From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed with Cancer [Hardcover]

Arlene Cotter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1999

So, it's official. You've been diagnosed with cancer. And from this moment on your life will never
be the same. No matter how much others may wish to help, you alone must initiate the journey. This is the first step.

From This Moment On offers its hand to anyone dealing with cancer.

Following a positive cancer diagnosis,you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.   From This Moment On walks you through the stages of illness, treatment, and recovery. It shows you how to accept and move through your anxiety or pain; to gain a sense of control; to find people who can help; and, most important, to decide how you want to live the rest of your life.
Open the book to any page and find something of value. Soak up its wisdom in an hour. Or return to it again and again for encouragement and solace.

From This Moment On will prove a calm and forthright companion on one of life's most challenging journeys. Cancer is an ordeal, but  it is also an opportunity. Exactly what kind of opportunity will be up to you.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When a doctor says three little words--"You have cancer"--you may immediately think of yourself as a cancer victim. Well, this lovely "picture book" strives to help turn you into a cancer survivor by offering a primer on how to mount a battle against the disease--using psychological, medical, and family resources.

Written by Canadian Arlene Cotter--a graphic designer and writer who overcame acute non-Hodgkin's lymphoma--From This Moment On takes you on a journey through the experience of cancer. The book is light on text, but the chosen words and concepts hit home. The tone is never condescending, always gentle, but very much to the point. Cotter uses a plethora of pleasing and comforting photographs, illustrations, paintings, and graphics to deliver her message that cancer can be lived through--and lived through well. The choice is up to you: you can opt to experience every moment you have left to the fullest, set goals for yourself and realize them, or you can choose to spend the rest of your life dying.

From This Moment On is a simple, empowering, interactive reference that guides you through the psychological stages experienced by those diagnosed with cancer--from grief to fear to acceptance. It highlights the many choices and decisions about treatment that must be made, and even considers the choice that not getting treatment may be an option for some. Above all, it conveys the idea that life doesn't have to end with a cancer diagnosis; indeed, it may just begin to be lived more fully. --Nancy Monson

Review

"If you have been diagnosed with cancer this small book may save your life and will certainly save your sanity!"
--Dr. Susan Love, author of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book

"I love this book! I wish it had been around while I was going through cancer. Open to any random page and you'll get something to inspire you, to challenge you to think a bit differently. I want to give this book to anyone diagnosed with cancer and anyone who loves someone who has it."
--Julia Sweeney,  author of God Said, "Ha!"

"The right book for someone with a diagnosis of cancer, writtenby someone who has been there and knows what you need.Clear, comprehensive, and sensitive."
--rabbi Harold Kushner,  author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"This book is a spiritual and psychological safety net.  You will never regret reading it."
--Caroline Myss, Ph.D., author of Anatomy of the Spirit

"From This Moment On is one of those rare books as sharp and clear as a diamond necklace: every word shines, every thought sparkles. Buy this book for a friend with cancer, but read it first yourself. Profoundly nourishing."
--Susun s. Weed,  author of Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way

"From This Moment On contains valuable insights mingled with age-old truths; it can help educate and prepare people for the difficulties we all encounter."
--Bernie Siegel, M.D.,   author of Prescriptions for Living: Inspirational Lessons for a Joyful, Loving Life

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Random House (September 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375503099
• ISBN-13: 978-0375503092
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,005,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful "little" book Arlene Cotter has written!, October 12, 1999

By 

Sarah Godfrey - See all my reviews

This review is from: From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed with Cancer (Hardcover)

Arlene, wherever you are - you have written a wonderful book for cancer patients and survivors! Upbeat, pithy, quirky and right on, this collection will make you laugh and muster the strength to deal with whatever is on your plate. Inspiring and funny -- heartily recommended by our staff of clinical oncology social workers.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book first if you've been diagnosed with cancer, December 28, 1999

By 

Becky Kinnander (Iowa, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed with Cancer (Hardcover)

This book has changed my life. I received my diagnosis less than a week ago and yesterday, while I was in the library looking for reading material for after surgery, this book leapt out of the shelves to me. It's simple and comprehensive, and easy to read. It's just what you need to begin recovering from the shock of your diagnosis. More importantly, it gives you HOPE. My husband will read it next because he needs to understand what is in this book that will become my constant companion in the months to come.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I was cocky! Then I remembered.............., February 8, 2000

By 

Frank Cunat - See all my reviews

This review is from: From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed with Cancer (Hardcover)

I was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago and just read Arlene Cotter's book recently. At first I wondered how useful it could be, given that many of the book's affirmations have probably already occurred to many cancer patients. Then I remembered how I felt shortly after being diagnosed and realized how useful it would have been to have a book like this, filled with nonjudgemental expressions of support for the choices a cancer patient makes in living his or her own life.

For that reason, I think From This Moment On may be most useful to those who are newly diagnosed. Also, I think it would be very valuable for friends and family members of cancer patients, who often feel more helpless than the patient and could use a "window" into a cancer patient's feelings.

But I think the real affirmation has nothing to do with what's between the book's covers. Arlene Cotter was diagnosed with cancer; she then had the idea for this book, created it, and published it. That may be the ultimate inspiration here.