Chemo: Secrets to Thriving: From someone who’s been there. Paperback – August 6, 2011

....when I went through chemo and radiation. As a cancer "thriver" who faced down an initial diagnosis of terminal cancer with humor and tenacity, it shines through in Chemo: Secrets to Thriving, that the author approached the daunting challenge with equal doses of common sense and her own brand of humor. I was told at the outset that "attitude" would be the key to my successful battle and if you get nothing else from this book, take to heart the author's tips on how to cope while maintaining a positive attitude and without losing your sense of humor. As someone once told me, "Life is a game and the art is how well you play it." It's obvious the author plays it with grit, wit and intellect. Each cancer case is different and, while not all of the tips in this book are for everyone, if you take away even one helpful tip or piece of advice, it will be well worth the quick read. For a short book, the author took pains to comprehensively cover every potential issue that you, as you embark on your own chemo journey, will likely encounter. She left nothing out and confronts each issue with a smart, frank and sometimes witty approach. Having been through the journey, I found myself nodding frequently in agreement with the suggestions and recommendations included in this book. While the author had a decidedly female experience and much of the advice is focused toward female readers, she didn't leave us guys out either. She unabashedly confronts, in her unique style, male issues, even tackling questions about male sexual performance during chemo. The advice the author gives throughout this book is helpful to female and male readers alike.Buy this book, read it twice, take notes and keep it on your nightstand throughout your treatment....you'll be glad you did!Dick Drechsler, author of Manning Up In Alaska

When I got cancer in 2013, I was overwhelmed with things to read by the doctor, by others' suggestions, etc. A friend of mine had sent a few books to me through the mail, though, and this was ONE of them. By the time I was nearly DONE with all my chemo and stuff, I finally got around to this book, and thought to myself, "DERN!!!!! Why didn't I read THIS book much sooner?!?!?!?" It is a rather thin, very easy to read book chok full of ONLY the most important "this-is-most-likely-what-you'll-experience-and-here's-how-to-handle-it"-type information. I've had several friends get cancer since then, and bought this book for each of them as they embarked on their journeys, telling them that this really IS just the "Cliff's Notes version of what they really need to know. Not too long of a book at all, but a must-have for anyone going through chemo, in my EXPERIENCE. Don't give up HOPE, whoever is reading this. Just get this book, have faith in your doctors, change doctors if you don't, and always get a second opinion. Healing/survival starts with the MIND.

I have been doing a lot of reading about cancer treatments during the past 6 weeks. This book did not contain any new information but it is the only source I have seen that has it all in one place. The book is well planned and easy to read. Please be aware that it does not address any particular chemo drug but is more about the entire process. I wish that I had found this book first before delving into the more technical aspects of chemotherapy.If you are a newly diagnosed cancer patient or know of someone who is, I would highly recommend this book (as well as Bald is Better with Earrings)as a gift.

I spent hours in book stores and online searching for the right book that would help my friend through the possible horrific side effects of chemo. When I read this one, I couldn't put it down! It is full of important facts and hands on advice to get one through some of the worst as well as the lighter side effects of chemo. The illustrations and text are so easy to understand and the author wrote it with her heart and sensitivity that only a person who experienced it would be able to convey. She also eases the tension and stress with good humor and leaves the reader feeling a sense of comfort that it can all be managed with simple tips. She gives the reader confidence that all the discomfort and pain associated with this treatment will soon be gone! This is a positive success story direct from the heart of the author who survived advanced breast cancer. She has given the world her personal and well thought out experience of it and while collaborating with experts in the medical field. I give it 5 stars and intend to refer it to everyone I know who needs it.

This is a must have if you’re going through or getting ready for chemo. I was terrified to find out I had stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. This book really helped. I’ve followed the recommendations and advice. I’m almost done with my second cycle of chemo, so far so good. My advice is to be proactive with your side effects. Don’t wait fir them to happen and chase a remedy. I’ve not had nausea once, I’ve had not mouth sores, other than a little fatigue I feel great. Drink lots and lots of water as well and flush meds out of your body.

It's a bit short and superficial but does give you a few hints how to deal with your sickness.She is positive and not complicated which is nice too.

Although written for American cancer patients it contains lots of useful tips which you can ask your medical team in the UK to translate into British equivalents. Likely to make you feel more positive about what is ahead of you