I was asked to review this book by the Nursing Times Journal.

Description: 

The author explores both conventional medicine versus the non conventional- which can seem to some as brave- but why not- this is about choice. The author explores studies that have been conducted over many years and some of the treatments are suggestive of positive links but not conclusive. The author is well qualified in this field – she knows cancer well - she is a twelve year cancer survivor and Oncology specialist - that in itself is remarkable and inspiring.

Highlights: 

As someone who observed her mother in law go through what appeared to be thoughtlessness by bombarding her with a high dose of chemotherapy at the beginning despite co morbidities and then suffer neutropenic sepsis and not be monitored properly. I was keen to see whether this book may have offered help. I believe this book would have helped. The book is extremely user friendly and the fact the author is a specialist but has gone through this too was a huge bonus- this book had credibility. Whatever the patient is going through, this will be apt fro the cancer patient. This is a book someone can pick up and work through the realistic goals along the way.

The author explores both conventional medicine versus the non conventional- which can seem to some as brave- but why not- this is about choice. The author explores studies that have been conducted over many years and some of the treatments are suggestive of positive links but not conclusive- the author empowers the patient but at the same time is realistic.

You are what you eat and I am a great believer that if you eat properly and less processed your diet is then you will be able to fight more toxins. There is a really interesting chapter on diet, counteracting fatigue and the value of exercise.

I do feel if my mother in law had survived I would have been able to share this book with her and help her through the aftermath. It just has everything in this book and the author is meticulous to detail.

Chapter 13 was really powerful as it explores love and the possibility cancer sufferers who have good family connections and loved ones could influence our ability to survive cancer.

Strengths and weaknesses:

Again the main strength is that the author was a patient and specialist so could draw from both experiences. Although written for a US market this book is extremely valuable for the UK healthcare setting too. The book is well referenced at the end of each chapter.

Potential Readers: All nursing and medical staff who will at some point look after a cancer patient in varying stages of their disease.