“Deborah Cohen and Robert Gelfand, M.D., have written a very thoughtful, warm and complete guidebook for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This book has a lovely but realistic tone and will be helpful for patients, their families and friends. I highly recommend it.”
—Alison Estabrook, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Chief of Breast Surgery,
St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital
Professor of Clinical Surgery,
Columbia University
“Just Get Me Through This! will help all women facing breast cancer to muster the strength and summon the courage needed to put one foot in front of the other and walk step-by-step through breast cancer, one day and one decision at a time—all with a bit of humor and perspective from someone who’s been there.”
—Andrea Martin
Founder and Executive Director
The Breast Cancer Fund
“It is not often that I find myself praising a ‘self-help’ book for patients with breast cancer, since so many of them, frankly, are repetitive and condescending to the reader. Just Get Me Through This! is certainly the exception. The authors—a woman who’s been there and an oncologist with extensive experience—take you by the hand and expertly guide you through the day-ins and day-outs of managing everything about your breast cancer. This is not only a practical coping guide, but also offers a unique perspective on each decision associated with surgery and treatment.”
—Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
University of Colorado Bone
Marrow Transplant Program
University of Colorado Cancer Center
“A unique and vital resource for women facing the challenge of living with breast cancer. It guides the reader from the moment of diagnosis through treatment, recovery and beyond. It’s full of the practical information you need most, along with a healthy dose of humor and inspiration.”
—Amy Gagliardi, M.D.
Department of Psychiatry
Massachusetts General Hospital
“Not medical jargon, not psychology, but a rare combination of practical advice and inspirational attitude . . . a great addition.”
—Anne Moore, M.D.
Medical Oncologist, Attending Physician,
New York Presbyterian Hospital
Professor of Clinical Medicine,
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
“Fantastic. The how-to manual for negotiating the multi-specialty maze of breast cancer treatment.”
—Carolyn M. Kaelin, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Director, Comprehensive Breast Health Center
Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Harvard Medical School
JUST GET ME THROUGH THIS!
A Practical Guide To Coping With Breast Cancer
Newly Revised and Updated
Deborah A. Cohen and Robert M. Gelfand, M.D., with Eugene J. Nowak, M.D. and Faith A. Menken, M.D.
KENSINGTON BOOKS
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
Praise Title Page Dedication A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOREWORD BY DR. GELFAND FOREWORD BY DR. MENKEN AND DR. NOWAK INTRODUCTION PART I - THE DIAGNOSIS
CHAPTER 1 - Managing the News CHAPTER 2 - Swinging into Action
CHAPTER 3 - Deciding on Surgery CHAPTER 4 - Undergoing Surgery CHAPTER 5 - Recovering from Surgery
CHAPTER 6 - Deciphering Treatment Alternatives CHAPTER 7 - Managing Treatments: Chemotherapy and Radiation
PART IV - GETTING BACK TO LIFE
CHAPTER 8 - Ending Treatment Chapter 9 - Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: The Long-Term Outlook
Some Parting Thoughts Copyright Page Notes
DEDICATION
This book is especially dedicated to:
• My mother, Myrna, whose own life-debilitating illness has brought new meaning to the word courage.
• My father, Don, who is a pillar of stability, even when his world is crumbling around him.
• My brother, Dan, who helped me maintain my sanity and perspective in times of seeming chaos.
• My aunt, Elaine, who taught me what nurturing and support are really all about.
• My “Vermont mom,” Ginny, who stepped in at just the right critical moments.
• All the incredible friends that have been there for me, both old and new, whom I am so blessed to have in my life. You know who you are and I love you all....
I would also like to recognize several other individuals without whose efforts and understanding this book would never have become a reality:
• My “shadow” agent, Helen, who saw the jewel in the glimmer of an idea, and pushed me to make it happen.
• My current boss, Susan, who graciously and patiently accommodated my work schedule around her belief in this project.
•