After the Cure: The Untold Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors

by Emily Abel and Saskia K. Subramanian

Book Overview

2009 Choice Outstanding Academic Title
2009 Association of American University Presses Award for Jacket Design

The stories of 70 women living in the aftermath of breast cancer

Chemo brain. Fatigue. Chronic pain. Insomnia. Depression. These are just a few of the ongoing, debilitating symptoms that plague some breast-cancer survivors long after their treatments have officially ended. While there are hundreds...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814707254
• ISBN13: 9780814707258
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 203 Pages
• Weight: 3.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent -- for medical professionals, survivors, family and friends

This book fills a very important void. As a psychologist working with many breast cancer survivors, I have witnessed the harm that occurs when women report disturbing symptoms, and are unable to find validation that these symptoms are real, and are, indeed, associated with breast cancer treatment. We know that human resilience is enhanced when the person suffering is able to share her experience with others. Knowing that she is not alone, and that she is not imagining the symptoms, will certainly enhance a woman's willingness to share. Rather than purely theoretical information, the book provides personal stories of numerous women. Not only do their stories illuminate common physical symptoms, but also, the emotional experience of having these symptoms, and of having breast cancer. My hope is that these first person accounts will influence researchers to examine the side effects of treatment. Until we find ways to avoid the side effects, we can, at the very least, validate the reality that breast cancer survivors endure. The authors have treated the women, and the subject, with remarkable sensitivity. The book is extraordinarily engrossing. I highly recommend the book to women undergoing breast cancer treatment, to their family members and friends. And I strongly encourage the health care professionals to read the book, and consider sharing it with their patients.