Read Online The Layman Guide To Surviving Cancer From Diagnosis Through Treatment And Beyond Howard L Bressler 9781626528581 Books

Product details Paperback 274 pages Publisher Langdon Street Press (June 24, 2014) Language English ISBN-10 1626528586

The Layman Guide To Surviving Cancer From Diagnosis Through Treatment And Beyond Howard L Bressler 9781626528581 Books Reviews

• This is an excellent guide for those going through the experience of cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. It's filled with interesting observations, wise advice, and really well-chosen references for further information. Mr. Bressler insists that patients have rights and that they are entitled to information about all aspects of their care, including second opinions from other care-givers. The book is a really valuable resource and is highly recommended for cancer patients and their families.
• For full disclosure, I will state that Howard Bressler and I went to high school together. That being said, as a physician, I read his book as objectively as possible.
  It certainly saddened me to learn that one of my friends was diagnosed with a malignancy, The silver linings here are twofold. First, it appears that the medical therapies the author received were successful. Second, his experience has produced a guide/reference for others who are facing similar challenges.
  The author writes with candor and humor, while maintaining a clear respsect for the reader. While he uses his insight to offer others tools and coping strategies, he stears clear of offering specific medical advice-a choice that I respect.
  I have begun recommending this book to patients and friends with a recent diagosis of malignancy. The feedback that I have received has been positive.
• One of the best books you can read to fully understand what the patient is going through and as a friend or family member, I now know what is really going on and what the patient is thinking and feeling . This is the type of book I can give to a friend or a patient as well. Kudos to Howard L. Bressler for making the layman truly understand what is going on and what is to be expected!!!!! Beautifully written and so easy to read.
• You would think that reading a book about cancer would be depressing, and even though the topic is serious, the author manages to keep it lighter than one would think. This book is so well written that I highly recommend it. It gives practical advice and suggestions on many things one might not even think of when all they are thinking about is the medical aspect. A must have for anyone looking to know more about their disease.
• A special thank you to Langdon Street Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Howard Bressler’s The Layman’s Guide to Surviving Cancer provides a wealth of information, addressing the physical, emotional, dietary, holistic and spiritual aspects of cancer diagnosis!
  
  His book, along with Bressler’s website, offers invaluable information for achieving a healthy body and mind for patients of cancer, the family, and those who desire a better understanding of issues surrounding this illness— an easy to read layman’s point of view format, versus boring medical jargon.
  
  On a personal note, I received the devastating news of cancer, of both parents this past year. My mom, age 82 has colon cancer and secondary liver cancer, currently undergoing chemo. Dad, age 83 has Stage 1 chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Both parents had previously been very healthy, actively working out six days a week, fit, a healthy lifestyle, with normal checkups and no family history of cancer.
  
  The news has been shocking—a roller coaster ride and ongoing journey with mom, being in and out of the hospital since receiving her news—surgery, colon resection, double pneumonia, blood transfusions, blockage, heart problems, lung and kidney infections, etc. (this was all prior to starting chemo).
  
  After having her port installed (to receive her drip), she started on a combo of pills and drip, at a high dosage (Xeloda and Avastin). With several complications, her dosage of the pills has been reduced several times. She currently is managing her symptoms, and we hope for the best to reduce the cancer and manage her symptoms. We have been very fortunate with dad, as he does not require any treatment or medications at this time.
  
  They look after one another, and continue to work out, and manage their lifestyle at a much slower pace, as both tire easily. I have urged mom to maintain a food journal, as appears she has a sensitivity to certain foods and believe each person’s body reacts to chemo in different ways—combination of foods, stress, and other items affect symptoms, and progression, as reiterated throughout this incredible book.
  
  The Layman’s Guide to Surviving Cancer was extremely helpful to me, as mom and dad do not research anything surrounding their illness, nor ask a lot of questions—almost to the point of not knowing is better. I am the one in the family constantly researching, reading, questioning, and recommending things as well as prompting them what to ask the oncologist, always making suggestions.
  
  Receiving praise from some of the leading oncologists in the country, The Layman’s Guide to Surviving Cancer addresses these issues on a personal level, drawing on his experiences. As a leukemia survivor, and his legal experience, Howard Bressler breaks down the practical issues of dealing with cancer, empowering you and your loved ones to defeat whatever challenges you may encounter on the journey ahead.
  
  Highly Recommend this well-written and insightful book, as well as the website, for updated resources.
  
  Bio
  Howard has been practicing law in New York City for more than twenty years, and has extensive experience in toxic tort and chemical exposure cases. Part of that work has involved investigating the science behind diseases, including cancer, and working with expert scientific witnesses in order to make complicated issues regarding disease causation and progression understandable to lay-people.
  
  In August 2000, Howard was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He underwent high-dose chemotherapy and participated in a clinical trial using arsenic trioxide to treat his cancer. In The Layman's Guide To Surviving Cancer, he puts his analytical skills, perspectives and personal and professional experience to work in crafting a roadmap for others to follow as they navigate the road to cancer survivorship.
  
  Visit him online at HowardBressler.com. The purpose of We Can Survive Cancer is to provide a source of information and encouragement to cancer patients and their loved ones and provide a forum where we can get together and help each other out.
• I have 2 caveats regarding my review of this book
  I received this book from the author who is a friend and I don’t have cancer.
  Despite my caveats, I read this book very objectively. Besides the fact that it is so well written and grammatically superior to most publications (for us grammar snobs), I found the book incisive, personal, enlightening and helpful.
  Although the author writes with cancer as the major thread, I found so much in this book that pertains to anyone who received a diagnosis of a life changing disease. As someone with Parkinson’s, I caught myself relating to so many of the experiential aspects the shock of diagnosis, the absorption of what it means, telling my spouse and our children, course of treatment, understanding of the life changing impacts, etc. My diagnosis was many years ago, but I am quite certain that if I had read this book back then, my travails may have been a bit smoother.
  The book is refreshing, inspiring and a must read for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer as well as their friends and family. In addition, I highly recommend it for those who have been diagnosed with a life changing disease other than cancer, and just substitute that disease for cancer in most places in the book. There are, obviously many parts of the book that are specific to cancer, but as a whole, it can serve to ease the path of major health related issues for many others.