Mammograms Books

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.

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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.

Just some of the information Kauffman provides on blood pressure myths:

A. Did you know that the higher blood pressure reading should be 100 + your age? Neither did I.

B. Older women get higher blood pressure than older men, but live longer nevertheless and there's no need for medication unless blood pressure exceeds 180 (and even then the medication is not really of much help compared to the nutritional supplementation of magnesium, vitamin C and omega 3 EFAs). This is NOT what we've been told - if we had, pharmaceutical companies would make billions less each year.

C. When allowance for age is made, less than 5% of older people should be treated for high blood pressure (and even then the medication is not really of much help, especially compared with the benefits of nutritional supplementation of magnesium, vitamin C and omega 3 EFAs).

D. Conventional advice about exercise and diet does not work, after which they give you the drugs.

E. Diuretics: everyplace you might search, internet or otherwise, is unanimous that diuretics are beneficial for high blood pressure. Kauffman shows that the maximum possible benefit is 1.5 days extra of life after 5 years of taking diuretics! Yet diuretics have awful side effects; that's why you find strong warnings against taking diuretics for weight loss purposes.

F. Vasodilators, Beta-Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensiin Receptor Antagonists are all proven to either be more dangerous than beneficial or to be working only because, despite terrible side effects, they help with retention of potassium and/or magnesium. Why not just take magnesium and potassium supplements? Oh yes, of course, because drug companies do not profit from nutritional supplements.

There's so much more. There's no real evidence that moderate drinking of red wine is beneficial yet the far superior anti-oxidant capability of 1 gram of Vitamin C goes unremarked; cancer cure rates have not changed much in the last forty years, the "success rates" merely refer to a 5-year survival rate but with terrible quality of life after chemotherapy and the like. Perhaps worst of all: for over a decade there has been a quick and simple blood test for many types of cancer, costing just $200, (the Anti-Malignin Antibody in Serum (AMAS) test) but most doctors don't know of it!

The book is not an easy read, but is so loaded with useful information you will constantly refer to it. If you care about your health, or that of those around you, this is a must read book.

Convincing revelation of the nature and causes of common medical myths that are costing the country Billions of dollars and hurting rather than aiding our health.

This was exactly what I was looking for, INFORMATION and while it isn't a book for the beach, I will read and refer to it for many days,months and years. Would not part with this book.

One of the most remarkable examples of herd behavior among humans is their tendency to create and believe lore about medicine. Although biomedical researchers consider themselves above all this, as Kauffman shows, they are not. Without engaging in either inflated rhetoric or florid outrage, Kauffman exposes and dissects conventional wisdom in a careful selection of conditions that affect large numbers of people. Despite the occasional misstep, he puts the evidence and argument out on the table for us to see and judge. We cannot ask for more. When you are finished reading it, send it to your doctor.

If you care about your health, or that of those around you, this is a must read book.

This certainly isn't a book you can simply skim read. It took me a while to ponder about the impact this might have (I'm a medical student). The arguments are very well presented; he puts all the studies in front of you and analyzes them in a relevant manner.

What I consider to be a minor flaw in the book: the author sometimes concludes that certain differences in mortality are "negligible" when I don't think they are negligible. Certainly though, improvements in mortality rate are far easily attainable via fish oil, magnesium and other quality supplements.

I would love to see a new version of this book, further exploring and digging through the literature on various drugs and supplements.

My oncologist had two of these books on his desk and gave me one the day I was told about my diagnosis. I started thumbing through it when I got home and could not put it down because with each page, all of the questions I had about this terrifying disease were being answered. I wound up reading it from cover to cover in two days.

The real-life stories from women and men who discuss their breast cancer experiences are invaluable and made me think how lucky I have been so far to have good, caring doctors. The author, Delthia Ricks, a medical writer for Newsday in New York, interviewed dozens of breast cancer survivors and each survivor's story is featured in little vignettes.

