Personal Injury Law

What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope

By Chrissie Cole

From the moment you hear those words. "You have cancer." Your life, as you once knew it, changes in an instant. Suddenly, you are faced with having to learn about your diagnosis and what it means. But you don't have to be alone.

"What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope," a new book by the American Cancer Society, taps into the insight, wisdom and first-hand accounts of cancer survivors to help you find the strength, courage and understanding you need to get through.

Editor Julie K. Silver, M.D., assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and 5-year cancer survivor, surveyed 300 cancer survivors from all walks of life - teachers, celebrities, stay-at-home-moms - to compile a guide chockfull of personal stories and candid advice for newly diagnosed cancer patients.

A few excerpts from the book:

How my friends made a difference - "The year I was diagnosed, when I sent out my Christmas cards, I also told them of my diagnosis. Most of them replied back in one form or another. That was very uplifting. Linda, diagnosed with breast cancer at age 55

How cancer has changed my life - "Rather than self-diagnose, I now go to my doctor sooner." Mark, diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at age 59

How I nurtured myself. "I got a dog. The dog made me smile, even on the days when I was feeling very bad." Kristen, diagnosed with colon cancer at age 49

Silver shares straight-forward, practical advice for family and friends while also including helpful lists such as "5 things you should tell your partner who has cancer" and "5 things to tell your children about cancer," throughout the book.

You can buy a copy directly from the American Cancer Society's bookstore, from Amazon or check your local bookstore.

More than 500,000 Americans are expected to lose their lives to cancer this year. Skin cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 8.4 million Americans alive today have suffered from or currently suffer from cancer.

The Florida Times Union newspaper has devoted a page to women's inspirational stories called, "THINK PINK: Her Spirit Shines Through." 

Listen to anchorwoman Donna Deegan explain why cancer has been a blessing in her life. Her spirit has been an inspiration to everyone she meets. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on October 21, 2008 (boomark / email).