Breast-Diseases Books

Author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Glacel presents Hitting The Wall: Memoir of a Cancer Journey, a personal memoir that offers hew own experiences and coping strategies for dealing with the many aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Reassuring the reader that she is not alone, Hitting the Wall covers the gamut of emotional experiences, the need for hope and support, the daily difficulties in adjusting to hospital stays and treatment side effects, and more. Recommended reading for its insight and message of empowerment.

Hitting the Wall by Barbara Pate Glacel was the first of the many breast cancer books that I have read as a caregiver that made me both laugh out loud and cry. Sharing notes and letters to and from friends and family during her struggle with breast cancer treatment, Barbara Glacel exposes her ordeal with honesty and compassion. But beyond being able to indentify with the emotional aspects of her struggle, I came away from reading this book with many good tips, ideas and resources to share with my own mother during her fight against breast cancer.

I found the book to be very detailed about little things that some books might not think important. As a breast cancer patient, I found helpful advice to give me advance warning about many things that might have been troubling. It was written with humor and a personable style that made it enjoyable.

Barbara skillfully captures the essence of a breast cancer survivor's journey. Even though each of our stories is unique, she takes us through the various phases of her illness in a way that we can identify with, while at the same time marvel at her courage and strength. Her ability to navigate the health care system of a foreign country, with all it's complexities, while at the same time build her own international network of support is remarkable. Barbara's nobel efforts to become an advoate for other military families struggling with cancer are worthy of our admiration. Her honest self revelations are balanced with grateful praise for her family, friends and medical team. She gives readers an inside view of living with a disease that all women dread, in such a way that we gain hope from her persistent pursuit of wellness and normalcy. I finished Barbara's book on my own 5th year anniversary of "hitting the wall" - an appropriate way to celebrate! I highly recommend this resource to other survivors, friends and family of women faced with breast cancer, as well as medical professionals caring for them.

Dr. Barbara Pate Glacel has provided with her personal book a wonderful tool for the reader to use in their understanding of cancer. Her writings are so clear and emotional that one finds him or herself caught up in her intense struggle to first come to terms with her disease, and then, also her treatment. How I wish I had this book years ago when my father was dying of cancer. It would have enabled me to have helped him in his own fight, providing comfort and knowlege and yes, humor too. I totally recommend this book to anyone who has cancer or who has a loved one who is "Hitting the Wall".

I have been a pastor for 37 years and have never had a really honest and yet hopeful book to offer cancer follks. This is the one. I am buying copies to give to those who are dealing with cancer, either themselves or someone they love.

This is an excellent little book filled with hope and positive thinking to help someone you know or love to overcome the overwhelming feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis. It helped me so much that now I buy it for anyone I find who has been diagnosed with cancer.

very uplifting and inspirational! I will give this book to my patients and friends who are living with cancer in their lives.

The Cancer Prayer & Support Team of the Cicero UMC in Cicero, NY has purchased this book to give to those in our church who have been "touched" by cancer, either in their own life or a family/friend.

This book has received fabulous reviews and we will continue to purchase the book when our current supply is depleted.

I have given this book to many people when they learn of a new diagnosis of cancer. It was given to me 7 years ago when I had lung cancer.
When I opened its pages, I felt like I had found somebody who knew what I was feeling and had written it down. My feelings were now validated. And they were validated with hope. "Hope" was the theme through out the book.
The title says it all.

I ordered this from Amazon after reading recommendations on one of my Email groups about this. I got in the mail on Saturday after and sat down to look at it, intending just to merely take a quick look. I started reading it and couldn't put it down! This book just completely sucked me in. It's told completely via emails between a two-year cancer survivor (Susan) and a woman she befriends because of an internet post (Lara) who has just found a breast lump. It chronicles the story of their budding friendship and Lara's struggle to not only find a diagnosis but then through treatment and Susan being with her to support her every step of the way via emails. This book should be required woman for every woman over the age of 40 - actually even before then. The information obtained in this book is pretty up to date (considering it was written four years ago) and is a great way to educate yourself about breast cancer. With the statistics being that one out of every eight woman will develop breast cancer the chances that either you or someone you know could develop this disease is mighty high. This book not only contains things helpful for someone suffering from breast cancer, but things helpful for supporting them through their struggle. These women became very real to me; probably more vividly since the author is also a breast cancer survivor. Read this book - and buy an extra for a friend, the library, your local breast cancer support group. This is important!