One woman tells how she had gotten a mammogram, which revealed a large tumor, but her doctor never called to tell her about the results of her test. When this woman went to see the doctor about a sprained ankle months later that's when the staff pulled her records and "accidentally" found the mammogram information. This woman went for months not knowing about her cancer -- and not because she wasn't doing the right thing. She did what she was supposed to do -- she got a mammogram. It was the doctor who was negligent and allowed this woman's cancer to grow and go untreated.

This book also is helpful because it shines a light on harmful myths and cautions readers about needless scare mongering that overshadows breast cancer. She lists some of these scares as underwire bras, antibiotics and seatbelts, each of which have been reported as causes of the cancer. There is no convincing evidence supporting any of these as triggers of the condition.

Ricks helps her readers understand that many studies that lead the evening news or make headlines are about preliminary research whose final results are probably years away. This is a book that I can highly recommend to anyone who has been newly diagnosed, who is in the midst of being treated for breast cancer or who may have had the cancer many years ago. It's well worth your time

From the basics of diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up care to the latest research on treatment progression, recurrence, genetic and ethnic factors in breast cancer, and more, here's a guide easy on the eye, not mired in confusing medical terminology and a fine primer on risks for any newly diagnosed with breast cancer. There are plenty of books on the market about the subject: what differentiates this from competitors is its focus on traditional treatments, activist responses, and choices which take into account quality of life and future health concerns.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

As a nurse who worked with patients through each step of treatment -- and as a breast cancer survivor myself -- I found this book to be invaluable. It is a must-have for anyone being treated for breast cancer and building a library to understand it better. That's not just because it answers many important questions but because it raises some that scientists still need to answer, especially about environmental links, links to foods, genes, obesity, etc. We need more answers in each of those areas. A chapter is devoted to breast cancer myths, which is very eyeopening. It discusses many common beliefs dangled out there as facts, which turn out not to have much science behind them, like if you eat a lot of broccoli you won't get breast cancer. For some reason many people, some health care professionals included, believe this stuff.
You can try to wade through thicker and wordier books, but for a little less money you can get this one and use your leftover cash to take yourself to a movie. That will at least allow you to take your mind off your medical problems for awhile.

This book is essential for any woman diagnosed with breast cancer. On April 1, I received the news, I had breast cancer. In a matter of a few days, I needed to choose between a lumpectomy with radiation or a masectomy. The surgeon also talked about possible need for chemotherpy. It was overwhemling. A co-worker, diagnosesd with breast cancer four months preciously, handed me this book and told me to go home and read it before I made any decisions or saw my surgeon. The book takes only 2 to 3 hours to read and provided emought information for me to have a rational conversations about the choices with my surgeon and oncologist and to make the tough decision.

I friend of my was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. As soon as I read the news, I order this book and gave her the same advise. I also asked her to buy this book for any friend of hers diagnosed with breast cancer. My friend read the book and thanked me over and over again for the gift.

I have sent this book to numerous friends and associates affected with this disease. All found the book to be a helpful guide that they used to document doctor findings and their recommendations. This workbook with detailed instructions on how you can be the best advocate for your health. It helps women diagnosed with breast cancer to think as clearly as possible about the medical issues associated with their situation so they can make informed decisions about treatments

"I think the book is terrific! When you're first diagnosed, you're in a state of shock. There are so many books out there, but many are too large, too technical. This book is concise. It has a sensible, relaxed way of dealing with the topic."

What a fun way to approach the dreaded mammogram! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helps to aleviate the anxiety of mammography without ever making light of the seriousness of breast cancer.

