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Just Get Me Through This! - Revised and Updated
You Can Get Through ThisYour doctor told you it was breast cancer. So now what?! You'll need plenty of essential advice—the kind that only comes from someone who's been there.In Just Get Me Through This! Deborah A. Cohen and Robert M. Gelfand, M.D. help you deal with all the ups and downs of the breast cancer experience. From the shock of diagnosis to getting through treatment to getting on with your life, they pack it with plenty of straight talk and practical tips. This newly updated edition also includes advice from two prominent breast cancer surgeons.The latest data on hormonal treatments How cornstarch can help you breeze through radiationWhy a calendar can help you get through chemotherapyInformation on the latest drugs used as part of chemotherapyHow to ease back into an intimate relationship Who might be your best ally when you're feeling blue The surefire way to beat insurance and workplace hassles What medical professionals say about everything from surgery to soy Each step of the way, this wise and witty companion will be there with unfailing inspiration and heart-to-heart support. It's also simple to use, with an accessible format—to make even the toughest days a whole lot easier. A Harvard Business School and Smith College graduate, marketing executive Deborah A. Cohen was, like so many others, going about her life as a young and healthy woman when she was unexpectedly struck with a diagnosis of breast cancer. As a result of her illness, the Wisconsin native became active in several breast cancer advocacy efforts, including "Climb Against the Odds," a Cancer Coalition's Leadership Education and Advocacy Development Program, and Peer Review Committees for the American Cancer Society's research programs. The research and writing of Just Get Me Through This! was a natural next step for Cohen in her commitment to helping others cope with and battle this disease. Robert M. Gelfand, M.D., is an oncologist with a private practice in New York City. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Weill-Cornell Medical Center and at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he also teaches. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from the State University of New York at Brooklyn. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at The New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center. Dr. Gelfand is married and has three daughters.Faith A. Menken, M.D., is a surgeon practicing at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. She went to medical school at Cornell University Medical College and did her internship at Mount Sinai Hospital and her residency at the New York Weill-Cornell Medical Center. She lives in New York City.Eugene J. Nowak, M.D., is a surgeon practicing at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. He went to medical school UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School and did his internship and residency at the New York Weill-Cornell Medical Center. He lives in New York City.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2000
55 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Deborah A. Cohen
4 booksLike your friend, sister, daughter, coworker or neighbor, Deborah A. Cohen was going about her life as a young and healthy woman until she was unexpectedly struck with a diagnosis of breast cancer. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Smith College, she was a marketing director for the professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. In addition to her “day job,” she was active in several breast cancer advocacy efforts, including “Climb for the Cure,” a multi-million dollar mountain climbing fundraiser, and the Breast Cancer Coalition’s Leadership Education and Advocacy Development Program.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 7, 2021
This book is a good broad overview of early-stage DCIS or IDC breast cancer, but it's very dated. It's dated in the writing and the medical advice.
For example, one section talks about your husband and how you husband will feel, and how he he he he he will be. What's odd is that in other areas of the book, the authors refer to your spouse or partner and use "he or she." Another example of dated language was a completely unnecessary reference to "Indian chiefs." A Walkman was mentioned, which just made me chuckle.
The medical data is also fairly dated. There's nothing about a wire localized lumpectomy, which is a pretty big gap. There's an odd part trying to cut through the "news" about Tamoxifen, which might have been breaking news 10 or 20 years ago, when this was updated and written, but in 2021, it feels entirely out of place. There is some information about genetic testing, but the author suggests waiting until well after you're done with treatment to do genetic testing. Since genetic testing could very well impact which surgery and treatments you choose, as well as screening for other cancers, it seems a bit odd to not consider doing genetic testing shortly after diagnosis. (And there are so many more genes related to breast cancer than BRCA1 and BRCA2!) Another example is when the author talks about some radiation cream from France and how far ahead of the US Europe is and how hard the cream is to find. Nowadays there are tons of options of radiation cream. The nutrition section is... very late 90s sort of dietary advice. There are some legal issues (like genetic testing results being used against you) that are no longer in play because of Obamacare.
