The Colorectal Cancer Survival Guide

After receiving medical treatments for colorectal cancer, Robert Sieben, MD, was left on his own to find ways of dealing with the devastating complications. Now, twenty years out, he shares his experience. Empowered by his medical training and his intense desire to make the most of his life, Sieben developed a range of innovative strategies to manage the socially debilitating symptoms, including urgency and incontinence of both rectal and urinary functions. Offering hope to the 25 million Americans who suffer similar symptoms from a variety of causes, Beyond Survival describes the day-to-day challenges the author has successfully managed, answers questions patients are often too embarrassed to ask, and offers practical help for regaining quality of life and dignity. This is an exceptionally valuable book for patients who have had cancer (especially in the pelvis) and their family members. To physicians I strongly recommend this book as required reading.? Eli Glatstein, MD, Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania A compelling and splendid story, carefully narrated by a physician who becomes a patient and finds an innovative way to deal with a socially disabling disease. A must read for both patients and physicians alike.? Johnson Adeyanju, MD, chair of Continuing Medical Education, John Muir Medical Center, Concord, California This is a unique, moving and inspiring story of a physician who at the peak of his career and personal life endured the ravages of rectal cancer and the side effects of it's complex treatment. This book provides hope and courage for those who are faced with this daunting journey and important insights for all those who are involved in caring for them.? Samuel C. Oommen, MD, Director, GI Cancer Program, John Muir Health, Walnut Creek, California A wonderful and inspiring story with very specific recommendations on how to deal with the issues. So many books float over the ?how to? superficially.? Andrew Llamas, patient with Crohn's Disease

Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer, can affect anyone who has a colon. It is the second largest cause of cancer mortality in men and women in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is one in twenty, with women having a slightly lower risk than men. Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of colon cancer, however it is usually avoidable with regular screening. Learn everything you need to know about colon cancer, including what causes it and how to recognize signs and symptoms for early detection and the best chance of survival. Take action now and get your copy of this book.

Drawing on the advice and information provided by specialists at dozens of major cancer centers, this book provides the most up-to-date information available on how each of the 25 most common forms of cancer is diagnosed and staged, what the most advanced treatments are, and where to go to get the best possible care.

Not long ago, Curtis Pesmen, author, editor and husband, was diagnosed at 43 with advanced colorectal cancer, starting a journey that sent him from shock through treatment, experimental surgery, then recovery. Now as a survivor, he shares his insights-plus advice from other survivors and leading doctors in this revised edition-on how to manage the challenges of a cancer people don't like to talk about. Book jacket.

An American Society of Journalists and Authors: Annual Writing Awards Prize Winning Book When faced with cancer, timely and educated healthcare decisions are crucial to recovery. Put the odds in your favor with the help of Cancer Survival Guide — the leading manual of its kind, offering the most comprehensive and cutting-edge information on the subject, such as: Comprehensive info on the 13 most common cancers including lung, breast, prostate, and colon The causes and hidden symptoms of cancer and how it affects the body New genetic tests that can reveal your risk Early detection and prevention techniques Latest medical breakthroughs and miracle drugs Conventional and alternative therapies that really work How to find the best treatments and doctors Creating a personal healthcare record Locate a lifesaving clinical trial near you Find cost-effective therapies and free resources Physical and emotional coping strategies How to navigate life after cancer Don't let a cancer diagnosis fill you with feelings of fear, panic, and helplessness. Take back your power with Cancer Survival Guide.

Breast cancer is reaching epidemic levels, especially among black women. This survival guide provides tools that women—black women in particular—can use to identify and combat this all-too-common threat. This "what you need to know" guide is unique in its common sense, "laywoman's" approach and particular relevance to women of color. Its premise is simple: ignorance and lack of education about breast cancer signs and symptoms are still all too prevalent among black women. Many women are not informed about resources available for early detection screening and are not referred for mammography screening. They may also receive significantly delayed treatment—especially black women. For those reasons and more, black women with or at risk for breast cancer need an advocate who speaks for them and tells them the truth. They have that advocate in Cheryl Holloway, PhD—and in this book. A breast cancer survivor and cancer researcher, Dr. Holloway draws on her personal experience and research to offer something far different than the usual medical/oncological works. Her book provides support, current information, and practical advice for confronting and beating the disease. The book is divided into four parts. "Dealing with the Basics" explains how breast cancer hits black women harder and discusses the types of breast cancer they may develop, with an emphasis on the most dangerous. The second section offers practical information, such as how screenings work and the meaning of various breast cancer tests. Part three describes treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, combined therapy, and other options. The final section describes how to stay vigilant after the cancer is gone and also discusses other forms of cancer for which black women are at risk, such as lung cancer, colon cancer, and cervical cancer.

This much-needed breast cancer resource is developed in consultation with a large national team of experts. As with all of the Be a Survivor resources this book features candid testimonials by survivors. It is straightforward, easy-to-understand and contains objective and up-to-date information. The beautiful color photos and graphics enhance the learning process. Most importantly the book leaves the reader with a message of hope. The book addresses each step in the diagnosis, staging, treatment and recovery process and includes a chapter on end-of-life issues, and a section specifically for the patient s partner or caregiver."

Describes symptoms, treatment options, and on-going research while offering advice on caring for patients, coping with the emotional stress of treatment, and adjusting to a temporary or permanent ostomy.