Overview

Getting an initial diagnosis of cancer, or a diagnosis of cancer that has recurred after treatment, can be devastating. The authors have prepared this book to try to help. Facing Cancer with Hope is a combination of a personal narrative of a surgeon's experience facing Stage 4 metastatic cancer, an accessible review of cancer biology and its treatments, and, based on the authors' own marathon cancer journey, a detailed set of suggestions for cancer patients, their family members and caregivers, and advocates supporting patients with cancer. The book is organized chronologically, beginning with receiving an unexpected diagnosis of cancer, proceeding through initial surgery and chemotherapy, confronting a diagnosis of recurrent cancer, participating in two clinical trials, and undergoing additional aggressive surgery, complementary and alternative medicine-based treatment, and, ultimately, successful experimental immunochemotherapy. Specific topics covered by the authors include: - The burden of cancer on individual patients, families, and our society at large - Overcoming the emotional paralysis of getting a diagnosis of cancer and first steps to take after receiving the diagnosis - An overview of the biology of cancer and the effects of cancer on our bodies - Tactics for getting through major cancer surgery as safely and comfortably as possible - Suggestions for recovery after surgery and preparation for post-op chemotherapy - Tips for navigating chemotherapy - Dealing with a diagnosis of recurrent cancer - Coping strategies for cancer patients and their caregivers and for children of individuals facing cancer, including ways to remain hopeful - Shared decision-making when dealing with advanced cancer - An overview of the roles of individualized medicine-based approaches, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment - Strategies for identifying, selecting from, and pursuing clinical trials Although cancer remains a formidable challenge, the authors hope that this book will empower patients, their caregivers and loved ones, and their advocates to leverage recent advances in cancer care and to work with their health care providers to obtain the best possible outcomes using available medical and scientific resources.

Full Product Details

9798986115344

Table of Contents

Reviews

I wish that I had this amazing book when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. And once again when my disease took a turn for the worse and I went through aggressive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. At those two key moments in my illness, I was in search of books and articles I could read on the nature of my disease, my prognosis, and my treatment options - what positive steps could I take for me, for my partner, and for our two young children? More than that, I yearned for stories of survivors, beating the odds in predicaments like mine, that might fill me with hope, at a time of darkness and despair. This expertly written book is all of these in one. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a provider, Facing Cancer with Hope is a must read - and a must reread through the course of your illness. --Malcolm Baker, PhD, Robert G Kirby Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School This book is the kind of thoughtful, patient-focused cancer guide I wish I'd had during my own battle with cancer. In grappling with a life-threatening disease, Drs. Woog and Destro couple the expertise and probing insight of research physicians with the humanism and wisdom of expert clinicians and patient advocates. Facing Cancer with Hope is a compelling, must-read addition to the cancer treatment canon. -M. Roy Wilson, M.D., M.S., President, Wayne State University Dr. Woog has done something very selfless, and very special. He has tapped into his vast experience and skill as a physician and writer, combined with his experience from his long and complex cancer journey, to develop a ""must read"" for the cancer patient and/or their loved ones. From discussing the origins of the biology of cancer, to what to expect at each step of the cancer journey, Dr. Woog provides key practical take home points for cancer patients and their loved ones. As a NCI-designated Cancer Center Director, I plan on recommending Facing Cancer with Hope to our patients. --Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., FACP, Professor of Medicine, Leukemia Cancer Specialist, Executive Director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson ...The detailed explanations of what is cancer, what are possible treatment options, and what patients may expect at every step along the way provide valuable insights for patients, their caregivers and family members, and their advocates....Amid these inspirational teachings, this book also beautifully portrays the importance of family, friends, and faith in the process of coping with cancer. In short, Facing Cancer with Hope is a masterpiece that tackles a challenging subject with expertise and grace. --Eric Diamond, M.D., Medical Director, Brigham and Women's Health Care Center, Westwood

I wish that I had this amazing book when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. And once again when my disease took a turn for the worse and I went through aggressive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. At those two key moments in my illness, I was in search of books and articles I could read on the nature of my disease, my prognosis, and my treatment options - what positive steps could I take for me, for my partner, and for our two young children? More than that, I yearned for stories of survivors, beating the odds in predicaments like mine, that might fill me with hope, at a time of darkness and despair. This expertly written book is all of these in one. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a provider, Facing Cancer with Hope is a must read - and a must reread through the course of your illness. --Malcolm Baker, PhD, Robert G Kirby Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School This book is the kind of thoughtful, patient-focused cancer guide I wish I'd had during my own battle with cancer. In grappling with a life-threatening disease, Drs. Woog and Destro couple the expertise and probing insight of research physicians with the humanism and wisdom of expert clinicians and patient advocates. Facing Cancer with Hope is a compelling, must-read addition to the cancer treatment canon. -M. Roy Wilson, M.D., M.S., President, Wayne State University Dr. Woog has done something very selfless, and very special. He has tapped into his vast experience and skill as a physician and writer, combined with his experience from his long and complex cancer journey, to develop a must read for the cancer patient and/or their loved ones. From discussing the origins of the biology of cancer, to what to expect at each step of the cancer journey, Dr. Woog provides key practical take home points for cancer patients and their loved ones. As a NCI-designated Cancer Center Director, I plan on recommending Facing Cancer with Hope to our patients. --Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., FACP, Professor of Medicine, Leukemia Cancer Specialist, Executive Director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson ...The detailed explanations of what is cancer, what are possible treatment options, and what patients may expect at every step along the way provide valuable insights for patients, their caregivers and family members, and their advocates....Amid these inspirational teachings, this book also beautifully portrays the importance of family, friends, and faith in the process of coping with cancer. In short, Facing Cancer with Hope is a masterpiece that tackles a challenging subject with expertise and grace. --Eric Diamond, M.D., Medical Director, Brigham and Women's Health Care Center, Westwood

Author Information

Ophthalmologist, surgeon, and cancer patient Ophthalmologist, caregiver to cancer patient

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