I also think the relationship between patient and doctor has changed a bit since the book was written. For example, Cohen writes that she was never told the stage of her cancer, just that her oncologist just kept telling her it was early-stage and treatable. I can't imagine NOT having much clearer communication with my medical team in 2021. Heck, I get all of my test results, pathology reports, etc online before they even have time to call me with the results. (I believe this is a result of the CARES Act.) And since so many online message boards have threads specifically based on stage, ER/PR/HER2 status, genetic results, etc, I can't imagine trying to connect with other survivors without knowing something as basic as your own stage of cancer. So that part felt dated too.
I don't know if there are better options than this book for getting a broad overview early-stage IDC or DCIS, and the information about telling people and dealing with the emotions of a cancer diagnosis are pretty good. But this book is best taken with a big grain of salt since so much has changed in the 10 years since this was updated. (Also note: I didn't bother to look up any of the resources so I don't expect them to be valid anymore.)
Very easy read, and probably better than trying to Dr Google things yourself when you're first diagnosed, but not the end-all-be-all breast cancer book.
For example, one section talks about your husband and how you husband will feel, and how he he he he he will be. What's odd is that in other areas of the book, the authors refer to your spouse or partner and use "he or she." Another example of dated language was a completely unnecessary reference to "Indian chiefs." A Walkman was mentioned, which just made me chuckle.
The medical data is also fairly dated. There's nothing about a wire localized lumpectomy, which is a pretty big gap. There's an odd part trying to cut through the "news" about Tamoxifen, which might have been breaking news 10 or 20 years ago, when this was updated and written, but in 2021, it feels entirely out of place. There is some information about genetic testing, but the author suggests waiting until well after you're done with treatment to do genetic testing. Since genetic testing could very well impact which surgery and treatments you choose, as well as screening for other cancers, it seems a bit odd to not consider doing genetic testing shortly after diagnosis. (And there are so many more genes related to breast cancer than BRCA1 and BRCA2!) Another example is when the author talks about some radiation cream from France and how far ahead of the US Europe is and how hard the cream is to find. Nowadays there are tons of options of radiation cream. The nutrition section is... very late 90s sort of dietary advice. There are some legal issues (like genetic testing results being used against you) that are no longer in play because of Obamacare.
I also think the relationship between patient and doctor has changed a bit since the book was written. For example, Cohen writes that she was never told the stage of her cancer, just that her oncologist just kept telling her it was early-stage and treatable. I can't imagine NOT having much clearer communication with my medical team in 2021. Heck, I get all of my test results, pathology reports, etc online before they even have time to call me with the results. (I believe this is a result of the CARES Act.) And since so many online message boards have threads specifically based on stage, ER/PR/HER2 status, genetic results, etc, I can't imagine trying to connect with other survivors without knowing something as basic as your own stage of cancer. So that part felt dated too.
I don't know if there are better options than this book for getting a broad overview early-stage IDC or DCIS, and the information about telling people and dealing with the emotions of a cancer diagnosis are pretty good. But this book is best taken with a big grain of salt since so much has changed in the 10 years since this was updated. (Also note: I didn't bother to look up any of the resources so I don't expect them to be valid anymore.)
Very easy read, and probably better than trying to Dr Google things yourself when you're first diagnosed, but not the end-all-be-all breast cancer book.
January 18, 2020
Interesting in some parts. Beginning and ending were most helpful. My journey with breast cancer was much different than hers. I’ve been optimistic and haven’t let it get me down. Mostly because it was caught so early and even though I have the dreaded triple negative diagnosis it’s still remarkably treatable. So grateful for all the research that has been done to help women feel empowered and strong and believe they have a future life with their friends and loved ones. She seemed to campaign in some areas rather than just giving suggestions. It’s obvious she has passions which is fine, she’s the authors she gets to put in her book what she wants. Found the pages and pages of resources and other things to be quite tedious. Would’ve been nice if it was isolated to just a generic search because every woman’s cancer journey is different. Regardless of the diagnosis. I’m not comfortable imposing on my family friends and neighbors as much as she did. I’m pretty self-reliant and I’m capable of doing things on my own, even though my husband insists on coming with me. We faced enough challenges with his health that to be honest, my particular breast cancer it’s not the most challenging event in my life. Wishing every woman the best in her journey.
