Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men [Paperback]

John W. Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2009

Scared. Shocked. Depressed. These words describe the more than one million women worldwide who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. But they also apply to the husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and friends to whom cancer sufferers turn for support. "Stand by Her" is written to help these men be the very best supporters they can be, combining solid practical advice with emotional guidance based both on the author's personal experience and his extensive research. Offering insight into medical, psychological, family, sexual, and financial issues. The book also provides an exhaustive section of print, online, and other resources for patients and caregivers. One day the war against breast cancer will be won. Until then, women need their men to help them fight. This landmark book will help any man overcome the fear and frustration of dealing with the disease, and arm him with the knowledge and resources he needs to Stand by Her.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…page after page of sound practical advice and empathic counsel…make Anderson’s book an undisputable choice for a place on the shortlist of guides for caregivers.” -- Foreword magazine

“With wit and openness, [author] writes about women's feelings and how men should respond…excellent title for the males…women will gain perspective as well.” -- Library Journal

“…a guideline, a war strategy, a resource guide and an emotional support system eloquently...that should be read by every man.” -- Our Health magazine

"No woman should have to face this diagnosis alone. Stand by Her gives a man the tools he needs to be a stand-up guy." -- Energy Times

“…wealth of insight as he guides men to an understanding of the meaningful role they can… play in a woman's treatment and…recovery.“-- New York Daily News

“…very compelling read…a precious gift and powerful weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Well done, Mr Anderson!” -- Help4NewMoms.com

“A great read for anyone…just learning someone they love has breast cancer.” -- Banton Rouge Parents Magazine

“…this book is wonderful!...I'm so happy that Anderson has put together this great book for other men going through the same thing.” -- MomontheRandom .com

“This is the MUST-READ book for men.” -- An Island Life

Selected by Wall Street Journal as one of 2009 best health books. “…walks men through all the physical and emotional challenges women will face during treatment…”

"...an invaluable guide to support. A must for both health collections and personal consultation.” -- The Midwest Book Review

"...pages...seep with joy and remorse, humor, comfort and wisdom from one who has seen the battle from the front lines.”-- Roanoker

Selected by Library Journal as one of the Best Consumer Health Books of 2009

Review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (October 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814413919
• ISBN-13: 978-0814413913
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #644,156 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking at breast cancer through a male lens, December 18, 2009

By 

Kimberly Kelling - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men (Paperback)

This is a terrific resource for any husband, father, or supportive caregiver whose loved one is facing breast cancer. John Anderson opens his heart and life to us and offers wonderful practical advice from the knowledge he gained during the time he and his wife Sharon battled breast cancer. As anyone who has been down the road of navigating a life threatening illness knows, it is not easy. John honestly looks at the toll it takes on a marriage and how you can come through together on the other side. As I read this book, it really became a testament to the power of honesty and strength of two people confronting their fears and reaffirming their love at the same time. OK but it isn't just about that - it is also practical information that can help anyone who feels helpless when their spouse is so ill. Things like how to handle that first time you look at the scars of surgery or when is it a good time to tell the kids. Anderson confronts his own guilt - tired of having a sick wife, tired of the stress and tired of being positive and that honesty will help readers who may be facing a similar situation cope. This is a tremendous resource and one that you will read cover to cover and then go back and reread particular sections.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't need to go it alone!, September 29, 2009

By 

J. Foster (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men (Paperback)

My wife, Brenda, was diagnosed with breast cancer this past year. I felt like I was hit by a truck. There are plenty of great books out there, such as Susan Love's Breast Book to help the general population understand what is happening. I don't know of ANY books like this one, which is written from the perspective of a man trying to cope with something we always think happens to someone else - not to me.

I pre-ordered this book as soon as I found out it was available on Amazon. It has been a HUGE help.

John Anderson has dealt with this dreaded disease from every angle you can imagine: from his mother to his sister to his wife. Just knowing there are guys out there like John that have gotten through it and are able to write a book to help others navigate through it is a big help in my opinion. Guys - like me - tend to pull back and go into the cave when these things happen. It was extremely helpful to have access to a book like this and remind myself that there are a lot of guys who've worked through it with their loved ones and come out stronger on the other side.

Knowledge is power - If you are struggling to understand what you can DO (very much a guy feeling), I'd recommend educating yourself with books like this one. Find others who've been through it and gird yourself for battle. The story of John's wife Sharon is amazing proof of how far we've come to beating this thing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, September 17, 2009

By 

Kelly Stanley (Crawfordsville, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men (Paperback)

I just today received my pre-ordered copy of this book. John Anderson (and his wife Sharon Rapoport) own The Farm, a creative production company with whom I have had the pleasure to work over the past several years. They are incredible people, fun and talented and kind, and the kind of people who have experiences and opportunities that seem like the stuff of dreams. But they've also experienced the other side of the spectrum. Eight years ago, Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer, and from all the stories I've heard, John stood by her in amazing ways. John has seen this from other sides, too - his mom, sister, and his mom's best friend all had breast cancer. He wrote this book for the men who love women with breast cancer - to help them understand the process, the emotions, the realities of dealing with this disease. I am devouring the book. Not only is it a valuable resource, it is a wonderful, moving tribute to the strong, brave women who have to enter into this fight. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, so even if you haven't had to face this yourself, you know someone who has, or you will.

John is going to be on all sorts of national programs in October talking about this book, so keep an eye out for him. And please, please, please consider ordering this book - for yourself, your parents, your neighbors, your sons, your friends. I guarantee it will speak to their needs. I'm making a list, trying to figure out how many (more) I need to order! This is an unusual angle, not something you see anywhere else, and a very important one. And as we enter into Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, I'm sure we'll each become aware of many others who have battled this disease, so remember this book and please tell people about it. They'll be grateful that you did.