The nurse practitioner at my breast surgeon's office gave me this book just after I had my bi-lateral mastectomy. I so enjoyed reading this book. It was like meeting two friends, on-line, and not in person. I could identify with so much of what the writer said. It was exactly what I needed at a time when all I wanted to do was to learn more about breast cancer. I wanted to read uplifting and hopeful info, but all the books on breast cancer had were facts and not the real life emotions that are experienced by anyone dealing with breast cancer. Since this was my 2nd time of having cancer, I had some idea of what was ahead, but losing my breasts added an additional dimension. I COULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK MORE HIGHLY, both to the patient and their friends and family. It adds a lot of insight.

My best friend lost her mother to breast cancer and has been a piller of strength for me as I deal with my mother's diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer. When she recommended this book to me saying that I would not only enjoy it, but would also learn from it, I listened. And she was right!! I have since given copies of this book to my mother and sister who have loved it as well. The book deals with the serious issue of breast cancer, but puts it at a very understandable and personal level. You feel like you have "hacked" into the main character's email accounts and by half way through you want to email them yourself. All I can say is Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!

Lara and Susan meet through a Breast Cancer Survivor message board. This book is made up of their e-mail responses which shares the fear, sadness, laughter, tears, treatment progress and strength that ensues during Lara's battle with cancer. Susan offers her experiences as insight to Lara, and a wonderful friendship blossoms during this difficult time. Even as Lara fights for her future health, she offers support to Susan as she suffers a loss in her family, and deals with an adolescent teen. Overall, this book had excellent details of treatment options, side effects, breast reconstruction, and advice on what to look for in a doctor.

I lost a close co-worker of 5 years to a misdiagnosis of a breast lump. She had the lumpectomy, was told it was benign and during a 6 month leave from work to focus on her health, her body was unknowingly being ravaged by cancer (with no symptoms). When she returned to work, she got sick with a cough, and within 3 months died of cancer in her lungs, spine, liver. If only she only had known to get a second opinion on the lumpectomy(as this book offers as advice), she may have been able to fight, but she lost this battle. I support breast cancer charities in her memory, and I encourage every woman to read this book to be informed of treatment options and how this disease can be conquered with education. This book was a heartwarming read, worthy of 5 stars.

Dear Stranger, Dearest Friend is the story of two women who meet in an online breast cancer support group & communicate back and forth emails.
I enjoyed this book for four reasons.
One for its writing style. It is written entirely in email. I had never read a book like this before. It was a fun & quick read being entirely in emails.
Two, because it was very informative about breast cancer. There were a lot of medical terms & procedures talked about in the book but the author does an excellent job of thoroughly explaining everything without being boring or confusing.
Three, because the story went beyond just breast cancer. These two women truly became friends & shared their lives, including family, hopes & dreams with each other.
Four, because the book made me cry. Any author that can touch your heart like that (even though the reader KNOWS it is fiction) is great!

This book was amazing.It is the story of four women in their fight against breast cancer.I couldn't put it down.I didn't want it to end.This book is not just about breast cancer.It inspires you to enjoy and appreciate life.I know a few women who have battled breast cancer and it made me feel closer to them.

I read about this book in People magazine and just had to get it. The book was even better than I could even imagine. Would recommend buying the book for all your girlfriends. A real tear jerker!

I have been a long-time supporter of breast cancer research and really enjoyed the tales of these women who were all diagnosed much younger than anyone thought possible. This book made me laugh and cry. While I was sad when it was over, I walked away inspired and uplifted. Would make a perfect gift for any woman in your life!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kim at a Komen event where she was the keynote speaker. I of course bought the book after her talk.
Nodies at Noon is a very honest account of breast cancer in young women. The four women each write their experiences on several poignant topics. While some issues are universal to all women going through the breast cancer experience, this book highlights certain issues unique to young women. Child birth and motherhood are two examples.
The book is bittersweet with one of the authors losing their battle with the disease, and one giving birth to a second child. Like Kim herself, the book is warm and thoughtful.
I would recommend it to anyone going through breast cancer or supporters of breast cancer patients.

I bought this for my mom, a breast cancer survivor. I had read a bit of it before I gave it to her and really like the style, very clever and real. My mom did say she is enjoying the book but would have rather had it while she was going through her treatments. She says that it is hard to go back to that place in time be it in films, tv, or books. She is very involved in helping other women going through treatments and says that she plans to use this book to help her new friends. Best of luck to those of you out there facing this horrible cancer or have loved ones in this situation, but you are never alone and there are always angels when you least expect it.

