Breast Support: If You or Someone You Love Has Breast Cancer ... You Need This Book

When Gwendoline Smith chanced to have a breast examination at a mobile unit in 2009, little did she know where it might lead. Sure, she lived with the knowledge of her mother's breast cancer years before, but could it really happen to her too? The realisation dawned only when the medical evidence could not be questioned, and so began one of the most testing years of her life. In ‘Breast Support', Gwendoline describes not just the physical and medical experience of breast cancer, through diagnosis, surgery, recovery and rehabilitation, but the emotional and psychological experience too. In a book memorable for its wit and self-deprecating humour, she answers some of the questions women frequently ask: what to wear to a breast examination; how to tell friends and family that you have the disease; how to be positive and maintain a cheerful outlook. She also offers insightful advice on esteem and self-confidence when facing the loss of an essential part of what it means to be feminine. Her book does not forget partners either: there are many messages in this book for husbands and boyfriends. There is also a separate chapter for women in lesbian relationships. Supporting Gwendoline's superbly written text are contributions from her surgeon and other medical specialists who tell the story from their point of view. The text is therefore a unique combination of personal story and insider information, offered with both a light touch and professional expertise. Gwendoline Smith, M.Soc.Sc (Hons), Dip. Clin. Psych., is a clinical psychologist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and has been undergoing treatment and reconstructive surgery ever since. She also suffers from severe depression and has treated many people suffering from depressive and other psychiatric disorders. Her earlier books include ‘Depression Explained'and ‘Sharing the Load'. She is a strong public speaker and lecturer, and lives in Auckland. ‘Gwendoline with her psychology training, and intensely personal perspective, has done the research, gathered the resources and presented them in a very practical way. BREAST SUPPORT is not only a very good book, it is also very cool!'– Wayne Jones BHB, MBChB, FRACS, General, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon ‘Gwendoline has told her own story, along with her review of the sometimes overwhelming information in this field. The book offers an insight and understanding for those facing the challenges that follow the diagnosis of breast cancer.'– Dr Phyllida Cotton-Barker, General Practitioner and Member of Medical Advisory Committee which advises the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation ‘Having read widely on breast cancer I was reluctant to expose myself to yet “another” take on the “journey”. How pleasantly surprised I was to read a refreshing take on a deeply personal and often traumatic diagnosis. I like the graphics, the tips, the humour and the candidness. Love your work, thanks Gwendoline.'– Dr Chris Walsh MNZM, Director, HERSolutions ‘This fabulous little book manages to be both practical and humorous. An enormously useful resource for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, or supporting someone with breast cancer.'– Dr Ian Goodwin MBChB, FRANZCP, Specialist Psychiatrist ‘I liked the chapter on how to manage worry after a diagnosis of breast cancer. It is pithy, concise, and well focused. It is a very helpful chapter, for all of those involved.'– Dr Rob Shieff MBChB, FRANZCP, Psychiatrist and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist 'Breast Support' describes not just the physical and medical experience of breast cancer, through diagnosis, surgery, recovery and rehabilitation, but the emotional and psychological experience too. There are many messages in this book for husbands and boyfriends, and a separate chapter for women in lesbian relationships. Contributions from her surgeon and other medical specialists combine personal story and insider information, offered with both a light touch and professional expertise This book describes not just the physical and medical experience of breast cancer, through diagnosis, surgery, recovery and rehabilitation, but the emotional and psychological experience too. In a book memorable for its wit and self-deprecating humour, she answers some of the questions women frequently ask