Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal [Paperback]

Roger Granet (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 047138741X | ISBN-13: 978-0471387411 | Publication Date: September 14, 2001 | Edition: 1

Inspiration and Information to Help You Cope With the Emotional Effects of Cancer

Cancer changes our lives-physically and emotionally. The more you understand about your psychological reactions to cancer, the more effectively you can cope. In this powerful book, Dr. Roger Granet, a psychiatrist who specializes in the emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment, draws on two decades of experience as he explains what you can expect emotionally at each phase. Here's advice on:
* Dealing with the diagnosis
* Finding the coping style that's right for you
* Handling the many demands of treatment
* Knowing when to ask for help-and how to find it
* Surviving and coming to terms with a different you
* Handling the fear of recurrence


Written with compassion and clarity, Surviving Cancer Emotionally reveals how we can cope with a devastating illness and turn it into a positive catalyst for embracing life.

"Dr. Granet provides ways to help people heal emotionally as they cope with an illness that carries great fears with it. Patients and families will find this book a helpful companion as they undertake the cancer journey with all its twists and turns."-Jimmie Holland, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

"Dr. Granet is a caring physician with a heart and soul, and an unusual gift for telling a story. This book should be read by anybody who has cancer, or who has a loved one with cancer."-Robert Michels, M.D., University Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, Cornell University, and former Dean and Provost, Cornell University Medical College

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This user-friendly guide to surviving a cancer diagnosis and the ensuing treatment will be enormously helpful to patients and their intimates. A consulting psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Granet provides a wealth of information about many types of cancers and treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. But his central focus is the emotional toll of all aspects of the disease and the importance of seeking support from the many available resources to cope successfully. While Granet gives no credence to the theory that particular personality traits contribute to cancer, he does insist that a patient's emotional well-being improves her quality of life. In order to maintain emotional health, he recommends strategies for coping after diagnosis, and during and after treatment (one patient struggles with "the endless waiting" leading up to and following tests and treatments). He addresses the fear of recurrence and of death. Since the needs and preferences of cancer patients differ, he recommends a variety of workable techniques, based on compelling case histories, such as counseling, participation in support groups and a renewed reliance on caretaking by friends and family. He also believes that all patients benefit from acknowledging their difficult emotions rather than blurring them with alcohol or drugs; indeed, in his customarily compassionate, calm manner, readers will sense that he does not turn away from difficult feelings and fears. He does, though, advocate pain medication as an important tool when appropriate. Noting that cancer survivors often gain deeper spiritual values and emotional maturity, the author sees the possibility of strength and grace where people often expect humiliation and dysfunction.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

This user-friendly guide to surviving a cancer diagnosis and the ensuing treatment will be enormously helpful to patient and their intimates. A consulting psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Granet provides a wealth of information about many types of cancers and treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants. But his central focus is the emotional toll of all aspects of the disease and the importance of seeking support from many of the available resources to cope successfully. While Granet gives no credence to the theory that particular personality traits contribute to cancer, he does insist that a patient's emotional well-being improves her quality of life. In order to maintain emotional health, he recommends strategies for copying after diagnosis, and during and after treatment (one patient struggles with "the endless waiting" leading up to and following tests and treatments). He addresses the fear of recurrence and death. Since the needs and preferences of cancer patients differ, he recommends a variety of workable techniques, based on compelling case histories, such as counseling, participation in support groups and a renewed reliance on caretaking by friends and family. He also believes that all patients benefit from acknowledging their difficult emotions rather them blurring them with alcohol or drugs; indeed, in his customarily compassionate, calm manner, readers will sense that he does not turn away from difficult feelings and fears. He does, though, advocate pain medication as an important tool when appropriate. Nothing that cancer survivors often gain deeper spiritual values and emotional maturity, the author sees the possibility of strength and grace where people often expect humiliation and dysfunction. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, September 3, 2001)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 1 edition (September 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047138741X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471387411
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #480,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best on coping with cancer, October 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal (Paperback)

In the two years that my spouse has been diagnosed with breast cancer I have been searching for a book that could give she and our family a sense of realistic hope based on solid information and psychological sophistication. I finally found it. This book provides a warm,empathic intelligent explanation of all the emotional aspects of cancer and how to deal with them. It's a must read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Book, October 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal (Paperback)

Surviving Cancer was easy to read and understand, yet packed with useful information for anyone who has had cancer or a loved one with cancer. It was a comforting and useful guide through such an uncertain, scary time. I found it to be the only book on the market to help with the emotional side of dealing with cancer. You won't be disappointed!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, May 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal (Paperback)

This book helped me through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of my sister's cancer. It served as a valuable guide for our whole family. We found it easy to read and understand, yet cutting edge and up to date information we could really use. Highly recommended!!