BE A SURVIVOR: COLORECTAL CANCER - Softcover

Lange, Vladimir

9780966361070: BE A SURVIVOR: COLORECTAL CANCER

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0966361075 ISBN 13: 9780966361070

Publisher: Lange Productions, 2006

Complete � Accurate � Reassuring Be a Survivor - Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide is a unique book designed to empower the newly diagnosed patient and the family, to help them regain control of their lives, and show them how to find the most effective treatments available. Reflecting the combined wisdom of a dozen leading medical experts, Be a Survivor includes clear explanations, color graphics, lists of questions to ask your healthcare professionals, and candid testimonials by patients who have “been there before.” The book spans the entire colorectal cancer experience--from dealing with your initial feelings, to the latest treatments, to life after cancer, and a section for the significant other or the caretaker. Three factor make this book unique: � Copious color illustrations, found in almost no other book on the topic, that help readers understand the concepts. � Patient testimonials help make the information more relevant to the reader's everyday life. � The information represents a multi-specialty, multi-center combination of experts in various fields of cancer, rather than the views of a single author who may be a surgeon, or an oncologist.

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About the Author:

Vladimir Lange, MD, has 30 years of clinical and multimedia experience with his Be a Survivor book series. A Harvard Medical School graduate, he is considered an authority on cancer patient support, and his respected Lange Productions books and videos are utilized worldwide.

Facing Colorectal Cancer When your physician told you that you had colon cancer, you were probably flooded with a host of emotions: fear, anger, confusion. You may have felt crushed’or in complete denial. You probably didn’t remember anything your physician told you, and have no idea how to begin dealing with your situation. First of all, realize that a diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence. A lot of progress has been made in the field, and survival rates today are higher than ever before. Right now your first task is to make a decision that you will do everything you can to be successful in your battle against the cancer. Your positive attitude will be your best ally throughout your treatment and recovery. So, where to begin’ Here are the initial steps you need to take to get control of the situation: ‘ Acknowledge your feelings, realize that they are normal, but don’t let them affect your judgement. ‘ Assemble a network of healthcare professionals, friends and peers to help you deal with the situation. ‘ Learn all you can about the disease and the different treatment options. ‘ Most importantly, become an active participant in your treatment. Understanding Your Feelings The first few weeks after your diagnosis may be the hardest to handle. You may spend hours dwelling on questions such as ‘Why me’’ or ‘Will the cancer kill me’’ Or you might find yourself feeling ‘blue’ and depressed to the point of not caring about the outcome of your disease. You might snap in anger at friends or loved ones. This confusing roller coaster is natural. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your emotions slip out of your control every once in a while. You don’t need to be in perfect balance all the time. The best approach is to find someone you can talk to about what you are experiencing. This should be a mature, welladjusted person who can listen without passing judgment. Very close friends or family members may not be the best choice, because they can be too involved in the situation to remain objective. Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker for referral for professional counseling or to a local support group of cancer survivors who meet regularly to offer mutual support. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers can be very helpful with problems such as depression, panic attacks, feelings of isolation, and other issues that concern you.

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