Ovarian Cancer Books Review

A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

Author: F. J. Montz, MD KM

This comprehensive guide to ovarian cancer offers a wealth of information to ease the physical, emotional, and psychic suffering of women with the disease. The authors - two Johns Hopkins gynecologic oncologists and a gynecologic-oncology clinical nurse - put particular emphasis on the concept of "survivorship," or living life well in the face of daunting uncertainties. They stress the importance of self-determination: the right of each patient to be informed, involved, and in control of her care.

Up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and alternative therapies, forms the core of the book. But the authors' immense clinical experience also means they understand what women worry about and care about, and they address these issues with true compassion. Stressing quality of life, self-determination, and living life to the fullest, this remarkable book speaks to women with ovarian cancer everywhere.

Ovarian Cancer Journeys: Survivors Share Their Stories To Help Others

Author: Ayala Miron

Women of ages 17 to 78 join to tell their true stories. Find out about the lessons they have learned along their ovarian cancer journeys; from symptoms to diagnosis, through treatments, and survival.

Ovarian cancer facts:

Occurs in 1 out of 57 women.
89% have symptoms at the early stages of the disease.
75% are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease.
90% do not have history of ovarian cancer in their family.
Early detection is critical and can improve survival rate to 90%.

100 Questions & Answers About Ovarian Cancer, Second Edition

Author: Don S. Dizon

Whether you're a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this completely updated second edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about ovarian cancer treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more.

Written by a gynecologic oncologist and a gynecologic surgeon, with actual patient commentary, this is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer (Patient-Centered Guides)

Author: Kristine Conner

This unique guide for ovarian cancer gives women crucial medical information to improve the chance for lengthy remission and cure, as well as emotional support for the journey. Although many ovarian cancers are discovered after they have spread, having information about surgery and best practices can be life-saving.

For example, choosing a surgeon from the new specialty of gynecologic oncology for staging and de-bulking surgeries strongly impacts survival. Women need to, at least, consider newer chemotherapy and biological treatments in research trials. Women also want to hear the stories of others who live with the ambiguity of remission.

Ovarian Cancer includes:

Ten things to know at the time of diagnosis, for optimal outcome.
How choosing a gynecologic oncology surgeon impacts survival.
When and how you can consider newer treatments, now in clinical trials.
Stories of dozens of women living with ovarian cancer, some for many years.
"Questions for Your Doctor" for all decision points.
A focus on epithelial cancers, the most common and difficult to treat, with additional information on germ cell, sex cord-stromal cell, and low malignant potential ovarian cancers.

Noted cancer writer Kristine Conner and patient advocate Lauren Langford provide ovarian cancer patients with a supportive and much-needed resource.

A Feather in My Wig: Ovarian Cancer Cured, Seventeen Years and Going Strong!

Author: Barbara R. Van Billiard

With sensitivity and with humor, Barbara Van Billiard sets down the facts of her struggle and outlines the steps she took to deal with surgeries and chemotherapy. Her use of, and explanation, of various mind-body techniques, such as imagery and meditation, are a thought provoking approach that any cancer patient could use to help with life threatening illness.

(Excerpt from Reader Review) I got this book for my mom who's recently been diagnosed with cancer. I picked it up this afternoon and didn't put it done until I was finished. What an inspiration! Just what I needed after a long week of discouraging news and facing grim statistics.

The author was cured of Stage III Ovarian Cancer and tells how she battled the disease and won. Nothing "hokey" or "alternative" about it--unless you consider meditation, prayer, visualization, and POSITIVE thinking "hokey." This is an EXCELLENT book, surely it's a "must-have" for anyone facing this disease.

Women's Cancers: How to Prevent Them, How to Treat Them, How to Beat Them (Hunter House Cancer & Health Series.)

Authors: Kerry Anne McGinn, RN NP MSN

Experienced oncology nurses address all the issues surrounding women’s cancers. This edition offers new data on the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment, as well as updates on genetic influences, environmental factors, and analysis of complementary and alternative therapies.

70 black-and-white illustrations are included.

Living with Ovarian Cancer: A Time for Truth, Hope and Love

Authors: Nina Davidson Arnold

Nina Davidson Arnold weaves a positive and uplifting tale of her five-and-a-half year journey while undergoing continuous treatment for ovarian cancer. The elegant and thoughtful prose merges notations from eleven daily journals kept over the years of treatment.

As the story unfolds it exposes the highs and lows of living in spite of the disease. The daily journals were an incentive to help her endure the over-whelming odds she faced with cancer, while allowing her to appreciate life through her faith and constant encouragement from her husband, family and friends.

Her courage, faith, strength, and will to live give meaning to life while bringing a sense of normalcy.

Myths & Facts About Ovarian Cancer : What You Need to Know, 2nd Edition

Authors: Gamal Eltabbakh and M. Steven Piver

Each book in the Myths & Facts series is written in clear and simple language by leading U.S. cancer specialists to dispel the many myths that surround cancer. Instead, this handbook offers solid insight about the disease and facts for individuals faced with ovarian cancer diagnosis.

The book is carefully illustrated and punctuated with patients’ comments. Readers will become familiar with the most current cancer screening and diagnostic techniques, treatment options, potential outcomes, support information, and more.

Cancer patients, who are often asked to make quick decisions amid intense personal crises, will find the information needed to make rational decisions throughout the course of therapy. Ideal for patients and their families, doctor’s offices and waiting rooms, clinics, and libraries.

The Dust Busting Chronicles: Cleaning My Way Through Ovarian Cancer

Authors: Cheryl Cushine

The Dust Busting Chronicles: Cleaning My Way Through Ovarian Cancer details a horrific and life-altering battle against ovarian cancer during a harrowing 19-month period. The story relays the logistical challenges of a life-threatening disease, and explores poignant moments of hope, anger, frustration and defeat.

The story begins with the author packing up her life in New Jersey, after the loss of her life partner, Lyse. The ensuing chapters disclose the cancer experience in compelling detail.

Chemotherapy treatments begin, and the couple adjusts to a regimen of infusions, disabling side effects, and a mountain of pills. Cheryl's obsessive-compulsive disorder grows in scope as Lyse's medical challenges put a strangle hold on all areas of their life.

The story gives the reader an intimate view of the dark side of the author's coping mechanism and the stress that accompanies her rituals. The first chemotherapy regimen results in a good report, but several months later, the couple receives discouraging news. Two more chemotherapy protocols follow and both yield disastrous results.

The final three weeks of Lyse's life, spent at Holy Name Hospital, were dramatic, tender, and passionate. The concluding chapter is a matter-of-fact but moving account of accepting things, even death, as they are, loving so deeply it's painful, and coming through on the other side. Those of us left on this side will move forward, alone, but having loved in such a way that that is all we truly remember in the end.