A Survivor's Guide to Breast Cancer (Paperback)

by Alice F. Chang (Author), Karen Mang Spruill (Author) "We all make assumptions..." (more)
Key Phrases: cancer wellness, breast forms, Survivor's Guide, Kansas City, Cancer Care Center (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her breast in 1993, Dr. Alice Chang, a clinical psychologist who treats people with life-threatening illnesses, relates her own battle with breast cancer and with getting the emotional care she needed. She then offers the support and reassurance that only a survivor can provide, and gives advice to women facing the disease.

About the Author
Alice F. Chang, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in health-related illness. She maintains a private practice in Tucson, Arizona, is a national presenter of continuing education seminars entitled "Breast Cancer: From Both Sides of the Bed," and is an adjunct research scientist in the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona. Dr. Chang's unique perspective combines her expertise as a clinicalpsychologist with her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor.

Karen Spruill, MA, is a writer and psychotherapist with degrees in community counseling and communication. She lives in Orlando, Florida.

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241853
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241855
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,529,039 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Authentic Book!, March 2, 2000

By	Deanna Henion (Reeds Spring, Missouri) - See all my reviews

Alice and I have been good friends for twenty years. I went through the breast cancer experience with her, although from a long distance. I thought I understood what she was feeling during that time. However, from reading her book, I can now see that I truly only understood part of what was going on. I didn't understand how frightened she was, nor did I have any idea of just how upsetting it was for her to go through the initial diagnosis and then the treatments. Her reluctance to share all of the details with me may have been because of her generosity in protecting MY feelings and emotions and/or her inability to be verbal at that point in time about a very emotional experience. If I would have had a book that described some of these deeper feelings to me, I would have understood more about what many women face and could have been more supportive to her during that time.

Alice's voice comes through her book as authentic, honest and vulnerable. I liked the mixing of the autobiography with a self-help book. The many pictures enhance the book's genuineness--there are pictures of the doctors, documentation of Alice's process and scars plus photos of items that are either helpful or humorous. The book has a very personal feel-- just like talking with my good friend. Once I started reading it, I had trouble putting it down! If I had breast cancer or had a friend or family member that had been diagnosed, I would find Alice's account of the process very helpful and her explanations of the psychological issues very soothing and supportive. In addition to the vivid coverage of her diagnosis and treatment, Alice steps back from her patient role and assumes the role of psychologist, offering tools and methods for coping, accepting and changing one's sometimes debilitating ways of dealing with challenges. I appreciated the way she addressed the varied avenues that people have for healing themselves.

Congratulations to Alice for the courage it took to write this revealing book. I think it will be of great benefit, not only to the patient herself, but also to husbands, family, and friends of those who are facing breast cancer--or possibly any cancer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Survivor's Guide to Breast Cancer, March 18, 2000

By	Donald West (Marana, Arizona) - See all my reviews

The finest book of its type.It says what needs to be said and usually is not.The book is easy reading and very comprehensive. Breast cancer affects many of our lives and here is a discussion in language that everyone will find of great value.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Phenomenal Read, April 19, 2000

By	Dr. E. L. Richeson (Texas) - See all my reviews

Dr. Chang's book A Survivor's Guide to Breast Cancer is a pehonmenal read. For the newly diagnosed, it can prepare and educate the patient and those who support her. for those in the midst of treatment, this book will help confirm and validate a patient's emotional and physiological experiences. The patient that has completed active treatment will be able to use Dr. Chang's book as an adjunct to therapy, to help process and bring to closure the ordeal she has been through. A patient's family members, friends, and even treatment team would benefit from this candid book. It is through Dr. Chang's selfless and uninhibited sharing that any one interested, will come to know "first hand" what it's like to have breat cancer. Dr. Chang leaves nothing out - from resources to practical suggestions, to coping strategies including the value of humor. It's a must read for breast cancer patients and anyone that works with them.