Cancer Talk: Voices of Hope and Endurance from "The Group Room," the World's Largest Cancer Support Group (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author) "A diagnosis of cancer is a huge, life-altering event..." (more)
Key Phrases: dying diva, oncology pharmacist, hospice pioneer, Los Angeles, Vital Options, The Group Room (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When 28-year-old Selma Schimmel, a medical sociologist, was diagnosed with breast cancer not long after losing her mother to ovarian cancer, she found precious few resources to help her cope. Before the diagnosis, when she could feel a mass in her breast but her doctors weren't at all concerned about it, she demanded further testing. Her doctors mocked her, called her neurotic, said that "statistically, young women don't get breast cancer," but agreed to biopsy "for the hell of it" to prove her wrong. When the biopsy returned positive, she says, "from that point on, I understood the difference between being a passive patient and a proactive medical consumer."

A lumpectomy, radiation therapy, and nine months of chemotherapy followed. She lamented that she had no role models for survival: in addition to losing her mother, her grandmother had died of uterine cancer, and an uncle from a brain tumor. She joined her hospital's cancer support group, but as its youngest member, found "my issues as a young adult with cancer did not resonate in that room." So, while still undergoing treatment, she founded Vital Options, a support group for cancer patients ages 17 to 40.

That was in 1983. During that time, she also started "The Group Room," a call-in radio show that's grown into the world's largest cancer support group. Cancer Talk is an invaluable collection of the voices from the show: cancer survivors, nurses, doctors (much more sensitive than those who biopsied Schimmel, and some who've survived cancer themselves), social workers, and family and friends of cancer patients. They discuss the emotional issues that follow a cancer diagnosis (including difficulties facing one's mortality), how to handle side effects from treatment, and ways to manage the flood of medical bills and problems with insurance companies. Cancer Talk isn't meant just for younger people, but does include hard-to-find support for such patients, including ways to help children tell their classmates about their disease and changes in their appearance. Other discussions cover sensitive topics such as relationship and intimacy problems; how to handle fertility issues following chemotherapy and radiation, including what to do when cancer strikes during pregnancy; and how to handle health questions during a job interview when you have or have had cancer. More than 100 resources are included for more information, and most of them include Web-site addresses. This is an essential book for anyone affected by cancer.

From Publishers Weekly

Schimmel, a 16-year cancer survivor and host of "The Group Room," an ongoing cancer support group on National Public Radio, addresses the concerns of cancer survivors, their family members, friends, physicians, nurses and other health-care professionals about a variety of cancer-related topics. Schimmel, who was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, presents a well-needed, sensitive approach to cancer treatments and health policies that effect everyone in one way or another. Issues such as talking with one's oncologist, living with a young child who has cancer, coping with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, bone marrow transplants, drug trials, as well as survivor guilt and caring for the caregiver are discussed initially by an expert and then followed by comments from forum participants. The hopes, fears and challenges faced by these individuals is testament to the strength of the human spirit. More important, however, are the voices of the people affected by cancer who provide hope instead of hopelessness. Also provided is an extensive listing of cancer support and advocacy organizations. This is must reading for survivors, family, friends and the people who care for them.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (May 18, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767903250
• ISBN-13: 978-0767903257
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #979,889 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone knowing someone with cancer must get this book, September 6, 1999

By A Customer

Having spent almost 4 years in the cancer treatment process with my wife, I highly recommend this book. Its wealth of stories, resources, and insights will be invaluable to anyone who finds themselves trying to understand treatment alternatives and make good decisions for themselves or a loved one. I wish this book had been available to provide guidance and hope to my wife and I. I highly recommend that you buy a copy, use it yourself, or give it to someone who needs it. I have given copies to friends going through the cancer experience, and they have all expressed great appreciation for the knowledge, hope, and inspiration they received from "Cancer Talk".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Cancer Talk" offers comfort and knowledge to all readers., June 24, 1999

By A Customer

I happened to be reading "Cancer Talk" just prior to undergoing a biopsy for prostate cancer. The book offered me a special balance of comfort and knowledge from both clinical and personal perspectives. It helped prepare me emotionally for the procedure and the anxiety I felt awaiting the test results. Fortunately the biopsy turned out negative, but reading "Cancer Talk" was a very positive experience. I recommend this book to everyone who needs to understand more about this disease and how it affects patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family-and I can't think of anyone who would be excluded from this list.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential if you have cancer, important to read if you don't, June 12, 1999

By A Customer

This book is moving, hopeful, and insightful for anyone who has had to deal with the medical profession or is going through a personal crisis. You not only feel comfort in hearing a voice that assures you that you are not alone...but gives simple practical methods for dealing with your situation.