Planet Cancer: The Frequently Bizarre Yet Always Informative Experiences and Thoughts of Your Fellow Natives [Paperback]

Heidi Schultz Adams (Author), Christopher Schultz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2010

Tapping the collective wisdom of the young adult cancer community

 

Each year, nearly 70,000 young adults between 18 and 40 are diagnosed in the United States with cancer. While there are many sources of information for patients, the special concerns of this age group are rarely discussed. One remarkable exception is PlanetCancer.org. For nearly a decade, those in this “gap” age have sought out this online community for resources, networks, and support from those who have been there and done that.
 

Planet Cancer is an honest, down-to-earth guide to living in this new world, from Diagnosis to Post-Treatment. Each chapter is informed by Planet Cancer’s voice—authoritative, funny, friendly, no-nonsense. Experts address issues from all sides around bedrock “What It’s Really Like” essays: deeply personal, unflinching, and often hilarious pieces written by people who actually experienced on Planet Cancer things like banking sperm, adopting a child, or undergoing brain radiation. The book, enlivened with quotes and real-life stories from Planet Cancer members, gives the uninitiated a sense of community and removes some of the mystery and fear of the unknown.

 

Planet Cancer is now a LIVESTRONG initiative.

 

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Heidi Schultz Adams founded Planet Cancer in 2001 after her own treatment at twenty-six for a rare type of bone cancer. Planet Cancer, now a LIVESTRONG initiative, is a community of advocacy and support for young adults with cancer. Heidi is also the coauthor of Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors. Christopher Schultz is the founder of Start Here Project Development, which works with businesses and nonprofits to strengthen their communications. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in Esquire, the New York Times, ESPN: The Magazine, and Men’s Journal, and he is the coauthor of The Yo Momma Vocabulary Builder. Planet Cancer is now a part of Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG.org.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; First edition (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762759011
• ISBN-13: 978-0762759019
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.7 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,113,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the must-have guide for the newly diagnosed and their caregivers January 30, 2011

By Ilana

Format:Paperback

I have been through young adult cancer twice, once as a sister of a patient and once as a patient myself. My brother and I were both "too young" to have cancer and had to contend with a treatment system designed for older patients. We both were in the prime of our lives, building careers and families. The issues of cancer and its treatment are unique for our demographic.

Because of these experiences, I actually have an entire bookshelf dedicated to cancer topics. I can tell you that "Planet Cancer" is my new #1 pick for the newly diagnosed and their caregivers. Some books address specific kinds of cancer or specific issues like diet or sexuality, but Planet Cancer is my top pick because of its thoroughness and accessibility. It addresses social, emotional, physical, and sexual issues of cancer and its treatment in a comprehensive manner. The writing is breezy but not patronizing. It's funny, but it doesn't shy away from the tragedy of cancer. It's like having a big-hearted friend to take with you on a crazy, frightening journey.

I hope you don't need this book, because if you do, it means cancer is in your life somehow. But if you have been dealt this unlucky card, this is the book to take along for the ride.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An oncologist's recommendation! February 1, 2011

By Brandon Hayes-Lattin, MD

Format:Paperback

No matter how long you are an oncologist and no matter how sensitive or how progressive you consider yourself, there are some important conversations that must be had with patients that are very difficult to start. These conversations can range from advance directives, to life with a colonostomy, to sexuality. As an AYA oncologist, I must have these conversations every day. The Planet Cancer Book makes my job so much easier, in that I can hand a patient a book that admits right on the cover that the topics we may face together may frequently be bizarre, and yet they are important enough to be written down and for me to share with patients.

The sections I find most helpful to open up conversation on difficult topics are patient anecdotes and "What it's really like to..." stories. My giving these to patients shows them that I recognize that these topics are out there, that they are not alone in facing them, and that I am ready for frank and honest discussions. The humor helps break the ice and the sincerity helps ensure my patients feel that they have friends.

A couple of weeks ago, during an exam with a young woman who survives lymphoma, she admitted to me that she is scared to touch her own neck or armpits for fear that she will find an enlarged lymph node. The fact that she would openly admit that to me and open up a conversation about recurrence fears led to us spending valuable time outlining statistical risks and how to distinguish real cancer warning signs from routine changes. That was far and away the most valuable part of our follow-up visit, but might never had happened with a level of comfort and trust that her concerns would be valued.

Handing patients a Planet Cancer Book helps me to build that comfort and trust.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I L-O-V-E THIS BOOK!!!! (and not just because I am in it) September 1, 2010

By Carrie Morse

Format:Paperback

As a native of Planet Cancer I have known about this book since it was in the early stages. But nothing could prepare me for the arrival of the actual book. When I opened the envelope a few weeks ago, tears came to my eyes as I held in my hands the words of so many incredible people - many of whom I know very well. Some have kicked cancer's butt, some are still involved in the fight and some, like my dear friend Justin Sullivan, have moved on to another dimension. But what we all have in common is that we all faced cancer while in our 20's or 30's.

Every person in the field of Oncology should have boxes of this book in their office, house, car or somewhere - so that every time a native of Planet Cancer crosses their path, they can give them this book. It is a roadmap to the rocky terrain that is Planet Cancer. It provides VITAL (I will say that again, VITAL) information for people in the "lost generation" of cancer patients. In the most honest and forthright way, the contributors to this book tell it like it is. Whether it's about the early days of being diagnosed to how to deal with work, family, kids to fertility issues to how to keep one's sanity while living with cancer. I truly wish I had been given this book on December 22, 2007 when I was diagnosed with the first of the two kinds of cancer I've had.

There's one more reason why everyone should buy this book - because I wrote some things for the book. Yes, I wrote the section on "What it's really like to have a Colostomy." You can read about me and the adventures I've had with Vesuvius - my colostomy. I put it out there for all to read in the hopes it will help someone else who is going to lose their bunghole and poop in a bag hanging off their stomach! (told you the book was honest!...)

As Gilda Radner said, "Cancer gave me membership to an exclusive club to which I'd rather not belong." That is so true. But I can say this, being a native of Planet Cancer has brought some incredible people into my life - several of whom are in this book. Reading this book will bring them into your life as well and your heart will be more full because of them! Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For ALL Ages January 6, 2011

By Golden Oldie

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Admittedly, youth has its privileges and being the targeted audience of this book is one of them. However, I'm a senior citizen, a Big C citizen, a recent Chemo citizen, and a cheerleader of this book. The information is INDEED "on the mark." The two young authors have given a gift for all generations. Thanks!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Leave the World of "Healthy" Without It February 4, 2011

By Courtney

Format:Paperback

From the first teary call to your parents back home, to the oh-crap-how-do-I-tell-my-new-boss-I-need-time-off panic, all the way through celebrating your Cancer-versarries... we all have different journeys through the world of young adult cancer. There's no one size fits all "right" way to navigate this crazy world known as Planet Cancer, so by gathering the stories of hundreds of different young adults, the Planet Cancer book allows readers to find the stories that resonate with them.

This book does exactly what it says: it informs you about the technical bull you'll have to deal with, and also gives you a little emotional insight into those that have walked the path before you. Whether you are scared of a certain procedure or medication, or have a certain emotion that no one in your real life understands, or your radiology tech is just being a jerk, there's SOMEONE else who has been there.

In a perfect world, I'd have 100,000 copies of this book to hand out to everyone I know.