Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence: A Practical Guide to Help You Through the First Few Weeks

by Dr. Robert Buckman MD

A trusted and essential companion for everyone dealing with a diagnosis of cancer. "If you're reading this book, you're probably reeling... This book is going to do one specific thing for it's going to help you get your balance back."
-from the introduction Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence is a practical guide written for people who have just been diagnosed with cancer. It aims to help them -- and their loved ones -- make sense of what happens next and to plan a course of action. Dr. Robert Buckman describes everything that comes after the diagnosis, including tests, the stages of the disease, treatment options and follow-up. Having treated patients and interacted with their families for years, Dr. Buckman presents a six-step plan that provides information needed to make important choices in seeking the best Dr. Buckman also focuses on daily how to talk to your spouse or children, how to break the news to friends, and how to obtain the information you need. There's also a section addressed to family and friends who "just don't know what to say." In simple and straightforward language, this practical book provides a guide for use in the real world.

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Dania · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're in 'their' shoes, it really helps to keep your days going on well and for you to expect everything - emotionally, medically, etc. The guides, medical infos, tips - they're also easy to understand. I've kept this book safe with me for a long time.

[Annabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book about cancer I could actually finish. Having recently been diagnosed with breast cancer it was useful to get a less emotional description of cancer. To get an understanding of the different treatments, that not all cancers are the same and the questions to ask medical staff. Hopefully will help me get a clearer picture of my prognosis and the aim for certain treatments. It is also important to try and regain quality of life, rather than just surviving. I liked his section on how a patients attitude has no bearing on their survival outcome, that was very comforting.

[Bryan Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading "Cancer a word, not a sentence", and found it very informative indeed, and especially considering I just recently underwent surgery for kidney cancer myself. It certainly gave me a good idea what I may end up going through down the road. I would definitely recommend it for sure.

[Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reassuring read. I didn't finish it, but the first few chapters explaining cancer are quite interesting.