I'd ordered this book soon after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As other reviewers have mentioned, the book is more like a journal than a medical resource book. It's extremely helpful for keeping information, contacts, and schedules organized.

As learning about one's breast cancer and the treatment can be exhausting and overwhelming, The Breast Cancer Companion is particularly helpful because it's manageable, focused, and keeps one organized. ( )

Very helpful for those undergoing treatment. It was more like a journal, handy to be able to put necessary info in one spot. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed advise for those dealing with breast cancer as well as those who are caring for those with BC. There has never been abook written with this much compassion from a medical perspective. The author provided more information than most physicians. step-bystep guide prepares you for asking the right questions to what to expect next after diagnosis or treatment. ( )

This guide is an excellent tool for women and men who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is also a meaningful guide for the patient's support system as it stands as a chronological summary of diagnostic tools through treatment and aftercare. The explanations are clearly stated and the availability of areas for documentation encourages the patient to follow the suggested guideline with a minimum of effort. The glossary is most helpful as are the questions for medical personnel and insurance carriers. Well done and highly recommended. ( )

As a breast cancer survivor I am currently deeply involved in this book. It's VERY DIFFICULT to know where to turn or what decisions to make when your doctor first annouces "you have breast cancer".
As a basic the book is very good. Lots of pages for notes, info on pathology reports, questions to ask your various doctors, etc.
However being a survivor a found a few things that struck me wrong.

First there is no mention of getting a therapist, had a had one when I went through the process I would not have been on the verge of suicide at the 3 year mark when it really hits you. Second the list of things to take to the hospital. Trust me you are not going to care about a robe, your make-up or your hair. A cell phone is a good idea but make sure someone else is answering for you. You're probably not going to feel like talking.

Last is information and Support Organizations. I feel that 2 very important ones were left out, the Triple Negative Foundation and the foundation for pregnant women. Yes you can have chemo and keep your baby at the same time. ( )