The Human Side of Cancer: Living Wih Hope, Coping with Uncertainty

by Sheldon Lewis and Jimmie C. Holland

Book Overview

In The Human Side of Cancer, Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., explores the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath. For more than twenty years, Dr. Holland has pioneered the study of psychological problems of cancer patients and their families -- whom she calls "the real experts." In The Human Side of Cancer, she shares what she has learned from all of...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060173718
• ISBN13: 9780060173715
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book

I work with cancer patients in a major cancer center, and would highly recommend this book. Dr. Holland has written a book that can benefit both patients and professionals. Rather than pushing a "Pollyanna Positive" approach to coping with a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Holland suggests that a realistic approach that includes BOTH the acceptance of uncertainty and hope for the future is most helpful. I have shared this book with several patients as well as several other professionals, and all have agreed that this is a "must-read" book for anyone looking for help in coping with cancer.

Overall very helpful

This is one of the few books I can imagine my mother reading. She was recently diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and I ordered this book (and a couple others) to help my understanding of the emotional aspects of the disease and treatments. My mother generally escews "self-help" type books and outside help such as counseling. But this book is matter-of-fact and is presented in a way that respects individual differences and styles. It's not full of "touchy feely" (Mom's phrase) jargon but does address psychological issues effectively. Mom might actually find this one helpful, as I have. One weakness I found was the short section on ovarian cancer -- it addresses mostly fertility and sexuality issues -- the first doesn't apply to the older woman and the latter may or may not -- the writer seems to miss the boat on this type of cancer in the older woman. Overall, though, a helpful book.

thanks

Since my diagnosis I've received tons of books. This one is by far the most helpful in understanding what is going on with me & everyone else. It is the only book that talks about when & how to tell others, what the side effects are of all the testing, etc. I liked it so much I bought a copy for my therapist for her to use with other patients like me.

The Many Faces Of Cancer

When I was facing my husbands diagnosis of prostate cancer I had to deal with many aspects of life and psychology discussed in this book. It validates the way I handled myself, I wish this book existed when I was going through it. No doubt it will aid many through the difficult and lonely transition from suspicion, diagnosis, to treatment and cure. A must have.

Finally I can validate my feelings.

The word cancer stops you in your tracks. This book shares feelings and concepts with inteligence and humanity. Bravo to the author and those who have inspired him. I only wish this book was out five years ago when my husband was diagnosed with cancer.