In a valuable guide for women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. John Link helps sort through the confusion and the fear, by explaining such things as how to get a second opinion and how to understand a pathology report.

Particularly valuable is Link's step-by-step description of how breast cancer is characterized, or staged, according to tumor size, hormone receptors, and other factors--and how that affects prognosis. As a breast cancer specialist at Long Beach and Orange Coast Memorial hospitals in Southern California, Link knows the medical jargon and what it means. Although his writing style is at times a bit jargony and difficult to read, a breast cancer patient will willingly read and reread every word. The book also includes useful chapters on diet, exercise, herbs, and vitamins; managing the side effects of treatment; healing's mind-body connection; and organizing medical records and keeping a personal journal or log.

Ending on an encouraging note, Link writes, "You should know that most women today are cured of breast cancer. They undergo treatment, become survivors, and go on with their lives. But having breast cancer is certainly a wake-up call to many and may be for you. Life now has added uncertainty." This step-by-step manual helps you navigate the uncertainty and become a survivor, both physically and psychologically.


From Library Journal
Upon hearing a diagnosis of breast cancer, many women feel devastated, confused, and totally alone. Link, a practicing internist and oncologist and founder/medical director of the Breast Center in Long Beach, CA, intends to provide the newly diagnosed woman with all the information she needs to make informed decisions about her care. After arguing that a second opinion is absolutely required, he goes on to discuss the types of cancer, surgeries, reconstruction, and adjuvant therapies, all the while stressing that the best prognosis involves the creation of a surgical/oncological team of specialists whom the informed patient is advised to quarterback. Link also provides chapters on post-treatment health and nutrition. The most useful parts of the book are checklists at the end of each chapter that provide specific questions to be asked of physicians at each step of the process and the suggestion to keep a log/calendar of all appointments and record sessions with doctors. Link presents breast cancer patients with valuable information and hope, two vital parts of a successful treatment/recovery process. Recommended for all public libraries.?Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal"Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
Reassuring and realistic, this guide offers basic, immediate information for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Physician Link conveys a sense of urgency in the second edition of his guide: in a most frightening and confusing time, women must gather their strength and seize the moment to understand the physiology of their particular situation and its ramifications for treatmentthen aggressively seek out the resources that will optimize their chances of cure. Questions of why and how this has happened usually have no answer, counsels Link. But he can offer the reassurance that most women today are cured of breast cancer. They undergo treatment, become survivors, and go on. Link first explains that, while breast cancer is urgent, there is time (usually several weeks) to confirm a diagnosis, investigate treatment possibilities and resources, and formulate a plan. Treatment, he points out, is no longer sequential (first surgery, then radiation, then chemo); rather, it will more likely involve multiple specialists working in concert. Furthermore, Link emphasizes the importance of making sure that the treatment team acknowledges the tremendous variability of breast cancer as it acts within each individual woman, and designing the therapy accordingly. Help with physical, emotional, psychological, and social issues abounds hereina well-rounded, authoritative resource. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
With more than 50,000 copies sold, this completely updated edition is one of the most essential and bestselling books on the subject

The Breast Cancer Survival Manual , third edition, is newly revised to contain all of the latest findings that women diagnosed with breast cancer need to participate in developing the most effective treatment plan. This new edition includes the most current advice on

- tamoxifen, herceptin, and other chemotherapy options
- the growing importance of Her-2 oncogene testing
- clinical research trials under way that could broaden treatment options
- the role of preventative drugs and prophylactics for those with genetic high risk for breast cancer
- Sentinal Lymph Node sampling, a new method of local cancer control

Updated information on the nature and biology of breast cancer, choosing a treatment team, managing side effects, and optimizing medication are also included. The Breast Cancer Survival Manual continues to be a must-have for any woman seeking honest, accurate, and easily understandable information about managing breast cancer today.



Book Info
A step-by-step guide for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Offers sound advice on how to obtain a second opinion, key facts about Tamoxifen and other chemotherapy options, how to weigh risk factors, and how to manage side effects. Also offers the results of current clinical trials. Previous edition: c2000. Softcover.


About the Author
John Link, M.D., a renowned oncologist, is the director of Memorial Care Breast Center in Long Beach, California. He lives in southern California. Cynthia Forsthoff, M.D., is the principal investigator for the Breast Cancer International Research Group and the START breast cancer prevention trial. James Waisman, M.D., has served as vice president of the medical staff at USC/Norris Cancer Center and co-director of the Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Clinic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER