The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty

"I work with cancer patients in a major cancer center, and would highly recommend this book. Dr. Holland has written a book that can benefit both patients and professionals. Rather than pushing a "Pollyanna Positive" approach to coping with a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Holland suggests that a realistic approach that includes BOTH the acceptance of uncertainty and hope for the future is most helpful. I have shared this book with several patients as well as several other professionals, and all have agreed that this is a "must-read" book for anyone looking for help in coping with cancer."
~ Written on 2008-03-27

"This book comes highly recommended. It seeks to instill a feeling of acceptance and comfort for distressed cancer patients. The author discusses how to cope with difficult emotions in all stages of cancer, from initial diagnosis and onwards. As a doc working with cancer patients myself, I cannot overstate the importance of Dr Holland's message. For example, one of her points that really stood out for me was the idea that negative emotions cannot cause the cancer. Some people do worry that they must always remain positive, even if they have to fake it. Not true...being real and honest is far more important...having occasional negative thoughts and feelings is normal and does not make the cancer worse. Dr. Holland presents these ideas in one of the most non-judgmental ways you will ever read.

The reason I only give it four stars is due to my personal bias toward a holistic perspective. The author presents a conventional approach to cancer. She does not give adequate merit to the effectiveness of natural ways to control swaying emotions, instead guiding readers directly to pharmaceuticals. In addition, her use of the food pyramid as a way to guide readers to proper nutrition is outdated. For this type of information, readers should choose other books.

Overall an excellent read for anybody dealing with cancer, directly or indirectly. I recommend it to my own clients. Genuine compassion in the medical system is in short-supply these days...Dr Holland gives us a healthy dose."
~ Written on 2005-09-05

"This is one of the few books I can imagine my mother reading. She was recently diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and I ordered this book (and a couple others) to help my understanding of the emotional aspects of the disease and treatments. My mother generally escews "self-help" type books and outside help such as counseling. But this book is matter-of-fact and is presented in a way that respects individual differences and styles. It's not full of "touchy feely" (Mom's phrase) jargon but does address psychological issues effectively. Mom might actually find this one helpful, as I have. One weakness I found was the short section on ovarian cancer -- it addresses mostly fertility and sexuality issues -- the first doesn't apply to the older woman and the latter may or may not -- the writer seems to miss the boat on this type of cancer in the older woman. Overall, though, a helpful book."
~ Written on 2002-04-18

"I just liked reading about other peoples feelings and how they dealt with their various types of cancer. I am currently in remission of ovarian cancer and plan to stay there."
~ Written on 2002-02-09

"Since my diagnosis I've received tons of books. This one is by far the most helpful in understanding what is going on with me & everyone else. It is the only book that talks about when & how to tell others, what the side effects are of all the testing, etc. I liked it so much I bought a copy for my therapist for her to use with other patients like me."
~ Written on 2002-01-17