My husband is not a book reader, but he read this book cover to cover. It scared him, but let him know what to expect. He was a wonderful caretaker. This book helped him get ready and know what to do, as well as what "Not" to say! We give it to other couples that have been diagnosed.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in early September 2008. A book was recommended for her to read (Just Get Me Through This!: The Practical Guide to Breast Cancer)which we found on Amazon. While on Amazon, I found this book for husbands, read the reviews and decided to buy it. Boy, am I glad I did! It is filled with helpful facts and figures, but beyond that, it is filled with meaning accounts of husbands and health care professionals that has helped me to be a better husband, care giver and support to my wife as she goes though this most difficult time in her's and our lives. It covers the husband's role in every stage of the process, from diagnosis through treatment. This book is money well spent.

I think I enjoyed this book the most out of all of the books I've read in the last few month of facing breast cancer. Being able to read it from a man's point of view was very uplifting and encouraging. The way in which the author explained things helped me to understand the my husband better and what he must be feeling. Thank you for taking the time to put yours and many other husbands feeling on paper.
Enjoyed the book very much, I feel that both men and women can learn much from this book.
Stepahed

Excellent book for the husband but great if the wife reads it too. Wonderful author, easy to read and I would recomend to every Breast Cancer Husband out there!

This is an interesting and informative book for husbands whose wives have been diagnosed with cancer. A lot of the book is common sense but it has informative passages that help with the awkward social situations that come up in conversations and with friends. It helps take some of the stigma sting out of answering stupid questions that people ask. I liked this book a lot and recommend it for reading.

I think it is a bit overly long but a good weekend with a 6 pk. of cold Bud Lite will easily get you through the entire book.

"I read this book when I first was deciding on what procedure to do and it was a tremendous help. It helped me to understand the different reconstruction methods in a clear concise way."

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook is simply the best guide available covering the entire process of Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction.
Well done Kathy Steligo.

This book was incredibly helpful to me. At a time when I was extremely anxious and being bombarded with lots of complicated information, this book provided me with exactly what I needed in an easy to understand way. The author has firsthand knowledge of the topic, which I think makes a real difference. The book has lots of photos, diagrams and information on resources. If you're in the unfortunate situation of needing to consider breast reconstruction, this book tells you everything you need to know.

This is the definitive guide for breast reconstruction. It covers every type of reconstruction, is fair and balanced and VERY readable. It takes a complex subject and really makes it easy to understand. When you are facing such an emotional decision and hard surgery - it helps tremendously to have information to help guide your decision making. This book is it. Highly recommended before you consult with your first surgeon.

I bought The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook several weeks ago and it has been an incredible resource! Due to a genetic mutation (BRCA2), I'm preparing for bilateral prophylactic mastectomies. The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook clearly explains mastectomy and reconstruction procedures, questions to ask my potential surgeons, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during my recovery. Kathy Steligo's book has helped me sort out my options at a very scary time, and for that I am truly grateful!!

When I first picked up this book, I was a little unsure about it. I am here to tell you that this book is worth reading. It shows a family dealing not only with cancer, but living with past lapses in judgment that sometimes come back in the middle of the night to haunt them.
It made me realize how short life is, and that we should all take a little more time and enjoy the people who are in our lives. We never know when something could happen to them.

This is simply one of the finest memoirs I've read in years; and an important book on serious topics - marriage, divorce, adoption, alcohol, and illness. Armstrong has a lot of wisdom to impart, and does so in a simple yet affecting style that will often break your heart.
Do not miss this book...it's a work of art.

I thank the author. As we all know, there are, at times, difficult decisions to be made in life. When our choices seem both right and wrong simultaneously, the measure of our worth can possibly be revealed. This is a true story, a memoir, of deep human connections. Make a point of reading this one. Then you, too, will be thanking Campbell Armstrong, also for his wonderfully emotionally uplifting writings.

I want to thank the author for following his ambitions, listening to his heart and sharing his writings with us. As we all know, there are, at times, difficult decisions to be made in life. When our choices seem both right and wrong simultaneously, the measure of our worth can possibly be revealed. This is a true story, a memoir, of deep human connections. Make a point of reading this one. You will be thanking Campbell Armstrong, also.

I just read All That Really Matters the UK version of I Hope You Have A Good Life. What a wonderful book! I would definately give more than 5 stars if I could. The book is a true story of a woman who gave up her baby girl years ago. Well she gets married, to who else, Campbell Armstrong an aspiring writer, and has kids, 3 boys, of her own. After they move to Phoenix, they end up getting divorced and Campbell moves back to Ireland where they are originally from, while Eileen stays with the boys in Phoenix. Years later Eileen finds out she has cancer. Across the world, a woman named Barbara also finds out she has cancer. She has been looking for her real mother for a long time. When she finally finds her mother and they both discover they both have cancer, the illness doesn't matter anymore because they have found each other. This is a story of loves lost and found along with lifes ups and downs. What a magnificent story. I have also read Concert of Ghosts by Campbell Armstrong. Also a descriptive book!!!

