In a valuable guide for women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. John Link helps sort through the confusion and the fear, by explaining such things as how to get a second opinion and how to understand a pathology report.
Particularly valuable is Link’s step-by-step description of how breast cancer is characterized, or staged, according to tumor size, hormone receptors, and other factors–and how that affects prognosis. As a breast cancer specialist at Long Beach and Orange Coast Memorial hospitals in Southern California, Link knows the medical jargon and what it means. Although his writing style is at times a bit jargony and difficult to read, a breast cancer patient will willingly read and reread every word. The book also includes useful chapters on diet, exercise, herbs, and vitamins; managing the side effects of treatment; healing’s mind-body connection; and organizing medical records and keeping a personal journal or log.
Ending on an encouraging note, Link writes, “You should know that most women today are cured of breast cancer. They undergo treatment, become survivors, and go on with their lives. But having breast cancer is certainly a wake-up call to many and may be for you. Life now has added uncertainty.” This step-by-step manual helps you navigate the uncertainty and become a survivor, both physically and psychologically.