They whispered to me “You’re not strong enough to withstand the Storm.” I whispered back, “I AM The Storm.” Cancer is like a scrap of unwanted trash. Best bring an umbrella cancer. I’m releasing a whirlwind of unwavering faith, bolts of empowered lightening, tenacious determination, tender mists of love for my amazing family and close friends. Their support in my journey has been filled with sweet tender mercies.
They whispered to me “You’re not strong enough to withstand the Storm.” I whispered back, “I AM The Storm.” Cancer is like a scrap of unwanted trash. Best bring an umbrella cancer. I’m releasing a whirlwind of unwavering faith, bolts of empowered lightening, tenacious determination, tender mists of love for my amazing family and close friends. Their support in my journey has been filled with sweet tender mercies.
January 17, 2020
Indispensable book to hand-hold you through the breast cancer journey. While not packed with scientific mumbo jumbo, it tells you honestly and hopefully what to expect of treatments, drugs, and other practical information.
October 19, 2023
Amazingly informative ! A needed read for all women!
This is a must read going through breast cancer . Tests and results are all explained . Available medications are explained .Treatments are explained and side effects also. Lymph node involvement is explained. Tests from the first day that you find out you have a positive needle Biopsy and how aggressive the cancer could be . The whole book is a down to earth informative bible of information . Every woman must read this informative book for her journey ahead💖
This is a must read going through breast cancer . Tests and results are all explained . Available medications are explained .Treatments are explained and side effects also. Lymph node involvement is explained. Tests from the first day that you find out you have a positive needle Biopsy and how aggressive the cancer could be . The whole book is a down to earth informative bible of information . Every woman must read this informative book for her journey ahead💖
February 13, 2022
A primer for the support team
The last update was in 2011, so given the speed of medical research, I'm sure a lot of the hard medical information has changed. Still, it is a valuable guide for those who plan to "be there" for the patient in their lives, and want a better understanding of where the best "there" might be.
The last update was in 2011, so given the speed of medical research, I'm sure a lot of the hard medical information has changed. Still, it is a valuable guide for those who plan to "be there" for the patient in their lives, and want a better understanding of where the best "there" might be.
May 7, 2019
This really helped me understand my breast cancer battle--what I've already been through and what's to come. It offered answers to questions I didn't know I had and even had sections for my significant other and family members to read to help them understand, as well.
September 2, 2018
Read chapters as going through the different treatments. Thank you for what to do or expect when facing the unknown.
October 23, 2018
It was a quick read and I did get a lot of great information from it. It was an extremely helpful book and I'm glad I took the time to read it.
April 23, 2019
Definitely worth the purchase as some tips are very valuable and I have not learned of them elsewhere.
April 5, 2021
There was nothing in this book a quick Google search could not bring up.I would not recommend.
September 25, 2022
Given to me by my doctor after breast cancer diagnosis. Well written, but last update was 2011 (published 2000), so the information could use some review.
October 19, 2008
This book may be okay for some people, but it had very little information for me. I have DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and this book had very little information about it. I felt like my type wasn't worth her time to write about since it's mostly treated with radiation therapy and surgery. And the surgeries that she mostly talks about are masectomy types. It might help you but it did not help me at all.
September 1, 2024
I found this book to be very helpful and informative. I appreciated the down to earth, layman’s terms, making it understandable for my mom during her breast cancer journey, as well as her inner circle, to understand what she is going through and to support her.
August 5, 2008
Full of great information and tips for getting through this tough time. Helped me get through doctor's visit....why do they insist on talking to us like we have PhD's?
August 9, 2008
Older information (2000) but more helpful. Written in a way that answered some of my most basic and worrisome questions.
