Читать книгу The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery: Lessons Learned Along the Path to Healing - Tammy Inc. Miller - Страница 5

I felt honored when Tammy Miller asked me to compose a forward to the newest edition of her book, The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery. After all, I have recommended and loaned my copies to numerous patients, friends and relatives so I thought that this chore would be a breeze. How difficult can it be to advocate for a book in which one (except for the comment about being “a little uptight”-possibly a prerequisite for being a surgeon) is portrayed in such a flattering light. However, as I tossed out draft after draft, I came to the realization that this is not such an easy task after all.

I have decided to explain why I choose to recommend this “story” to my patients and friends who have been diagnosed with breast and other malignancies when there are a multitude of books, some written by or in conjunction with physicians or other care providers, which might cover the medical aspects of cancer more thoroughly and concisely. The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery is an unedited, unadulterated memoir of one woman’s experience with this common condition. I believe that the descriptions of the medical procedures, interventions, and decision-making are largely correct, but I have not suggested any significant revisions since that might destroy the character of the book, and that is what makes it a valuable resource. It is the voice of Tammy Miller that, in my opinion, most benefits the readers.

The medical “science” with which we diagnose and treat breast cancer constantly changes as new drugs and devices are invented, newer ways to image breast cancer are developed, and clinical trials come to fruition and lend their results to our armamentarium of treatment options. In the 11+ years since Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer, we have added diagnostic tools such as digital mammography and breast MRI and treatment options such as Herceptin, aromatase inhibitors, and partial breast irradiation. We now have genetic tests that can be performed on tumors to better predict both prognosis and response to specific treatments. If Tammy was to be diagnosed with a second breast cancer tomorrow, her treatment would almost certainly be significantly different than the, at that time, “cutting edge” therapy we offered her in 2001.

But although the science evolves, the way that people can best respond to dealing with the adversity that is cancer is relatively constant. The medications and treatments may change, but the power of the mind and attitude in healing does not. The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery provides an excellent blueprint for women trying to cope with this diagnosis. Tammy’s story, chronicled within these pages, and her 20 lessons illustrate what I believe to be optimal combinations of optimism and realism, proactivism and cooperation, skepticism and trust, humor and gravity with which we can best fight serious health conditions such as breast cancer. In my career I have unfortunately witnessed both men and women unable to continue to “live their lives” while battling malignancies. They have succumbed to panic, refused to be educated or educate themselves, ignored their malignancies and allowed them to progress beyond what medical science can treat, or lost themselves in depressions to the extent that even an excellent medical outcome for the cancer failed to return them to the life they had prior to their diagnosis.

Fortunately, this is not the norm for my patients. But I truly believe that the ranks of those who cope well with the changes in their lives wrought by breast and other cancers are swelled by those who have been helped by Tammy’s book and her lectures. I strongly encourage you to add this book to your reading list as you educate yourself about breast cancer.

Aaron D. Bleznak, MD, FACS

Vice President & Senior Medical Director-Specialty Services

Sentara Healthcare/Sentara Medical Group