Facing Cancer with Hope: Suggestions for Patients, Caregivers, and Patient Advocates Based on a Surgeon's Own Cancer Journey

Getting an initial diagnosis of cancer, or a diagnosis of cancer that has recurred after treatment, can be devastating. Having been there themselves, the authors have written this book to try to help.Facing Cancer with Hopeshares:A surgeon’s own journey facing advanced cancer, including progression to Stage 4 metastatic disease despite multiple surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and participation in two clinical trials.Steps leading to the ultimate identification of effective treatment including experimental targeted medication combined with complementary and alternative medicine approaches.Detailed reviews of the biology of cancer and of cancer treatment options, with text complemented by over 30 scientific illustrations and tables.A specific, step-by-step set of suggestions for cancer patients, their family members and caregivers, and patient advocates supporting those with cancer, beginning at the time of cancer diagnosis and progressing through treatment to surveillance after the completion of therapy.Specific topics covered include:The burden of cancer on individual patients, families, and society.How to overcome paralysis after the shock of getting a cancer diagnosis and first steps to take after receiving the diagnosis.The biology of cancer (including how and why cancer starts, and how it grows and spreads) and the effects of cancer on our bodies.Factors to consider in building your personal care team.An overview of individualized- and precision-medicine, targeted therapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and immunotherapy options in cancer care.Tactics for preparing for and getting through major cancer surgery.Suggestions for facilitating recovery after surgery and for preparing for post-op chemotherapy.The types and roles of chemotherapy and tips for navigating chemotherapy treatment.Dealing with a diagnosis of recurrent cancer.Coping strategies for patients facing cancer and their caregivers and for the children of individuals facing cancer, including ways to remain hopeful.The importance of patient advocacy (including self-advocacy) in cancer care, characteristics of effective patient advocates, and suggestions for the identification of patient advocates.Ways to work most effectively as a partner in your care with your health care team.Shared decision-making when dealing with advanced cancer.Strategies for identifying , selecting, and pursuing clinical trials.Basics of radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation.Suggestions for addressing issues associated with cancer survivorship.Based on the authors’ own experience, Facing Cancer with Hope is organized chronologically from diagnosis through treatment, and interweaves their personal narrative with discussion of the science of cancer, its therapies, and practical suggestions for getting through treatment as safely and comfortably as possible. Although cancer remains a formidable disorder and no book can guarantee a positive outcome, Facing Cancer with Hopeseeks to empower patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates by providing knowledge and tools to support you as you face this challenge together. A portion of profits from the sale of this book are designated to support cancer research. Read more