This book has helped me in my treatment choices. I love the lay out and the real world information. Not scary just the facts no hearts and flowers. I have only just begun my battle with breast cancer. But this book lives in my bag that goes with me every where, doctor visits and just out to lunch. I find myself reaching for it to clarify info from doctors and to help friend and family to understand my treatment and options.
This is a must read for breast cancer families.

When I was diagnosed in 2005, I was absolutely overwhelmed with fear, information, and decisions. This book is the only one I found that made sense to me. It is clear, concise, and very encouraging. Dr. Link's approach is from a place of genuine respect and regard, and he knows exactly what survivors need to know right away. Reading this book really helped me make the best treatment decisions for myself, with the best information available. The book teaches survivors (who for the most part are not medical professionals, but will unfortunately have to get to that level pretty quickly) how to read pathology reports, and helps you formulate the questions you need to have answered to make your choices. I recommend it to everyone I know who is newly diagnosed.

Very good basic guide for one suffering from breast cancer, one problem was that it was 8 years outdated. Would have been better had it been updated, new treatments are always being discovered. It was a good overview, though.

A book for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer. The book describes in detail the different stages of breast cancer. It also discusses how individuals should see doctors for a second opinion. Another great part about the book is the differences in opinion about how to manage breast cancer, and the different paths to take.

I bought this book when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The first advice it gives was a breath of fresh air in the middle of a maelstrom. It simply said "you have time." It also gives great advice on second opinions. Besides this first advice the book is filled with general information written in easy to understand english. Some of the info applies some of it doesn't, everyones cancer is different. I greatly recomend this book to all those of us faced with this challenge. It provides you with the information doctors usually don't take the time to give you. A must read before your next doctors visit. One caveat: if you are looking for a feel good read this is not it... this is a serious book of medical information.

This book is awesome! I had breast cancer over 3 years ago. Several friends tried unsuccessfully to find "good reads" to help me along my road. I found this book recently and loved it! It is an actual experience with truth, humor, and insight. I have gone to Amazon to find as many copies as I can. I want to be ready to hand someone a copy if the need arises. Be prepared to shake your head in agreement, laugh outloud, heavy sigh, and cry.

"Almost everyone - whether it's your friend, neighbor, coworker, wife, mother, or sister has been touched by breast cancer. The cancer survivors I've talked to over the years say that what helped them through their ordeal was faith and often humor." ~Laura Jensen Walker

What is more healing than laughter when you are faced with a situation you can't control? Even science has shown the healing power of laughter. Cancer isn't funny, but somehow the author finds a way to heal through her own vibrant wit. Many of the chapters are rather serious until the end when she gives the punch line.

This is a book about courage, hope and humor. Laura Jensen Walker demonstrates her ability to face the challenge of cancer and fight it with faith, hope and "mild/laid back" humor.

I learned a lot about reconstruction, chemo and was amazed at how Laura's husband stood by her through the entire process.

"How to Lose Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days: The Chemo Diet Way. The original Slim-Fast liquid diet. (But not one I'd recommend.)" was an interesting chapter to be sure. This spells it all out, tells you what chemo is all about and it isn't fun especially if your nurse forgets to give you "zofran." Yes somehow Laura finds a way to appreciate the effects of rapid weight loss even when it is the result of chemo.

If you want to understand what a cancer survivor goes through, this is the book. I recently read "Knowing Stephanie" which I can also recommend for the detailed information and pictures.

The last chapter on what really matters was also quite inspirational.

You may also enjoy:

Mental-pause
Through the Rocky Road and into the Rainbow Sherbet: Hope & Laughter for Life's Hard Licks

~The Rebecca Review

This is an incredible book. Laura Jensen Walker has beautifully and sometimes humorously, written about her breast cancer journey. I read this book in the hospital following my breast cancer surgery (3/01) and have been very inspired by Laura's writing. This is the first book I loan out to others when they are first diagnosed. I highly recommend "Thanks For The Mammogram" !!
Karen Lange, Asst. Mgr., FriendsInTouch.net (an online breast cancer support site)

Breast cancer is a big deal. Serious stuff. Many women die from it. Other women endure masectomies. Why make light of such a heavy topic? Simple: humor is healing.

Laura Jensen Walker has something to say about breast cancer. She's a survivor. She has faced this beast, and now is able to articulately help readers smile in the midst of a tough time.

