Breast Cancer for Dummies (For Dummies)

Think of breast cancer as a journey and this book as your roadmap. Have you already been diagnosed? In that case, this book can help you explore these important truths:

• Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Most women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer can look forward to enjoying a healthy, full life.
• Not only are you unique as a person, but so, too, is your particular form of cancer, your treatment options, and your prognosis.
• Every day more is discovered about how to prevent, detect earlier, and more effectively treat breast cancer.
• You are not alone. More than two million women in the United States today are breast cancer survivors. Thousands of groups and programs across the country offer support, and chances are, one is close to your neighborhood.

All the information in this book is based on the most recent research findings, the clinical expertise of oncologists, and the invaluable experiences of the women who have walked this road before. Breast Cancer For Dummies covers all of the following topics and more in simple, easy-to-understand terms:

• Coming to grips with breast cancer
• Decoding your pathology report
• Finding the right treatment for you
• Rekindling intimacy after treatment
• Health Insurance and money woes
• Talking to children about breast cancer

This book can help you feel like you have a sister who's a doctor, a sister who tells you what to expect every step of the way, who gives you the best advice she can, and guides you along the way. (Of course, there is absolutely no replacement for advice about you from your own doctor.) You'll feel empowered to know and understand what's going on in your body, so that you can become a part of your own treatment team and make decisions along with your doctors and your family.

—Jerome W. Yates, MD, National Vice President, Research, American Cancer Society

Covers biopsies, self-exams, and mammograms

Includes inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors

Looking for the straight facts on breast cancer? This easy-to-use guide takes you from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and recovery. It explains how to reduce your risk and what to expect from chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. And it also shows how family and friends can help you cope and where you can find other sources of support.

Praise for Breast Cancer For Dummies

"This book contains important information and is presented with both wit and wisdom. A must for women with breast cancer!"

– Patricia Ganz, MD

"This book provides comprehensive coverage that is neither intimidating nor overly simplified."

– Jane Perlmutter, PhD

"Your project is more worthwhile than you know."

– Joanne Strong, breast cancer patient

Monica Morrow, MD, is a renowned surgical oncologist and Director of the Lynn Sage Breast Program.

Part I: Will My Hair Fall Out? Coming to Grips with Breast Cancer.

Chapter 1: Tackling Breast Cancer One Step at a Time.

Chapter 2: Getting Hands On with Your Breasts.

Chapter 3: Understanding and Reducing Your Risk.

Chapter 4: Rebellion of the Mutated Genes: Reviewing Breast Cancer.

Part II: All Kinds of Oses — Diagnoses, Prognoses, and Treatment Options.

Chapter 5: Warming Up to Mammography, Sticking It Out During Biopsy.

Chapter 6: Decoding Your Pathology Report.

Chapter 7: Who Knew That All Cancer Is Also a Stage?

Chapter 8: Understanding Your Prognosis: Am I Going to Die?

Chapter 9: You Mean I Have a Choice? Finding the Right Treatment for You

Part III: Buckling Up — Traveling Through Treatment.

Chapter 10: Knowing What to Expect from Surgery.

Chapter 11: Knowing What to Expect from Radiation Therapy.

Chapter 12: Knowing What to Expect from Chemotherapy.

Chapter 13: Knowing What to Expect from Hormone Therapy.

Chapter 14: Giving Complementary Therapies Kudos.

Chapter 15: Regarding Reconstruction.

Chapter 16: Duking It Out with Recurrence.

Chapter 17: Boxing Back at the Double Whammy: Health Insurance and Money Woes.

Part IV: Living Life After Diagnosis.

Chapter 18: Putting on Some Chicken Soup: Looking After Yourself.

Chapter 19: Rekindling Intimacy After Treatment.

Chapter 20: Helping the One You Love: A Chapter for Family and Friends.

Chapter 21: No Kidding Around: Talking to Your Children.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Best Hospitals for Breast Cancer Treatment.

Chapter 23: Ten-Plus Helpful Resources.

Chapter 24: Ten-Plus American Cancer Society Resources.

Index.