St. Anthony, Idaho resident Sharon Marler has written a book that will save lives and inspire people to think out of the box about breast cancer prevention and treatment. The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor, draws on a creative idea Sharon actualized several years ago that has made life-changing differences in many womenÕs lives by helping them prevent, heal, and live through breast cancer.
The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor unveils SharonÕs inventionÑ the MammySlammy, a fun-packed all-womenÕs party, the centerpiece of which is a mammogram.
MammySlammy parties are so much fun that women actually make them an annual event they look forward to attending. Where else do you get to wear a tiara and dress in clothes and shoes you just shopped for with your girlfriends? Before or after the mammogram, you may visit a tattoo parlor and finally get that pretty rose etched into your shoulder or some other cool design painted on your ankleÑ who cares that you are in your 50Õs or 60Õs, or 70.s? Or you may stop by a spa for a relaxing facial or massage, and share an awesome dinner at a great restaurant with the gals you "mammy slammied" with, all wearing big smiles and colorful tee shirts sporting the phrase, "I got slammed!"
Whether itÕs tattoos or tantalizing desserts, the MammySlammy event is geared toward making a mammogram fun and comfortable for the women who get togetherÑ whatever their lifestyle. In the book, Sharon explains how to make the arrangements for the segment of the party that takes place at the medical facility that gives the test. She talks about the MammySlammy events she has planned and gives suggestions that will help you plan one for yourself and your friends. She shows you how to battle the fear and embarrassment you may feel when you think of having a mammogram done.
Sharon came up with the MammySlammy idea several years ago when she decided she did not want to go through an annual mammogram without some sisterly support. She had survived breast cancer and knew that the test was necessaryÑ but still, it was a frightening hurdle to jump over.
You are going to love the story of that first party, how the friendships have grown, and how the women now help the cancer community by participating in an annul Relay for Life event in Idaho Falls.
The second part of The MammySlammy looks at what happens if the mammogram finds cancer, as it did in SharonÕs case, after her first mammogram. It is SharonÕs very personal, inspiring story of battling breast cancer. Do not read this without a box of tissues close by. SharonÕs struggles were long, difficult, and often frustratingÑ only a person with a big heart and heroic character can survive what she went through. During her treatment and healing, Sharon had special goals she wanted to meet in her professional life. This played a huge role in helping her get through her trial because the inner strength she drew on to meet her professional goals fortified the healing energy required to overcome the cancer. Bottom line, Sharon is not a quitter. People with her level of persistence attract the support they need to make it through bad timesÑ people want to cheer her on. Support was consistent and meaningful from her loving husband Dick, their children, friends, and what she calls her "comforter friend" from the spirit world. A dark challenge or two came alongÑ they always do when people struggle toward the light. You will read how Sharon found a way to let the hard times teach her a positive lesson. Best of allÑSharon has been cancer free for 20 years.
The last section of The MammySlammy lists resources on breast cancer awareness and treatment and has places to record memories and photos from MammySlammy events you arrange and attend.
Sharon has also launched the MammySlammy Web site...It is still under development, but now has book ordering information and a feedback feature so you can write to Sharon. Later on, it will include stories of people who attended Mammy Slammy events, schedules of Mammy Slammy events and Sharon Marler appearances, stories of breast cancer battles, and links to more information.
Ladies, The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor by Sharon Marler is a perfect gift for your girlfriends, moms, daughters, and doctors. GuysÑ give one to your wife or sweetie.

Sharon Marler works in the education program at the Idaho Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony. She is a member and past officer of the Idaho-Oregon-Utah Division of International Association of Administrative Professionals. Her husband, Dick Marler, writes MarlerÕs Musings and does nature photography for the Island Park News.

The author, Carole Aydell, does an outstanding job explaining how so many more lives can be saved by early detection and that mammograms can be a positive experience and not something to fear. Her years of experience and dedication shine through in heartfelt stories. After reading this book, all women will not only want to have a mammogram every year, but will want to bring their daughter(s) and/or friend(s) as well. This book inspires women to join together, have mammograms and save lives by early detection. Breast cancer is curable if caught early enough.

This book is a must-read for every woman concerned about breast cancer. The author expresses every patient's frustrations with her diagnosis, variety of treatment options, and recovery. She also covers very useful subjects such as how to tell your children about cancer and what to say to co-workers before and after surgery. An upbeat, optimistic story of how one woman rediscovered family, friends and faith while dealing with a serious illness.

It is a very good book. Up dated material easy to understand it help me pass my exam.