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Beauty and Cancer, Looking and Feeling your Best by Diane Doan Noyes and Peggy Mellody, R.N.; Taylor Publishing: 1992. ISBN: 0878338098. A handbook designed to help women improve their appearance and levels of comfort both during and after cancer therapies.

Before I Say Goodbye by Ruth Picardie (2000). New York, New York: Henry Holt and Company ISBN: 0-8050-6612-8. Being a journalist, it was a natural thing for Ruth Picardie to write about her rapid spread of breast cancer. Her emails and columns describe her diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer. Letters from readers shared their sorrow of her situation and words of encouragement from their own battles with cancer or the loss of a loved one. There are funny parts to this book such as her new interest in body maintenance, makeup and clothes.

Breast Cancer: A Family Survival Guide by Lucille M. Penderson and Janet M. Trigg; Bergin and Garvey: 1995. ISBN: 0897894383. This book is a helpful guide to detecting breast cancer, dealing with it physically and emotionally, and surviving it. Issues such as insurance, physical changes, family stress, recovery and death are discussed in language for the general reader.

Breast Cancer? Let Me Check My Schedule! by D. Cederberg, D. Davidson, J. Edwards, D. Hebestreit, B. Lambert, A. Langer, C. Masamitsu, S. Snodgrass, C. Stack and C. Washington; Innovative Medical Education Consortium, Inc: 1997. ISBN: 0813333938. A compilation of ten professional women meeting the challenges of fitting breast cancer into their very busy lives.

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Club, A Nurses Experience by Lillie Schockney: Real Health Books, Loveland CO, 2000: ISBN: 0-9704601-0-4. The author has unselfishly given us a very intimate insight into her fight and victory against breast cancer. The reader learns how to cope successfully with a cancer diagnosis. The author documents how a positive outlook, lots of laughter, proper medical care, prayer and faith in God brought her safely through treatment.

Celebrating Life African American Women Speak Out about Breast Cancer by Sylvia Dunnavant; USFI, Inc: 1995. ISBN: 0964321149. This book captures the personal stories and triumphs of African American women in regards to breast cancer.

Chemo This! Finding Your Balance & Creating a Pathway Through Cancer by Patricia McBain-Roberts. (2001). Burnstown, Ontario, Canada: General Store. ISBN: 1-8924263-37-5. The author takes us through her personal battle with breast cancer. She shows how she made it through breast cancer and wants to help others do the same. The author discussed what she did that helped her get through the ordeal. The author used her skills as a Certified Human Resources Professional to better understand the different ways people deal with cancer depending on the type pf personality they have. A resource section is included in the back of the book. It contains a list of videos, CDs, tapes, products, books, and information about Myers-Briggs Type Indicatorâ.

Dear Stranger, Dearest Friend by Laney Becker (2000). New York, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 0-380-97853-9. Two women start a friendship through the Internet. The story begins as one woman finds a lump and takes the reader through her entire treatment and reconstruction. Both women have young children at the time of their diagnosis and share experiences of the changing relationships with their children, husbands, families and friends.

Every Step of the Way- A Faith Journey Through Breast Cancer by Pam Lillehei: 2000. ISBN: 1-890676-71-3. The author takes the reader through finding the lump to diagnosis to treatment. At each part of her cancer experience, she feels that God has put someone there to help and support her through this time. She turns to prayer and her church network to help her cope and understand. The book also gives prayer guidelines and practical suggestions for family, friends and caregivers.

Examining Myself: the Woman’s Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery by Musa Mayer; Faber and Faber: 1994. ISBN: 0571198457. In addition to a detailed account of her breast cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery, Mayer shares her insightful view of survival.

Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness by Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad; Mulberry Hill Press: 1993. ISBN: 0963713957. Through journal entries, poetry, reflective essays and photographs, this book offers poignant insights, realistic optimism and an intimate portrait of courage.

Get Well Wishes by June Cotner (2000). New York: NY: HaperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 0-06-251646-9. This touching book by June Cotner is a compilation of prayers, poems and blessings from various authors and spiritual leaders that include sections for those seeking words of comfort, faith, courage, hope, healing, reflections, gratitude and inspiration.

Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness by J. Lynn and J. Harrold (1999). New York: Oxford Press. ISBN:0-19-511662-3. This book is organized in a series of chapters progressing from living with a serious illness, to preparing to die, to dealing with issues of both the body and mind through the process. Practical information is provided as well as thought-provoking ideas that may lead to personal reflection. The personal quotes inserted to provide examples and insight and were effective and often very touching.

Hitting the Wall: Memoir of a Cancer Journey by Barbara Pate Glacel, (2001). Seattle: Hara Publishing. ISBN: 1-883697-73-5. It is a touching story of a woman's journey through her personal breast cancer experience, written from her journal entries and e-mails from family and friends. Suggestions for survivors and a resource list are also included.

Hope and Heroes: Portraits of Integrity by Barry Shainbaum (2001), Toronto, ON: London Press. ISBN: 0-9688645-0-3. The book is a collection of photographs of people who have done remarkable things in their lives. The selection of people being profiled is interesting, with some very famous people along with others that are lesser known. A brief biography is given for each person along with the photograph. Heroes include Maya Angelou, Nancy Brinker, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Sheen. Messages of inspiration and integrity are in each person's story.

Hope is Contagious—The Breast Cancer Treatment Survival Handbook by Margit Esser Porter; Simon and Schuster, Inc: 1997. ISBN: 0684842181. Written by a breast cancer survivor, this book is intended for women who have had or are facing treatment.

