Living with Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Coping Medically and Emotionally with a Serious Diagnosis

by Vicki A. Jackson, David P. Ryan, Michelle D. Seaton

The prospect of entering treatment is overwhelming for anyone facing a diagnosis of cancer. While patients have access to a vast amount of medical information online, this advice is often unreliable or confusing. In Living with Cancer, Drs. Vicki A. Jackson and David P. Ryan have crafted the first step-by-step guide aimed at helping people with this life-defining disease grasp what's happening to them while coping physically and emotionally with cancer treatment.

An empathetic resource full of relatable patient stories, this book teaches patients and caregivers how to ask the right questions to get the best possible care--beginning at the moment of diagnosis. Drs. Jackson and Ryan explain how to work with a team of doctors and nurse practitioners to minimize symptoms and side effects while living as fully as possible in the face of cancer. They relay important information about understanding prognosis, and they translate what doctors mean when they describe tests, treatments, and medical procedures. Finally, they discuss hospice care and answer questions about continuing treatment and managing the final phase of life.

Based on new research and a groundbreaking program in which patients are treated with palliative care--along with the best cancer care--during the course of their illness, this honest and caring book provides the right advice to use at the right time throughout a journey with cancer. It allows a person with cancer to concentrate on living the best life possible, despite an uncertain future. Patients at every stage will find Living with Cancer a comprehensive, thoughtful, and accessible guide for navigating the illness and its treatment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2017

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this as the go-to reading when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. It helped in many ways to understand what was going on and what questions to ask.

[Meeghan Kummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this an extremely helpful resource as I began my journey. Two MGH physicians wrote this about our Cancer Center. It is in very easy language to understand. A great resource to keep going back to as needed. A friend gave me this and I am most appreciative.

[Free Thinking Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete guide to living with cancer; lot's of detailed information and answers to questions. Advice on how to cope. Must read for anyone going through cancer or for family/ friends.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly explains what concerns those with a serious cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.

[Lady Jayme,]

I bought this after a family member was diagnosed. This is full of good information, especially for someone newly diagnosed who may feel overwhelmed with what steps to take next. I now have a list of questions for our first oncology appointment.

I can't give this a star rating because I haven't read the last 5 chapters, which are about advancing cancer and what constitutes a "good death." I hope to never have to read those.

Recommended for anyone facing a new cancer diagnosis or someone who will be a caregiver to someone with cancer.

[Hilary.muff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew very little about cancer. My dad was recently diagnosed and I wanted to understand as much as I could about what he would experience so I could be a better caregiver. This book was easy to read while also being informative. Super grateful.

[Leah Herzing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introductory overview for living with/adjusting to cancer. I valued the information in the final chapters of the book related to end of life--a topic not always addressed.

[Stephanie E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone with a cancer diagnosis or those working with individuals living with cancer will find value in this book.

[Lobolance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful info. Take your time reading and processing. A tiny bit of the medicine info is outdated.

[Hanje Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book on Cancer. Well written. Covers lots of aspects of living with and dying from Cancer. I would recommend to people who are experiencing this from the patient to family members and friends.

[CC Arnott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful.

Lucky most was not relevant to my stage 1 with no need for further treatment. Thank God! Good for those especially who must have chemo or radiation.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Detailed, well-written, and overall a fantastic guide for those living with cancer.