Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors, Part 2

<img src="image.gif" alt="stack of books" />In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush.

And then there’s Ann Fonfa, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 1999. On Sept. 12, 2001, she learned she had no evidence of disease, as smoke billowed from the World Trade Center blocks away. Today she continues to be clear of cancer and leads the Annie Appleseed Foundation, a respected online clearing house for information on complimentary cancer therapies.

The book includes a list of common attributes these survivors share, thought-provoking questions for discussion and support groups and insights on survivorship from best-selling author Bernie Siegel, MD, and Doug Ulman, CEO and president of LIVESTRONG.

This book is not just for cancer survivors, but for anyone who wants inspiration for overcoming life’s challenges. As Bernie Siegel says in his introduction, “From Incurable to Incredible as ‘a book everyone should read.’”

Chicken Soup for the Cancer Survivor’s Soul: 101 Healing Stories about Those Who Have Survived Cancer by Beverly Kirkhart and more

With several authors including Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, this book carries the touching tales of over 100 survivors, all with incredible stories to tell. The brief description below tells all you need to know.

More than 100 cancer survivors share their personal stories in this touching new collection of Chicken Soup. These heartwarming accounts of courageous people who found the power to battle cancer in their endless hope, unwavering faith and steadfast determination will inspire you to adopt a positive attitude, discover your faith and cherish every moment. Just what the doctor ordered for healing your body, mind and soul.”

A Survivor’s Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Ass by Dena Mendes

Dena Mendes is a yoga instructor, healer, and chef. She is also a cancer survivor. Her book tells it like it is with heart. You’ll see when you read about her below.

It’s a ballsy move to look in the face of cancer and say, “I’m gonna kick your ass!” Yet Dena Mendes did just that, and now she’ll tell you how to do the same thing! This book is a crash course in learning how to be your own advocate. Empower yourself by using your intuition and newfound knowledge, and you’ll come through this difficult yet amazing health-awakening opportunity with flying colors. With this step-by-step guide at your side, your journey will turn into a beautiful dance. As Dena promises, “You’ll get to turn yourself inside out and become someone new. I guarantee that this is the best trip you’ll ever take!” This guide is a life preserver that has been created to support you on your journey back to perfect health. . . .”

What are your favorite books by and about cancer survivors? Tell us about them!  

In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush. 

Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors, Part 1

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Stack of Books"> For many of our patients, reading the stories of others who have fought cancer and won has given them the edge they needed to continue their fight. We thought a list of these books would be a good reference for anyone curious about or in a struggle with this horrible disease.

We titled this blog “Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors” because we truly believe that your mindset is vital for beating cancer, and we are positive that anyone who reads even one of these books will dramatically increase her odds of surviving cancer.

While browsing for books that inspire, we found this video message from Stand Up to Cancer. We hope you find it as touching as we did. On the same page, we found a reading list put together for the September 5 Stand Up to Cancer Event. Please read on for our first blog of inspirational stories of cancer survivors, and please stay tuned for part two.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr

Actress Kris Carr fought liver cancer with gusto and grace. Here is an excerpt from the overview on Barnes and Noble:

She (Carr) entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, “Cancer needed a makeover, and I was just the gal to do it!” She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative “quacks,” blind dates, and other women with cancer—sadly a growing group…

CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS gathers the lessons learned and advice offered from Carr’s own journey, as well as the experiences of her cancer posse… Chapters cover your changing social life, dating, sex, and appearance; essential health tips on how to boost your immune system; recipes; medical and holistic resources; and information on young survivor support groups.”

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr

We’ve included the sequel because Kris Carr is a survivor, and we knew her second book had to be as uplifting as the first. Another excerpt from Barnes and Noble:

On the heels of Kris Carr’s acclaimed Learning Channel documentary and best-selling survival guidebook Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips comes this survivor’s companion. With this beautifully illustrated, go-anywhere resource, Kris redefines what it means to be a survivor. She invites all the Cancer Cowgirls (and dudes) out there to slide into the driver’s seat, turn on their own internal GPS, and become empowered participants in their own healing journey. Pairing her signature sass and smart, soulful, real advice with thoughtful exercises, new contributors, and space for writing and reflecting, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor reaffirms that it is possible to live a real, fun, crazy, sexy life with cancer—that healing is about truly living.”

From the Heart by Robin Roberts

We’ve all watched Robin’s fight against cancer, and we were thrilled to hear she had written a book. We loved it and highly recommend it because the advice in it resonates with all of us and should be required reading for everyone. We couldn’t agree more with Ann Burns’ review, so we’ve included it here.

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and former anchor of ESPN’s Sports Center, has written a compelling book revealing the secret to her success. She reflects on Hurricane Katrina, recounting her ordeal on the Gulf Coast; her 15 years at ESPN; growing up in Pass Christian, MS; her faith; and much more. As a young woman, tennis was her first true passion, but she didn’t realize her dream of becoming a professional. Roberts’s rules include ‘Position yourself to take the shot; never play the race, gender, or any other card; venture outside your comfort zone; and keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart.’ She concludes by advising her listeners to break her rules and write their own: ‘live your life, let it happen, enjoy the ride.’ With musical interludes and the author’s lively presentation, this moving program is highly recommended for most libraries.”