In "Thanks for the Mammogram!" Jensen tells her story. Most of the book details a narrative of her diagnosis, treatment and how she survived. However, in reflecting through the most difficult of moments, she draws us in ala Erma Bombeck into candid silliness. It is as practical as it is funny.

Boldly bringing humor into a discussion of cancer marks this book as a standout among its peers. Having lost my mother to lung cancer and flipping through too many solemn tomes of pop-psychology, I read through Jensen's book refreshed. I wished my mom could've read this book. At a certain point, cancer is cancer, and anyone with any cancer would enjoy "Thanks for the Mammogram!"

Each page is a different view of her situation. For example, she spends a delightful chapter on the end of her chemo, and how she and her husband (a 'Disnoid') celebrated this landmark at Disneyland. We read of her struggle to find a decent book to read (unless Mickey Mouse's various adventures appealed to an adult woman, that is).

The chapters are in very chewable chunks--none too long.

With chapters like, "To Baldly Go Where I've Never Gone Before" (a consideration of Capt. Jean Paul-Luc Picard, Michael Jordan and other sexy baldies, she looks for the upside of a hairless head), you, like me, might find a new way of seeing what so many people go through.

She admits her fears, but pushes also the benefits of having a realistic, yet positive view of dealing with breast cancer. Jensen explains her husband's point of view in the whole matter (even letting him write a chapter, "Her Body, His Pain"). She walks the reader through the process, citing how she related to people who had or didn't have cancer.

I fully recommend "Thanks for the Mammogram!" by Laura Jensen Walker. It is a very worthy gift for those whom you love who have cancer, or know someone who does.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

I have never been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I am certain anyone facing this disease would want a copy of Laura Walker's "Thanks for the Mammogram." Mrs. Walker remarks that this book was the hardest thing she ever had to write. Like any good memoir, it takes in the uncomfortable, even embarrassing moments as well as the lighter and uplifting ones.

Walker includes a lot of detail, from procedures like reconstruction, chemotherapy right down to the day-to-day patient care and how she felt emotionally. But this is not a gruesome story--instead it is intended to help anyone else along the road to recovery. The best chapter "Where do I go from here" gives eight important points (such as taking charge of your treatment, talking to your family, dropping the Wonder Woman cape for women who do it all) and also useful addresses and a list of books.

This book is interesting reading for any woman, but if you have a loved one facing this challenge or if you are a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should get this book. Nothing I have read comes close to this book for frankness and assistance.

I read this book in just a few days. It prompted me to give myself a breast exam and low and behold I found a lump.
Turns out I had developed a cancerous tumor but caught it in the early stages. This book changed my life in sooo many ways

The book was well-written and interesting for the most part, but I think its conclusions misrepresent the contribution of Herceptin to the battle against breast cancer. Post-marketing studies have shown that Herceptin is not the wonder drug it was hoped to be. The book downplays the cardiac side-effects which are both more common and more serious than Bazell lets on. Nothing has changed in the battle against cancer. Despite the entry of this new weapon into the arsenal of oncologists, the quest to defeat cancer is still (to mix my metaphors) more like sticking boards in the sand to hold back the tide than building a sea wall.

I had to read this book for my Biotechnology class and although I am close to failing it I found Her-2 to be pretty exciting book.
Her-2 by Bazell and King is about breast cancer, however, it reveals many other interesting things about the drug industry and how progress is made in the medical research field. There are different stories and view points and the authors have succesfully managed to combine all this into a book that both teaches and thrills us. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about breast cancer and about the insights of creating and bringing to the market a revolutionary drug - from selection of the trial patients to the President's office.

I am a newly diagnosed young woman with breast cancer that over express her2/neu. I am considering taking Herceptin for an early stage cancer. I would not have this possible choice were it not for the wonderfuly minds and efforts of the people that created Herceptin. My thanks to Dr. Slamon and Dr. Ullrich! And really mostly, my thanks to the brave women who faced this horrible disease and enrolled in the trials. This book reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down and read it in 1 sitting. It's a thriller! If I had 1 small complaint it would be that it only very lightly touches on the possible side effect of heart damage especially when used in conjunction with Adriamycin, which weighs heavily on my mind. This is a great read for breast cancer patients and anyone who wants to read a great book.

This book gave new light and explored old beliefs about breast cancer. I have never been so impressed by the intellect of such a powerful author as Robert Bazell. Every part of the Her-2 intereasted me and each page left me completely speechless. I would recommend this book everyone willing to explore the idea of an outstandingly facinating book.