September 15, 2009
This book is a MUST READ for someone fighting breast cancer!
July 26, 2010
It was like she was reading my mind! Extremely helpful for this moment in time.
January 5, 2011
This book was very helpful to me as I went through treatments for breast cancer. It is full of practical advice and not so much scientific stuff. I've recommended it to others.
February 11, 2011
A great overview of what to expect when dealing with breast cancer. An easy read. It gave the names for things, but was not so detailed that you got lost in the details.
August 11, 2022
Informative and straight forward
September 6, 2021
Wonderful. A reference book that I will continue to read. Never will absolutely finish it although I read all the way through. Get my drift.
Read
May 23, 2017Breast Cancer: The Silent Killer
This book is about one of the most deadly cancers that women can easily get. It promises to tell of the leading information, such as symptoms and medicine. It helps the people with breast cancer get the knowledge to get through their experience. It does accomplish this. I felt that if I was a woman with breast cancer, I would be confident in this information and completely trust the book to help me. The author, Deborah, is a breast cancer survivor. She knows what it is like to feel this. The tone is one of comfort, which helps to keep the readers that have cancer calm, making sure they don’t get scared. I feel like this book is a great book to read, and I would trust the author and her information more than anyone else.
This book is a hub for information on this type of cancer. It has everything from information on the latest medicine to advice about who would be your best ally when you are feeling down. It isn’t just all factual, but it is not a comedy either. I feel like this book, especially with the author being a survivor, is one of the best in it’s category. The book was definitely written in a way to easily relate to the reader. Not only is it for people who have breast cancer, but people whose friends or family have it could really use this. I had an aunt that had breast cancer, and if I had read this, then I would have been a lot more comfortable. The best part, to me, is the fact that Deborah also had breast cancer. She knows how it feels to be in that situation. This makes her more trustworthy, and if I had to choose her or a random doctor, Deborah would be my first choice.
All in all, this book was very good. I liked how informative it was. It really is a book to help people with breast cancer to really get through their pain. Not only will they get information about the scientific part, but also the mental parts as well. As I said before, this would be my way to go if I was a woman with breast cancer. It really has a positive tone to it, and that helps with staying calm and not freaking out. I would tell anyone with breast cancer to get this book and read it. Never let it go, as it helps later on. With this book by their side, they can get past this phase and get back to their normal lives.
This book is about one of the most deadly cancers that women can easily get. It promises to tell of the leading information, such as symptoms and medicine. It helps the people with breast cancer get the knowledge to get through their experience. It does accomplish this. I felt that if I was a woman with breast cancer, I would be confident in this information and completely trust the book to help me. The author, Deborah, is a breast cancer survivor. She knows what it is like to feel this. The tone is one of comfort, which helps to keep the readers that have cancer calm, making sure they don’t get scared. I feel like this book is a great book to read, and I would trust the author and her information more than anyone else.
This book is a hub for information on this type of cancer. It has everything from information on the latest medicine to advice about who would be your best ally when you are feeling down. It isn’t just all factual, but it is not a comedy either. I feel like this book, especially with the author being a survivor, is one of the best in it’s category. The book was definitely written in a way to easily relate to the reader. Not only is it for people who have breast cancer, but people whose friends or family have it could really use this. I had an aunt that had breast cancer, and if I had read this, then I would have been a lot more comfortable. The best part, to me, is the fact that Deborah also had breast cancer. She knows how it feels to be in that situation. This makes her more trustworthy, and if I had to choose her or a random doctor, Deborah would be my first choice.
All in all, this book was very good. I liked how informative it was. It really is a book to help people with breast cancer to really get through their pain. Not only will they get information about the scientific part, but also the mental parts as well. As I said before, this would be my way to go if I was a woman with breast cancer. It really has a positive tone to it, and that helps with staying calm and not freaking out. I would tell anyone with breast cancer to get this book and read it. Never let it go, as it helps later on. With this book by their side, they can get past this phase and get back to their normal lives.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews