Navigating Breast Cancer

In this newly updated and revised edition of Navigating Breast Cancer: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed, Second Edition, author Lillie Shockney empowers breast cancer patients and their families by providing authoritative, easy-to-follow information about each step of treatment, helping women to make informed decisions about their care. Armed with this invaluable book, breast cancer patients will be well prepared for each phase of therapy, and perhaps most importantly, will learn how to continue to work and live life while receiving treatment. This outstanding resource provides breast cancer patients with the essential tools they need to cope with symptoms and to navigate the maze of modern treatment options.

In this newly updated and revised edition of Navigating Breast Cancer: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed, Second Edition, author Lillie Shockney empowers breast cancer patients and their families by providing authoritative, easy-to-follow information about each step of treatment, helping women to make informed decisions about their care. Armed with this invaluable book, breast cancer patients will be well prepared for each phase of therapy, and perhaps most importantly, will learn how to continue to work and live life while receiving treatment. This outstanding resource provides breast cancer patients with the essential tools they need to cope with symptoms and to navigate the maze of modern treatment options.

Provides information for breast cancer patients on such topics as record keeping, treatment options, and medical and insurance expenses.

This book provides key information on treatment options and the decision-making process, communicating the news of diagnosis to your loved ones, sexual intimacy, adjuvant treatment along with more interesting advice for patients and their families.

"Breast cancer: A journey of resilience and hope." Discover the ultimate guide to understanding, managing, and thriving through breast cancer. "Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Resource for Women and Families" provides invaluable information and support for those affected by this life-changing diagnosis. From detection and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, this essential resource covers every aspect of breast cancer, offering hope, guidance, and the tools necessary to navigate this challenging journey. In this comprehensive book, you'll find: An in-depth understanding of breast cancer, its causes, and risk factors Detailed information on diagnostic tests and procedures to help you make informed decisions An overview of treatment options, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies Strategies for managing the emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer A guide to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment Advice on communicating with healthcare providers, family members, and friends Support for caregivers and loved ones • Real-life stories from breast cancer survivors Resources for financial assistance, support groups, and more Don't face breast cancer alone—arm yourself with the knowledge, resources, and support you need to take control of your health and your life. Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or a long-term survivor, "Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Resource for Women and Families" will empower you and your loved ones to face this journey with courage, resilience, and hope. Contents: Understanding Breast Cancer What is Breast Cancer? Types of Breast Cancer Stages and Grades Risk Factors Life Expectancy Age and Health Factors Breast Cancer Screening and Detection Mammography Ultrasound MRI Breast Self-Exams Breast Cancer Diagnosis Biopsy Pathology Reports Genetic Testing Treatment Options Surgery Lumpectomy Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Hormone Therapy Targeted Therapy Immunotherapy Coping with Side Effects and Complications Managing Physical Side Effects Emotional Support and Mental Health Fertility and Pregnancy Concerns Survivorship and Follow-up Care Regular Check-ups and Monitoring Long-term Side Effects Recurrence and Metastatic Breast Cancer Nutrition and Lifestyle Diet and Nutrition During Treatment Exercise and Physical Activity Complementary and Alternative Medicine Support and Resources Building a Support Network Financial Assistance Advocacy and Research Caregivers and Loved Ones How to Provide Support Communicating with Healthcare Team Self-Care for Caregivers Prevention and Risk Reduction Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors Genetic Counseling and Testing Lifestyle Choices for Prevention Preventive Medications Breast Cancer in Men Understanding Male Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Detection Treatment and Support Breast Cancer in Young Women Unique Challenges and Considerations Fertility Preservation Support and Resources Breast Cancer and Pregnancy Diagnosis During Pregnancy Treatment Options and Considerations Postpartum Care Navigating Employment and Insurance Understanding Your Rights Workplace Accommodations Managing Insurance Issues Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Coping with Anxiety and Depression Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Support Groups and Counseling Personal Stories and Inspiration Survivor Stories Lessons Learned Finding Hope and Resilience Integrative Medicine and Holistic Approaches Understanding Integrative Medicine Acupuncture and Massage Mind-Body Therapies Post-Treatment Body Image and Intimacy Coping with Body Image Changes Navigating Relationships and Intimacy Reconstruction and Prosthetics Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer Understanding Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Palliative Care Emotional Support and Resources

Diagnosed with breast cancer, Tamara Levine wrote the first of eleven letters she would send to friends and family throughout her "year from hell". In them she shares the horrors, minefields, startling paradoxes and unexpected joys of her healing journey. Confronted by the daunting labyrinth of the cancer care system, Tamara tried to bring together the often conflicting worlds of mainstream and complementary medicine. More than a memoir, she brings us the voices of her health care providers: her oncologists, surgeon, naturopathic doctor and life coach. They share their expertise, why they choose to do this work, how they cope with the inevitable losses and their hopes and visions for cancer care. But Hope is Longer offers insight, compassion, and strategies that individuals and families struggling with cancer will find invaluable.

"Being poor is a health risk (Wells et al., 2019). When we wrote Poverty and Place, Cancer Prevention among Low Income Women of Color (2019), we demonstrated the potent forces of poverty and place and the prevalence of cancer among low-income women of color. That initial volume was the inspiration for this volume, entitled Cancer Navigation: Charting the Pathway Forward for Low Income Women of Color. In Poverty and Place, we had academics and researchers in mind. Our purpose was to examine how and why racial and class disparities have become potent forces in health and longevity rates in the United States. Conducting original research drawn from North City St. Louis, Missouri and the river city of East St. Louis, Illinois, we sought to understand the combination of factors that facilitate or pose a barrier to cancer treatment and adherence, for marginalized low- income women of color"--

In 2014, an estimated 1.66 million people will receive a diagnosis of cancer. They will join a pool of 13.7 million Americans already living with a history of cancer. Almost 600,000 Americans will die from cancer. For some, cancer will be only a short divergence. For others, however, it will be a dramatic fork in the road. And for still others, the beginning of the end of the line. This book guides cancer patients along their journey where no one knows the duration or the destination. Divided into the three parts of being a cancer patient—the diagnosis, initial treatment, and on to survivorship—the book will help the newly diagnosed cancer patient navigate a complex health care system, make astute decisions at difficult junctures, and manage the emotional turbulence that can rock his or her world. Lastly, it shares the story of how the author and his wife, as well as other cancer patients, have confronted their disease.