Customer Reviews

Positive Results: Making the Best Decisions When You're at High Risk for Breast or Ovarian Cancer

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There are numerous books written by gifted medical professions, among them authors Atul Gawande and Sherman Nuland, that chronicle their personal experiences in the field and discuss how the body operates and fights diseases. 'Positive Results' stands out from the pack because of its novelty, offering multiple layers of personal and medical insight targeted to an important segment of the population, those at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It is the personal journey of author Joi Morris including key stages in her decision-making processes as a BRCA carrier and simultaneously, in conjunction with her co-author, Dr. Ora Gordon, it provides a comprehensive medical resource of the latest medical screening and surgical techniques. One can pick and choose which chapters to read based on his/her mindset, and the medical terminology and descriptions are easy for a 'lay person' to understand. It is a must-read for women and men with family histories, those considering BRCA genetic testing, those currently fighting cancer, and for those loved ones supporting this at-risk population. Individuals with these backgrounds will find 'Positive Results' to be an invaluable resource, allowing one to feel empowered through self-education, making informed decisions, and feeling hopeful about one's future health. For cancer survivors and their loved ones, it also offers a message of hope, that they are part of a larger connected community. I wish this book and the knowledge available now had been available 20 years ago, back when my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As both a scientist and the BRCA positive daughter of a mother deceased from ovarian cancer, this book profoundly satisfied me on multiple levels, alleviating my questions and concerns and empowering me. The authors have truly done an invaluable service.
-Julie Miller, neuroscientist, Ph.D.

This book is so lucid and clear. The authors provide comprehensive and up to date information. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about hereditary female cancers and how to make sense of evaluating risks that they, or a loved one, may be facing. This book is truly a gift to someone like me, who is genetically at high risk of breast or ovarian cancer and must decide how best to stay healthy and to help my daughters stay healthy too.

I carry the BRCA1+ mutation and passed it on to my daughter. She developed triple negative breast cancer and was then diagnosed BRCA1+. How I wish this book had been available at that time. It would have brought clarity to a genetic condition that few knew about. The authors have done a great service with this book, both for men and women who are BRCA+, and also for folks who are at high risk. I particularly appreciate the fact that seeing a Certified Genetic Counselor is mentioned in a positive way. That professional is key to fully understanding the mutation both for yourself and family members.
This book serves as additional resource to any conversations you may have with your doctors and a Certified Genetic Counselor."Positive Results" is truly an important book in my view.

I only wish I had this book when my dearest friend was afflicted with breast cancer at an early age and had so many questions and decisions to be made. Had she had this book she would have been able to go to one place to help her understand the issues and choices she faced. Joi Morris' moving personal story and Dr. Gordon's understandable clinical perspective make the book a wonderful resource and an informative guidebook for women who are facing breast or ovarian cancer. This is an important book and I learned so much. We are all so concerned about modifying the risks of cancer and this book has so much helpful information such as diet (I have modified mine since reading the book), exercise etc.. FINALLY, a book we have all been waiting for. A BIG THANK YOU to the authors.

This book walks a difficult line and does it with great success. Joi Morris delves into complex, scientific topics, yet the writing is clear and easy to understand. She tells the painful stories of a number of people affected by BRCA, without ever going down self-pity road. She also covers a vast amount of material, but the book remains friendly and highly accessible rather than overwhelming.
I wish Positive Results had been available a few years earlier as I would have used it to help me make my own tough choices. Joi Morris has done a wonderful service for everyone dealing with a high risk of breast cancer.

Read this book BEFORE you consult your doctor about genetic counseling for BRCA 1 & 2!!
You'll be better prepared, emotionally and factually, to discuss the pros and cons of
testing and to leave with a more comprehensive understanding that will guide your decision-
making. This book should be REQUIRED reading by the counselor and/or physician before
you meet with them! Many, many thanks to the co-authors for a much needed resource
for patients and their families.

"This book provides a unique personal and professional viewpoint on breast cancer. As a psychologist specializing in breast cancer treatment from an emotional perspective, I would highly recommend this book to anyone".
Kellie Nash, Ph.D.

When I discovered that I am BRCA 2+, my life changed. I struggled to find resources in my community and people who understood my struggle. Positive Results has become my nujmber one resource. It is clear, concise, easy to understand. I have given copies to my Ob-GYN, Dermatologist, Opthamologist, sister, mother, etc. Joi does an incredible job of presenting all the current information, without trying to influence the reader into any particular course of action. Exactly what we need! Thank you!

this book was very informative and can serve as a reference for anyone going through BRCA genetic testing and/or considering preventative surgeries. Doctors and real life experiences help the reader truly understand their options. Highly recommend this to anyone going through this difficult process.

So valuable, I had to buy another copy to give to my sister. So chock full of information, I had to read it more than once. An essential book for those who are at any point in the journey to learn more about breast/ovarian cancers. Thorough and detailed information, but not too heavy on the science. Personal stories are compelling and authentic.