Ann Burns

Do you have a favorite inspirational book? Please include it below. 

20 Stories of Famous Cancer Survivors

<img src="image.gif" alt="A pink ribbon" />You’ve read the stories of cancer survivors and marveled at their strength, resilience, and confidence. We’ve collected 20 of their stories here, and we hope you enjoy them.

Actress Christina Applegate had a double mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis in 2008. She has started her own cancer foundation.

Bicyclist Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer spread to his lungs and brain. He was given only a short time to live, but he went on to live and win the Tour de France seven times.

Actress and director Kathy Bates privately fought ovarian cancer 10 years ago and won.

Just two months ago, newsman Tom Brokaw found he had multiple myeloma. He is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic.

Actor and director Robert DeNiro successfully fought prostate cancer with surgery 11 years ago.

TV doc Drew Pinsky was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and underwent a robotic prostatectomy last summer.
After two years of misdiagnoses, actress Fran Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000. In typical Fran fashion, she founded Fran Drescher’s Cancer Shmancer Foundation.

Late last year, actor Hugh Jackman had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose.

Actor Michael C. Hall was told he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma four years ago and is now in remission.

Actress Valerie Harper has beaten the odds. She was told in March 2013 that she had a rare form of brain cancer and was given three months to live.

News anchor and “Today Show” cohost Hoda Kotb has been breast-cancer free since 2009.

In 1995, actor Mr. T was found to have a rare type of T-cell lymphoma. He is in remission.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago, actress Cynthia Nixon quietly fought it and is now an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne’s wife Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002. After chemo and surgery, she is now cancer free and has started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.

Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell was found to have prostate cancer last year and underwent surgery last December.

News anchor Robin Roberts has been free of breast cancer for over five years.

Actor Richard Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer, a rarity among men. He has been cancer free since 1993 after undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Actress Cybill Shepherd’s doctor found a melanoma on her back 12 years ago, and she was successfully treated.

Actress Suzanne Somers beat breast cancer with a lumpectomy and radiation.

Broadway actress Marissa Janet Winokur found she had cervical cancer while she was starring in the Broadway musical “Hairspray.” She beat it and went on to have a baby via surrogate.

Who have we missed? Let us know below!

Feel Confident in the Decisions that You Make with the TalkAboutHealth.com Online Community

talkabouthealthWhenever an individual is diagnosed with cancer or any other type of disease, they often struggle to find the right information, which, in turn, can make them feel alone and frightened. In an effort to provide personalized answers and a greater understanding for health issues, Murray Jones, founder of TalkAboutHealth, decided to create an online community for people seeking support and medical information and advice.

See below for our exclusive interview with Murray, where he discusses what TalkAboutHealth is and how it benefits individuals seeking support and personalized health advice:

1. What inspired you to start TalkAboutHealth.com?

I was inspired to start TalkAboutHealth based on needs that I saw from being a caregiver to my father, who is a two time melanoma survivor. We had so many questions and it felt impossible to find the right information and then understand it in a limited amount of time. We felt alone and lacked confidence in the decisions we had to make. We needed personalized answers to understand our health situation. We needed perspectives from others like us who had been through similar circumstances. We needed guidance to help find relevant information.

As time passed and I met more people in cancer communities, both medical professionals and survivors, I realized that there was so much knowledge that everyone wanted to share that just needed a place to live and someone to organize it. I thought to myself, I can do that. I can build a website where people can share their experiences.

2. How does TalkAboutHealth.com benefit patients? In other words, what does it offer to patients, survivors, and experts?

Our goal is to help patients get the right information at the right time, so they can understand their health needs and make the right decisions for them. We want to help people feel confident in the decisions they are making, know that they are not alone, and have hope after hearing the stories of others.

To accomplish this, we provide personalized answers from leading medical professionals and experienced survivors. When a patient asks a question, we find and notify the right experts, survivors, and organizations to answer. Each question has answers from several perspectives and provides context and narrative to help the patient.

We then curate and provide structure for all of this information so that it is easy to find. In the future, we will test many different formats to educate—from custom web and email tutorials to working with medical experts on video courses.

3. Why did you decide to make TalkAboutHealth.com a community-based structure, as opposed to a website that featured medical information without the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback?

For two main reasons:

1. Because the combined knowledge and experiences of the community can have an amazing impact in helping others.

2. Community makes it possible to provided personalized and individualized support.

The purpose of TalkAboutHealth is to be a community where all of us share knowledge, stories, and experiences to support each other.

4. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I encourage everyone, including medical professionals, to tell their story and share their experiences in whatever format is comfortable for them. It is so important for us to share and support each other. None of us are alone, we need each other. If you share your story, you will help others and find the support you need.

Have any questions about TalkAboutHealth or want to learn more? Visit TalkAboutHealth.com or contact Murray directly at murray@talkabouthealth.com.