Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers

by Chan, David; Stockdale, Frank; Glaspy, John

• ISBN13: 9781569243145
• ISBN10: 156924314X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-01-02
• Publisher: Balance

Summary

Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers is an outgrowth of Dr. David Chan's more than 20 years in private oncology practice. Inspired by his patientswho courageously face their illness but often feel fearful, confused about their options, and full of questionsDr. Chan's book is uniquely structured as a Question and Answer between patient and doctor. It provides readers with an easily navigated, completely current resource for all of their queries. Poised to become the new must-read for breast cancer patients, this book offers easily digestible information by reviewing and exploring the causes of breast cancer, outlining the core basics of breast cancer therapy, explaining how breast cancer survival is influenced by lifestyle, and much more. Dr. Chan's surefooted, compassionate tone offers reassurance throughout, as do the stories of his many patients, which give readers a firsthand glimpse at what they may face down the road, all from a survivor's point of view. Complete with a glossary of important terms and an appendix of useful resources, Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers is a must for every breast cancer patient seeking information that will guide her through her struggle toward a triumphant recovery.

Table of Contents

Preface by John Glaspy, MD, MPH	xv
Introduction by Frank E. Stockdale, MD, PhD	xvii
1 How Did I Get Breast Cancer?	1	(13)
2 What Is Breast Cancer?	14	(11)
3 Is Breast Cancer Inherited?	25	(13)
4 Who Should Be on My Team?	38	(7)
5 What Is Breast Imaging?	45	(12)
6 What Do I Need to Know about My Pathology Report?	57	(10)
7 What Are My Options for Breast Treatment?	67	(17)
8 What Are My Choices for Reconstruction after Mastectomy?	84	(9)
9 What Is Meant by Staging and Why Is It Important?	93	(10)
10 What Is Radiation Therapy?	103	(9)
11 What Is Adjuvant Therapy of Breast Cancer?	112	(5)
12 What Is Hormonal Therapy and Who Should Receive It?	117	(13)
13 What Is Chemotherapy and Do I Need It?	130	(15)
14 Which Is First, Surgery, Radiation, or Chemotherapy?	145	(8)
15 How Should My DCIS Be Treated?	153	(7)
16 What Are the Main Side Effects of Chemotherapy?	160	(14)
17 What Do I Need to Watch Out for While I'm on Chemotherapy Treatment?	174	(10)
18 What Can I Do to Make My Treatments Easier?	184	(8)
19 How Do I Know if I'm Cured?	192	(7)
20 What Can I Do to Improve My Chances?	199	(13)
21 If I Worry and Feel Depressed, Is That Bad for Me?	212	(7)
22 How Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated?	219	(13)
23 What Are Clinical Trials?	232	(7)
Afterword	239	(2)
Appendix: Guide to Online Breast Cancer Resources	241	(4)
Glossary	245	(10)
Acknowledgments	255	(2)
Index	257