Facing Cancer with Hope: Suggestions for Patients, Caregivers, and Patient Advocates Based on a Surgeon's Own Cancer Journey

Getting an initial diagnosis of cancer, or a diagnosis of cancer that has recurred after treatment, can be devastating. The authors have prepared this book to try to help. Facing Cancer with Hope is a combination of a personal narrative of a surgeon's experience facing Stage 4 metastatic cancer, an accessible review of cancer biology and its treatments, and, based on the authors' own marathon cancer journey, a detailed set of suggestions for cancer patients, their family members and caregivers, and advocates supporting patients with cancer.

The book is organized chronologically, beginning with receiving an unexpected diagnosis of cancer, proceeding through initial surgery and chemotherapy, confronting a diagnosis of recurrent cancer, participating in two clinical trials, and undergoing additional aggressive surgery, complementary and alternative medicine-based treatment, and, ultimately, successful experimental immunochemotherapy.

Specific topics covered by the authors include:

· The burden of cancer on individual patients, families, and our society at large

· Overcoming the emotional paralysis of getting a diagnosis of cancer and first steps to take after receiving the diagnosis

· An overview of the biology of cancer and the effects of cancer on our bodies

· Tactics for getting through major cancer surgery as safely and comfortably as possible

· Suggestions for recovery after surgery and preparation for post-op chemotherapy

· Tips for navigating chemotherapy

· Dealing with a diagnosis of recurrent cancer

· Coping strategies for cancer patients and their caregivers and for children of individuals facing cancer, including ways to remain hopeful

· Shared decision-making when dealing with advanced cancer

· An overview of the roles of individualized medicine-based approaches, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment

· Strategies for identifying, selecting from, and pursuing clinical trials

Although cancer remains a formidable challenge, the authors hope that this book will empower patients, their caregivers and loved ones, and their advocates to leverage recent advances in cancer care and to work with their health care providers to obtain the best possible outcomes using available medical and scientific resources.