I Didn't Know What to Do by Sara Sabalka (2001). Littleton: CO: WHAT-2-DO. ISBN: 0-9707499-0-2. A compilation of many individual stories from cancer survivors who describe how someone reached out to them after their cancer diagnosis. Each personal recollection is uplifting and inspiring for anyone who seeks thoughtful ways to connect to someone with cancer.

Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party by Bivona, Ginnie Siena. (2000). Irving: TX: Authorlink Press. ISBN: 1-928704-15-8. This book is fiction, but it deals with a women in denial of breast cancer. This book is about the power of friendship and the endurance of love.

Journey Unknown: Focusing on the Emotional Aspects of Cancer, Mastectomy and Chemotherapy by Margaret Phalor Barnhart; Journey Press: 1994. ISBN: 0962512117. A collection of poems, thoughts and pictures which express the author’s emotions as she experiences cancer, mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Lisa's Story by Tom Batiuk (2000). New York: The Penguin Putman, Inc. ISBN: 0-399-52666-8. The comic strip format offers a new way to discuss breast cancer and understand the emotional impact it has upon the woman, her family and friends. The comic strip shows how sense of humor can be valuable when faced with a serious illness. It has resource information on breast health, diagnosis, treatment options, coping with breast cancer and survivorship. The resource section lists books, brochures, hotlines, and websites that are helpful to breast cancer survivors.

Love, Judy: Letters of Hope and Healing for Women with Breast Cancer by Judy Hart; Conari Press: 1993. ISBN: 0943233526. The author’s personal story combined with a variety of self-support techniques intended to encourage the healing process.

Not Just One in Eight Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families by Barbara F. Stevens: 2000. ISBN: 1-55874-832-6. The author compiles 19 stories of interviews with breast cancer survivors and those who were part of their support team. It gives the reader an honest perspective of what the survivors and their support team went through as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis. There are four parts to the book Part I is the stories of breast cancer survivors and their families, Part II gives an overview of risk factors and new medical advances in breast cancer, Part III gives information to help women lessen the chance of being misdiagnosed, particularly for young women and Part IV covers Sex and Sexulality.

Pink Hat Diaries by Low & Lively (2000). Low/Lively Productions Arlington, TX. www.pinkhatdiaries.com or 1.866.PinkHat. This book provides an inside look at the inner thoughts and feelings of a breast cancer survivor, from diagnosis to treatment to healing. Any breast cancer survivor can relate.

Reconstructing Aphrodite by Terry Lorant and Dr. Loren Eskenazi (2001). Verve Editions ISBN: 0-9660352-3-2. This is a collection of stories and pictures of women who chose to have their breasts reconstructed after a breast cancer diagnosis. The images and their stories shed light to other women about breast reconstruction.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman and Matthew McKay; Fine Communications: Fourth Edition 1998. ISBN: 1567310753. A comprehensive, easy-to-follow workbook that explores several techniques to reduce stress, including time management, meditation, assertiveness training, coping skills training, biofeedback, nutrition and exercise.

Spinning Straw into Gold by Ronnie Kaye; Simon and Schuster Trade: 1991. ISBN: 0671701649. A counselor shares her personal breast cancer experience and recurrence with wit and understanding. Also included are suggestions for coping and full emotional recovery from breast cancer. An excellent resource for single women.

Straight from the Heart: Letters of Hope and Inspiration from Survivors of Breast Cancer by Ina Yalof; Kensington: 1997. ISBN: 1575662175. A collection of 72 letters from breast cancer survivors that share their personal stories.

Thanks for the Mammogram! Fighting Cancer with Faith, Hope and a Healthy Dose of Laughter by Laura Walker. Baker Book House Company: Health. 2000. ISBN: 0-8007-1778-3. As a breast cancer survivor, Laura Walker describes her experiences with breast cancer and treatment in such a manner that one can instantly relate to her situation and feelings. Laura chronicles, with her humor, her diagnosis, treatment, reconstruction, and follow up care. The purpose of the book is to support women and family members facing breast cancer, although anyone could enjoy this well-written story. Laura helps the reader experience the “laughter is the best medicine” theory along with her story of hope and faith.

The Human Side of Cancer by Jimmie Holland and Shelton Lewis (2000). New York, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 0-60-17371-8. Written by psychiatrist Jimmie Holland, the author uses descriptions of actual patients to illustrate the unique mix of individual personality and social characteristics that can lead to a wide range of responses to cope with cancer. The book has a supportive and thorough discussion of topics relating to the “psychological,” or “human” part of the journey with cancer instead of the “physical” and “medical” journey.

The Not-so-Scary Breast Cancer Book by Carolyn Ingram, Ed.D. and Leslie Ingram Gebhart, M.A. Written by two sisters, each diagnosed with breast cancer, the book provides easy to read advice. The authors describe their needs and pitfalls from breast cancer discovery to recovery. The book does not include medical information instead it focuses on support issues. It is a great resource for patients and families desiring something other than the facts, science and medicine of breast cancer.

The Wellness Community Guide to Fighting for Recovery from Cancer by Harold H. Benjamin, Ph.D.; Putnam Books: 1995. ISBN: 0874777941. The founder of the Wellness Community shares dozens of well-tasted strategies in which cancer patients can use to maximize the immune system, including visualization, nutrition, exercise and enhanced personal relationships.

When A Parent Has Cancer, A Guide to Caring for Your Children by Wendy Schlessel Harpham; HarperCollins, New York ISBN: 0-06-018709-3. This book contains information that can help anyone dealing with a cancer prognosis who have children of any age. The book uses scenarios that give real life examples of ways to help children learn, accept and deal with a cancer prognosis. It also gives a realistic outlook and provides security in children.

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