The Human Side of Cancer or Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook

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

Author: Jimmie C Holland

Dr. Jimmie Holland, a pioneer in the field of psycho-oncology, has spent years talking to people with cancer and their families and presents a new understanding of what it's like to face this dreaded disease. She understands that everyone copes very differently with such a prospect, and puts forward the controversial yet commonsense notion that the current overzealous belief in the mind-body connection leads many people to blame themselves for getting cancer, or for not getting better. She provides practical and compassionate guidance on:

• What makes a cancer diagnosis easier—and harder—to deal with
• How to respect and appropriately respond to a person's way of coping and avoid the "one size fits all" approach
• How to help patients find meaning in what's happening
• The help available for people dealing with the emotional aspects of cancer.

Sensitive and eloquent, The Human Side of Cancer offers cancer patients and their loved ones honest and reassuring advice on dealing with the greatest challenge of their lives.

Publishers Weekly

Chief of psychiatry at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, Holland is one of the founders of psycho-oncology. In this well-rounded guide, she and Lewis (an editor at Healthy Living) provide sensible and clear advice for people living with cancer. What makes this manual different is Holland and Lewis's belief that there's no one style of coping that's right for everyone--instead, they survey a range of available strategies, both physical (e.g., medications) and psychological (e.g., support groups). Antidepressant and antianxiety medications get a lot of attention here--the authors consider them important tools in the fight against not only severe depression, but also fear of surgery and sleeplessness; they are also important in aiding the terminally ill. Though they emphasize traditional Western treatments, Holland and Lewis don't dismiss potentially complementary alternative therapies, like meditation, yoga, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These techniques, they contend, while not proven cures, may enhance quality of life and are particularly useful to those patients who want an active role in maintaining their health. In addition, they recommend lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Likewise, their discussion of the physical problems that may occur after cancer treatment (including impotence and changes in appearance) is honest and practical. Illus. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Psycho-oncologist Holland, chief of the psychiatry service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, feels that the psychological effects of cancer have long been overlooked. Most people assume that once therapy has begun, they just sit back and wait to be cured--or not. But Holland sees that much more is involved in patients' ability to cope with cancer. She includes anecdotes concerning her own patients and quotes liberally from other authors/experts in the cancer canon--which can make for a choppy text. Holland encourages patients to seek psychological counseling, take appropriate drugs for depression and other related conditions, and seek support in any way possible. She doesn't mince words, either. Her text covers the worst-case scenarios of a cancer diagnosis, all aspects of treatment (including alternative/complementary protocols), survivorship, recurrence, and death and dying. Holland's concerns for patients' psychological needs are genuine, though her approach may be a bit more clinical than humane. For comprehensive patient health collections.--Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal" Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Explores the range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and its aftermath. Offers the latest scientific information about the mind- body connection and cancer, dispels the myth that the patient is somehow to blame, and stresses that everyone has a unique way of coping which should be respected. Holland is chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center and professor of psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Lewis is a journalist. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

What People Are Saying

Liz Smith
Dr. Holland has put a new, frank and candid face on the horror that can be cancer. She is the doctor I'd want in my corner if I were ill. This book is a lesson and an inspiration for us all.

Interesting book:

Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook

Author: Jennifer Bucko

Bestselling authors are back to show the healthy way to fit carbs into diabetic cooking

Everyone is tired of hearing about carbohydrates—but carbs are important for people with diabetes like you. Not only do you have to count the carbs you're eating, you have to make sure you’re getting the right kinds of carbs. The Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook is the answer. This unique cookbook with over 150 recipes shows you how to fit more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into you diet without added fuss.

Now you don’t have to worry about healthy carbs—or great taste—ever again! Common fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—no weird ingredients that can only be found in specialty stores!