutic process. It also provides cancer survivors with a tool for proactive participation in their own recovery. Included are over sixty topics for reflection and meditation, ranging from the nature of the medical treatment, to daily living with cancer, to support groups, to spirituality. Each topic is accompanied by a brief meditation and questions to provoke thinking and writing about the issues that are related to the cancer experience.

The Human Side of Cancer.
Holland, Jimmie, and Shelton Lewis. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000. ISBN: 060173718.
Written by psychiatrist Jimmie Holland, the author uses descriptions of actual patients to illustrate the unique mix of individual personality and social characteristics that can lead to a wide range of responses to coping with cancer. The book has a supportive and thorough discussion of topics relating to the "psychological," or "human" part of the journey with cancer instead of the "physical" and "medical" journey.

The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer: Lessons Learned Along the Path to Healing.
Miller, Tammy A. Hugz and Company Lighthearted Press, 2004. ISBN: 0970137931.
This book is a personal account of a woman who used the gift of laughter and a positive attitude to cope with breast cancer. The author uses her expertise as a seminar motivator and her alter ego as "Hugz the Clown" to encourage people to laugh as often as possible by using a Humor Team (a group of individuals who personally know the cancer patient and who can bring cheer and humor during the cancer experience). The author also shares a coping mechanism she created--a peaceful mantra that kept her focused on the positive aspect of recovery through diagnosis, surgery and treatment.

The Not-so-Scary Breast Cancer Book.
Ingram, Carolyn, and Leslie Ingram Gebhart. Atascadero, Calif: Impact Publishers, 1999.. ISBN: 1886230293
Written by two sisters, each diagnosed with breast cancer, the book provides easy-to-read advice. The authors describe their needs and the pitfalls along their journey from breast cancer discovery to recovery. The book does not include medical information; instead it focuses on support issues. It is a great resource for patients and families desiring something other than the facts, science and medicine of breast cancer.

The P.R.I.D.E. Factor: How To Bounce Back When You Think You Can't.
Munschauer, Carol Ann, and Dave Hood. Bloomington, Ind.: AuthorHouse, 2004. ISBN: 1418483508 and 1418483516.
This book is written by clinical psychologist, Carol Ann Munschauer, PhD, and Dave Hood, the creator of the successful children's movie series, "Real Wheels." The PRIDE factor is a book that encourages people of all ages to rebuild, look forward and move on. The book contains real life stories about how to restore success and regain happiness even when you think you cannot. The PRIDE factor focuses on positivity, resilience, integrity, discipline and enthusiasm. Even though the book is not written specifically for breast cancer survivors, it embodies lessons and strategies to help individuals overcome disappointments and setbacks to achieve success.

The Truth About Chronic Pain.
Rosenfeld, Arthur. New York: Basic Books, 2003. ISBN: 0465071384.
This book enlightens patients and professionals on how to face, understand and overcome chronic pain. The author interviews chronic pain sufferers, healthcare professionals, and others to find reasons why chronic pain sufferers are not getting the relief they need.

The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming and Other Lessons I Learned from Breast Cancer.
Nash, Jennie. 2001. ISBN: 0743219791.
This is a book about lessons learned, among other things, and emphasizes that instincts can be foretelling. The author tells about her gut feeling along with her friend's cancer (who later dies) that led her to seek a mammogram. She listened to her body and took action. The message in this book reinforces the fact that breast cancer strikes at any age.

The Wellness Community Guide to Fighting for Recovery from Cancer.
Benjamin, Harold H. Putnam Books: 1995. ISBN: 0874777941.
The founder of the Wellness Community shares dozens of strategies cancer patients can use to maximize the immune system, including visualization, nutrition, exercise and enhanced personal relationships.

Totally Alive.
Redd, Sharon. Dallas, Texas: Wellspring Press, 2002. ISBN: 0972513116.
This book is a positive, upbeat, spiritual, motivating and empowering guide to a new healthy life. The book takes into account the various ways in which one can relax and reflect on a new lease on life.

Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors.
Delinsky, Barbara. Washington Square Press Publication, 2001. ISBN: 0743431375.
The author of this book's life was shaped by her mother's breast cancer as well as her own. She creates with this book exactly the resource she wished she had for herself during her treatment. Here, readers can find answers to such questions as: Are there certain foods that really satisfy on treatment days? How do I address my surgery with my coworkers? Will I still feel feminine? And what about sex life? This book is a one-of-a-kind collection of anecdotes and advice, told in the words of everyday women of all ages who are part of the ever-growing sisterhood of breast cancer survivors.

When A Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children.
Harpham, Wendy Schlessel. HarperCollins, New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 0060187093.
This book contains information that can help anyone who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis while raising children. The book uses scenarios that give real life examples of ways to help children learn, accept and deal with a cancer prognosis. It also gives a realistic outlook and provides security in children.