Customer Reviews

Facing Cancer Together: How to Help Your Friend or Loved One

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book full of ideas to help a friend or family member going through the trauma of cancer. The author gives her personal experience with exherts from her diary and relates how she was helped during her cancer treatment. I also liked the way Pamela related her helpful suggestions in a practical way, stating what to do and what not to do during different stages of cancer treatment and recovery. It certainly gave me a better understanding of the cancer patient and how I may be able to help.

I wish I had this book 4 years ago. At that time my friend was diagnosed with cancer and 2 years later, my mother was diagnosed as well. Having never experienced the awful emotions cancer delivers, I had no idea what I could do to support both of the people I dearly loved. Sadly, most of what I thought was the right thing to do or say, wasn't at all what could have been really helpful. I think unless you've been there, you have no idea what cancer does to you and what you need from others to get through it. This book is an instruction guide with vignettes of the frightful battle Ms. Brown lived. Had I read it 4 years ago, my support certainly would have provided my mother and my friend with more emotional comfort and practical care. Unfortunately, with the prevalence of cancer today, "Facing Cancer Together..." is a reference book everyone should have.

The book has some practical(although somewhat obvious) advice. However, much of the book is dominated by references to God, Jesus Christ, to praying, to things like making a poster of a scripture saying etc. If you are not a Christian, you may not relate to this book.

I've been reading lots of books about cancer since a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with bone and, a few months later, liver metastasis from a previous breast cancer.

Overall, I found this to be a very encouraging read. I enjoyed the author's journal entries more than any of the particular tips. I particularly liked Chapter 7 which talks about how cancer changes a person's perspective on life.

The author had young children to care for when she was going through her cancer experience, so many of the tips suggested are specific to helping with childcare and such. I wasn't able to get much help from this since my friend has one grown child and is waiting for grandkids. The tips will be much more helpful for situations in which the person facing cancer has children as it suggests ways you can help the family. Most authors write what they know, and as this is biographical the suggestions fit the situation of the author and she doesn't really try to discuss any situations other than her own.

The book is a short and easy read. While the author does talk about her faith in God and quotes a few encouraging verses here and there, I disagree with the previous reviewer who thought you might not be able to relate to it if you aren't a Christian. Some people quote encouraging poems that they like - I don't see the difference, in this case. I didn't find the book to be at all preachy, and the heartwarming way in which the author talks about her own experience is pretty universal and I doubt many people (if any) would find anything in her book offensive. The author does not try to imply that others should share her own faith or attempt to "convert" anyone through her book. She simply shares her own journey through cancer which for her happens to include her faith, so she shares that part of her journey in a very non-aggressive way.

I would like to bring to your attention a book that has the potential to have a huge impact on many people. This book, with a forward by Dave Drevecky, will touch your heart and soul to the core with the very personal experience of my dear friend, Pam Brown, and her battle with cancer. The book provides insight into what we can do for friends or family members who have cancer, as well as what we shouldn't do.

Pam was 36 years old and had recently given birth to a beautiful baby girl when, in the Fall of 1995, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. I will never forget the day Pam called me and told me that she had just been diagnosed with cancer. It was dreadful to hear. The pit that grew in the bottom of my stomach was awful and just would not go away. I found myself questioning "why" and "how could this happen to someone so beautiful, inside and out, and so physically fit." I felt entirely helpless and all I could do was pray for her. The thought of someone of my peer group having this disease - and the idea of losing Pam - was overwhelming. However, Pam is a fighter and she fought with all that she had in her and beat it!

I believe that you will find her book both inspirational and heart-warming as she relates her very personal journey through this experience. The book provides useful tools and suggestions on what to do and how to help a friend or family member who has been struck down with this terrible disease. I truly believe that prayer made a difference in Pam's situation and in her successful treatment. Her personal faith increased ten-fold and the lives that she has touched on her road to recovery were equally enhanced. To this day, through a cancer support group that she leads in Colorado Springs, Pam continues to touch lives with her love and faith in God.

Pam's main inspiration for getting through this disease was her precious little daughter, Riley Jordan Brown and her wonderful husband, Jim.

Pam is truly a remarkable woman with unshakeable faith and a fighting spirit. She spreads goodness wherever she is and has touched my life deeply. Read this and weep for joy for someone who has beaten cancer!

This book is really helpful in helping you know how to support your family or friends with their cancer diagnosis. Love it!

Facing Cancer Together is a wonderful little book that is inpiring to read. At one time or another, all of us will be affected by cancer, either personally or through family or friends. The author gives personal examples of her own struggles and triumphs. She also incorporates inspirational quotes and scriptures throughout the book.

The author did a wonderful job of providing information on how one can help a friend or loved one during their ordeal with cancer. She talks about what to do and what not to do when trying to support and encourage someone facing cancer.

Pam Brown shares resources that were helpful to her during her battle and recovery. Such as; support groups, internet access, books, and medical guides.

I really enjoyed the book and actually read it in one sitting. I have even purchased a couple extra copies to give to friends and family.