Description:
Balancing the serious work of survival with an upbeat tone, The Cancer Patient's Workbook maintains a positive outlook while avoiding pointless platitudes. As a survivor of Stage 4 lung cancer, author Joanie Willis is all too familiar with both the spiritual trials and the daily frustrations that cancer can bring. Her book is fundamentally pragmatic, but incorporates alternative healing, humor, and personal reflections. Divided into seven sections, the format is thoughtfully laid out with information broken down into easily digestible boxes. If you prefer to maintain your privacy, the paper cover slides off to reveal calming photos--with no telltale title in sight. Chapter 3, "Navigating the Medical Maze," is filled with questions for your doctors, and includes informative glossaries of medical terms. The questions are broken down by type of medical provider, and cover surgeries, diagnostic tests, and personal medical history. There is plenty of space provided to write the answers directly in the book, and separate pages are included to create a pain diary. Illustrations are provided when relevant, such as in this diary section, allowing you to color in the exact locations of pain on a human's outline. "Nature's Pharmacy" covers alternative therapies and dietary suggestions, and includes short quizzes, as well as notes on substances that have been shown to be harmful. "On My Own Terms" is a tough chapter, but one that allows you to get your wishes down in writing in case of death. Here, you can plan everything from your funeral service to particular bequests, and Willis provides poems, song lyrics, and plenty of writing space to help you through. Providing both practical and emotional support, this workbook is like a friend who's been there, done that--and is just waiting to help. --Jill Lightner
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