Voices of Breast Cancer: The Healing Companion: Stories for Comfort, Courage and Strength

This wide-ranging anthology from the Healing Project provides answers to practically anyone wondering “What now?” in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. Patients, family and friends will find helpful information on everything from the emotional aspects of diagnosis and treatment to explanations of the different types of breast cancer. Boxes scattered throughout offer particularly good clinical information by Dr. Stephanie Bernik on everything from choosing a surgeon to the effect of chemotherapy on fertility. The breaking up of this information among personal essays, poems and meditations by patients and family members makes it easy to digest. While many writers tell of their shock and dismay at their diagnosis, there are more than a few wry laughs, too. Gayle Tanber muses on an unexpected discovery: “I had no idea so many friends had access to pot,” which they offered to ease the side effects of chemotherapy. Debra LaChance created the Healing Project to provide a format for connecting people diagnosed with different diseases. Judged by that yardstick, this worthy collection succeeds very well. Photos. (Oct. 15)