The Cancer Patient's Workbook: Everything You Need to Stay Organized and Informed (Paperback)

by DK Publishing (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Balancing the serious work of survival with an upbeat tone, The Cancer Patient's Workbook maintains a positive outlook while avoiding pointless platitudes. As a survivor of Stage 4 lung cancer, author Joanie Willis is all too familiar with both the spiritual trials and the daily frustrations that cancer can bring. Her book is fundamentally pragmatic, but incorporates alternative healing, humor, and personal reflections. Divided into seven sections, the format is thoughtfully laid out with information broken down into easily digestible boxes. If you prefer to maintain your privacy, the paper cover slides off to reveal calming photos--with no telltale title in sight.

Chapter 3, "Navigating the Medical Maze," is filled with questions for your doctors, and includes informative glossaries of medical terms. The questions are broken down by type of medical provider, and cover surgeries, diagnostic tests, and personal medical history. There is plenty of space provided to write the answers directly in the book, and separate pages are included to create a pain diary. Illustrations are provided when relevant, such as in this diary section, allowing you to color in the exact locations of pain on a human's outline. "Nature's Pharmacy" covers alternative therapies and dietary suggestions, and includes short quizzes, as well as notes on substances that have been shown to be harmful. "On My Own Terms" is a tough chapter, but one that allows you to get your wishes down in writing in case of death. Here, you can plan everything from your funeral service to particular bequests, and Willis provides poems, song lyrics, and plenty of writing space to help you through.

Providing both practical and emotional support, this workbook is like a friend who's been there, done that--and is just waiting to help. --Jill Lightner

From Library Journal
This colorful title is the perfect gift for a cancer patient; it offers a way to keep track of appointments, information, medications, schedules, even news clippings, in a friendly, inviting way. Not for circulating collections, but library users might appreciate a recommendation.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789467828
• ISBN-13: 978-0789467829
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #321,492 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Resource, May 4, 2001

By	Marcia Morrell (La Jolla, CA United States) - See all my reviews

As a person working in healthcare and a cancer survivor, I found this book to be the best resource I've seen. We have ordered one for our library at our Gamma Knife Center and I feel that anyone newly diagnosed with cancer should have this wonderful workbook as they begin their journey. I wish I would have had it 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For Anyone With Cancer, April 12, 2001

By	lisa pierot (usa) - See all my reviews

A Must Have For Anyone With Cancer!!!!!!!!! I am a Stage IV breast cancer survivor. This workbook would have made a tremendous difference during my treatment and subsequent stem cell transplant. In this workbook is everything you need to stay completely organized and on top of everything from scheduling of appointments and tests, to monitoring medications, pain management and emotional well-being. The book is filled with insights and warmth as well as humorous diversions. Ms. Willis cover cancer care from A to Z. This is truly a cancer WORKBOOK and I foresee millions of cancer patients taking theirs with them wherever they go. There are pages for journaling, tracking nutrition, keeping up with the latest clinical trials. Pages for questions to ask at each doctor visit, and a long and well-researched list of internet sites for up to date information on all cancers and related treatments.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, July 15, 2002

By	Kimberly L. Tourdot (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

I bought this book for my mother the week following her diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer. This book was a blessing in the early days of diagnosis. It offered hope and guidance. Joanie Willis provides excellent information on nutrition, diet, exercise and vitamins which doctors often don't address. We have used many of her suggestions and have found them helpful as we, as a family, battle this disease. Ms. Willis also provides hope which you need after receiving devastating news. I would recommend this book to not only patients, but family members. This is the first book I would recommend to family members after their loved one receives a diagnosis.