Books hold advice on breast cancer

BY LINDA MILLER

Published: October 12, 2008

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, the American Cancer Society says.

It’s a frightening statistic and a frightening disease. Hundreds of books have been written on it and more are released daily.

Here are excerpts from a few new ones.

→"A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors: Inspiring Stories of Courage and Triumph” edited by Colleen Sell. "The first thing I did was to find another surgeon, someone who was more kind, upbeat and empathetic and who saw me, the person, and not just a cancer patient. Next, I changed my own attitude. I would fight this disease with all that I had. I would fight for my daughter, I would fight for myself, and I would fight for all who cared for me.”

→"After Breast Cancer, A Common-Sense Guide to Life After Treatments” by Hester Hill Schnipper, a breast cancer survivor and oncology social worker for more than 20 years. "Slowly we find our feet, stand erect, and start down the twisting path that lies ahead. Darkness lurks behind the curves and the destination is uncertain. Faith happens. It must. And each of us, in our own way, stumbling at first, finds that we have ground under our feet or wings to fly.”

→"How Can I Help? Everyday Ways to Help Your Loved Ones Live with Cancer” by Monique Doyle Spencer, a breast cancer survivor. "If tears help you, or if crying is your normal response, go ahead, of course. Just don’t be hurt if your friend tells you to go cry in the bathroom. This sounds harsh, I know. It’s just that many patients don’t want to view their situations as tragedies. Tears say grief to many people. Tears may also make your friend feel that he has to comfort you, which is not why you’re there to help.”

→"Breast Cancer, The Complete Guide” by Drs. Yashar Hirshaut and Peter I. Pressman. "Women who exercise regularly, whether they are pre- or post-menopausal, have a decreased incidence of breast cancer.”

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