Customer Reviews

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book: 3rd Edition

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book when my partner was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago at age 32. We have both relied on it as a source of information throughout her treatment, and it has served that purpose well-- it is very complete and up-to-date. This book is often referred to as a "bible" for women with breast cancer, and I can see why.

However, we both found this book profoundly frightening in a way that we did not find other breast cancer books-- even ones that cover similar material. I think this may be because, unlike the authors of most breast cancer books, Dr. Love has not had cancer herself. As compassionate as she may be in person, her tone as a writer is sometimes cavalier. I am sure that as an MD she has had to distance herself in order to treat women with breast cancer, and unfortunately this distance comes through in her book. At first I thought that my reaction to her writing and her statistics was just because the diagnosis was so new and frightening-- but it's still true now, a year later.

This is a fabulous resource-- probably the best-- but don't read it alone, or when you're feeling particularly scared or pessimistic.

A cancer diagnosis is scary enough without reading about all the complications & negative scenarios you never dreamed of until reading this book,. The medical information is on track but quite outdated. If you want to uderstand the anatomy of the disease or the surgical techniques somentimes used - ok. But if you want & need an encouraging ally - don't pick this up. I am a medical professional who has survived 6 + years with this disease. What we need is hope, encouragement and reinfocement of the positives. This book give all the worst case scenarios & gives me a sense of panic/fear and profound sense of being unsettled each & every time I have picked it up. If you have breast cancer - find good doctors whom you trust for good, CURRENT medical advice, find upbeat people to support you through your difficult times, try to appreciate all the positives in your life & focus on recovery & being WELL. Stress is an important thing to avoid so please, read something fun instead. This book only added to my stress level. The worst part is I have a hard time throwing it away because it's the book you're "supposed" to have if you have cancer - it haunts me ...

Very informative,the best book on this subect. the only one to buy.
book was in perfect condition. very satisfied.

Thanks.

I found this book extremely frightening while first reading it in the midst of my chemotherapy treatments. I found many of the criticisms listed in other reviews to be bang on. It would be useful to read them before purchasing this book.

If you want a book to help you through the cancer experience, check out some of the other Amazon recommended books in this category. I particularly liked Dr. Buckman's Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence. Just Get Me Through This was another helpful book.

I bought this book because it seemed like a sensible thing to have. A day after it arrived from Amazon, a friend of mine had a lump detected on a mammogram. Four weeks later, she had a mastectomy. Actually I never read the book. I gave it to her before I had a chance. She thanks me for it every time she sees me. She said she had gathered a lot of info, but this book was the most informative and systematic of anything she'd read. She brought it with her to every appointment with her doctors. "I don't know how I could have dealt with this without it." So I'm now about to order a second copy as it's been only eight weeks since the first one arrived. I hope this copy sees much less use.

After my devastating diagnosis of breast cancer 6 months ago, my surgeon recommended this book to me. It answered almost every question I had regarding my treatment options. It's a lot to digest all at once, so I have just been reading it chapters as they come up in my life. The surgery section is very helpful, and details the whole process from beginning to end. Dr. Love doesn't sugar-coat anything, so some of the information can be hard to digest, but if you are looking for honest, straightforward answers, this book is very helpful.

When I was first diagnosed I was devastated and could not handle all the facts of breast cancer. It was only after I had somewhat gotten my bearings that this book became invaluable to me. It answered all those questions I forgot to ask my doctor and became a great comfort to me because I was able to find out things on my own, whenever I wanted, even at 3am. It empowered me.

This book is full of great information...but not in the beginning when you need love, compassion and need to find your way.

This book is easy to understand, well-organized, and a boon to those diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, it should be read by all women & parents of women. It is serious, but not scary, with touches of humor in just the right places. I look forward to the next update.

This book is easy to understand, well-organized, and a boon to those diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, it should be read by all women & parents of women. It is serious, but not scary, with touches of humor in just the right places. I look forward to the next update.

I was pleased with Dr. Susan Love's and Lindsey's book easy to read and understand. At the time of it's arrival, a lot of the decisions were already made, but I still had my doubts the doctors decisions were correct. ( I had my lumpectomy in Jinju, South Korea). Being in the hospital when it arrived put my mind at ease right away. The detailed information and education is a must for every woman with breast cancer. If your doctors can't explain the procedure, or tell you what to expect or you are full of fear and doubts like I was, this book will help educate in a realistic fashion. Her stories were real and I understand more and have better understanding about the treatment and what to expect. This book certainly gives me comfort and explanations of the whole experience of breast cancer.