The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book: Two Sisters' Guide from Discovery to Recovery [Paperback]

Carolyn Ingram (Author), Leslie Ingram Gebhart (Author), Mary Clark (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

Sisters Carolyn Ingram and Leslie Gebhart, both breast cancer survivors, have also been the source of primary support for each other -- they've lived both sides and now have written the book they wish they'd had. The authors' empathy and presence warmly invite the reader to explore this difficult topic. Diagnosed at separate times, these close sisters dealt with this often-terrifying disease very differently; their unique perspectives validate their readers' experiences, gently nudge them into appropriate action, give them perspective and offer hope. Their book covers topics such as diagnosis, body, emotions, mind, spirit, relationships, and passage of time. Grief and fear are discussed, as are less obvious issues, including how to handle other people's reactions, understand what the doctors tell you, keep the rest of your life going, let others support you, and find ways to cope.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I appreciate the combination of accessible ideas and nurturing drawings which help people through this difficult time." -- B. Head, M.D., Oncologist

"I loved this book. As a daughter and granddaughter of breast cancer survivors who avoids reading books on this scary subject, I found this book to be sweet and comforting. I thought after reading it that if I were ever diagnosed I would keep the book close to me so that I could read it to help me get through the day to day difficulties. I believe that this wise and wonderful book will bring hope and support to women with breast cancer and their loved ones from the diagnosis to the treatment, and beyond." -- Laurel Parnell, Ph.D., Author, Transforming Trauma: EMDR, and EMDR in the Treatment of Adults Abused as Children

"I read your breast cancer book and am really taken with it. I am really, really delighted with it. It's so helpful to be reminded that you are a whole person even while going through the breast cancer experience." -- Jill Eikenberry, Actress and breast cancer survivor

"It's my privilege to endorse this book. I'd like to offer it to anyone facing this diagnosis; and keep copies in my waiting room." -- R. Polkinghorn, M.D., Oncologist

"Recommending this book is my pleasure. There's hope between these covers. It is a beautiful contribution to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis and the people in their lives." -- Betty Ford, Former First Lady and breast cancer survivor

"The different ways these two sisters handled their disease and supported each other make this book particularly useful to others facing similar decisions." -- F. Halberg, M.D., Oncologist

"We would love to add this book as a resource for our patients." -- Librarian, Circle Library, Cancer Resource Center, Marin General Hospital

"Women facing breast cancer will be helped by the gentle guidance these two sisters offer." -- John Gray, Author, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

From the Publisher

Two sisters...common experiences with breast cancer diagnosis...divergent ways of coping...no family history...each acting as support person for the other. The format is intentionally simple and accessible because in the first shock of diagnosis, complex material can be too difficult to be helpful. This is a book about cancer that isn't scary to read. It takes a frightening, terrifying subject and provides comfort. The illustrations are an integral part of the text and together they provide hope, information and guidance for both the diagnosed person and those in her life. The drawings make you smile; the content inspires. This uplifting book covers a broad spectrum of issues related to breast cancer and provides an affirming voice and thoughtful guidance.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishers (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230293
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230293
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #777,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars light, simple text and sketches, 6th grade reading level, April 16, 2000

By 

Ora M. Henkes (Latham, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book: Two Sisters' Guide from Discovery to Recovery (Paperback)

When Jane Brody recommended this book, I asked my library to get a copy for me to read -- which is what I would recommend you do before purchasing it. It's VERY light reading -- you can browse through it in a night. It may be comforting, and inspirational to some. No real meat or technical discussion; more of an emotionally supportive book. I don't think it was meant to be heavy, and it's not.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An uplifting, informational and comforting source., October 28, 1999

By 

Marilyn Dalrymple "MaLing" (Lancaster, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book: Two Sisters' Guide from Discovery to Recovery (Paperback)

Reading this book is like sitting in your favorite room, and in your most comfy chair while talking to a friend who has nothing but positive and supportive things to say. It is a breath of fresh air from the "medical journals" those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer find themselves reading.

Light-hearted, warm, yet informational, "The Not-so-Scary Breast Cancer Book" does, indeed, make the diagnosis of breast cancer "Not-so- Scary." I would--and have--recommended this book to recent breast cancer patients who need a respite from other informational resources that can be too overwhelming, too cold, too medical. I have every intention of introducing medical professionals in the field of breast cancer treatment to this book.

Inexpensive and simple ways are suggested for the patient to make their lives easier, more comfortable, more fun and happier during this very stressful time; and the book reminds us "This too will pass."

A definite "must read."

(Marilyn Dalrymple-book reviewer, photographer, writer and breast cancer survivor.)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars helpful,inspiring,practical,humorous for patient and family, October 28, 1999

By 

Linda Toth (Westchester County, N.Y.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book: Two Sisters' Guide from Discovery to Recovery (Paperback)

I have a cousin with breast cancer. I bought this book for her. She is scared, and this book is helping her to feel like she can get through this. It also helped me feel more comfortable talking with her about it. I recommend it very much.