Product Description

You hear that a friend has cancer. You want to help, but you're not entirely sure how. Pamela Brown, a cancer survivor, suggests the many ways you can help by your words and actions. In addition to a wealth of practical suggestions, Facing Cancer Together includes entries from the author's journals, as well as Bible readings and prayers to share for support and comfort.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67112 in Books
• Published on: 1999-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Review
"A cancer diagnosis instantly changes things. Pam Brown shows, from personal experience, that the emotional, spiritual, social, and physical challenges don't have to be faced alone. This small book is packed with appropriate and practical suggestions for friends and family of cancer patients." -- ---Gerald L. Woolam, M.D., President-elect, American Cancer Society

"I recommend Facing Cancer Together for patients with cancer, their friends, and family. This book offers practical tips on ways to cope, on ways for friends and family to help, and also on things to avoid. In addition to a positive attitude, parents, families, and friends need to deal with realistic hope. Pamela Brown's book offers practical insights into how this can be accomplished."--- -- Dr. Paul A. Bunn Jr., M.D., Director, University of Colorado Cancer Center

About the Author
Pamela N. Brown, a cancer survivor, works as a freelance writer and fitness specialist in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she leads a cancer support group.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
"Over the past several years, my wife and I have been encouraging cancer patients and amputees through Outreach of Hope, an organization we rated as a result of my cancer diagnosis and ultimate amputation of my left arm and shoulder. Through this ministry, we have been privileged to meet wonderful people. Although many struggle tremendously, their lives continue to express their love for God, the offer of strength he provides and, remarkable, their desire to help others who are struggling, too.

"One of these individuals I have had the privilege of meeting is Pam Brown, the author of this book. Pam has been there. She understands in a real and personal way the journey of cancer and what it takes to accompany a hurting friend or family member. Her personal experiences and work with a cancer support group she started in Colorado Springs makes her more credible than most professionals.

"Beyond all this, the one thing that impressed me most about Pam is the simple fact that she has a desire to use her experience with cancer to reach out and encourage others. I believe she is living out what Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:

'Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.'

"Pamela's desire is to comfort and encourage in the same way she received that comfort and encouragement from our heavenly Father.

"There's a wonderful passage in the Bible where we are encouraged to love with actions and in truth. Through Facing Cancer Together, Pam challenges us to do just that. Encouragement is not for just a few, but for all of us. As you read this book, may you be challenged to be an "encourager." When we are in the valley battling cancer or any other adversity, it is so comforting to know that someone cares. My prayer is that you are the one who cares." ---David Dravecky President, Outreach of Hope Retired Pitcher, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants from the Foreword

"On October 18, 1995, I was told I had a large mass in my chest, a lymphoma. After a biopsy, the pathologist determined it was Hodgkin's Disease. I knew very little about Hodgkin's Disease, or cancer for that matter.

" I was thirty-sic years old, healthy, and fit. In fact, I dedicated most of my adult life to keeping myself and others physically fit. I have a university degree in nutrition and am certified as a health fitness instructor. It was my profession and had been for sixteen years. Now my body was being invaded by disease---and not just any disease, but cancer.

"This book tells my personal story, gives practical suggestions of support during each phase of a battle with cancer, and it encourages a fighting spirit. It also is about how my family and friends were gifts of God who helped me heal. There is great healing power in care. Being a caregiver, a source of support, and a friend during adversity is not an easy task. It also requires you to bear a heavy load. Unfortunately, we often feel inadequate to do the job and retreat when we are needed the most. This book offers specific ideas on how you can help a friend or loved one at each stage of the illness.

"I've included excerpts from my journal in hope of giving you some idea of what your friend may be feeling at each stage. Every person has different needs and reactions, but I believe this book will enable you to relate on a more personal level. I have used the term friend throughout the book for clarity and ease. Whether they be a brother, sister, father, mother, daughter, grandparent, or cousin, I know they also are your friend.

"Count it as a privilege that you have the opportunity to help your friend during one of life's darkest moments. You can inspire and influence with love, hope, understanding, compassion, and a positive persistent attitude. Find the special qualities within yourself and discover the difference it makes in others lives when you share those gifts. Do this and no matter what the outcome, you will be helping your friend, loved one, and yourself.

"Remember that all acts of kindness are helpful. But your friend is in for the gift of his or her life against a very formidable enemy. There are many things you can do, as family and friends, to really make a difference. God bless you for sharing the burden! ---from the Introduction

Customer Reviews

An encouraging read...
I've been reading lots of books about cancer since a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with bone and, a few months later, liver metastasis from a previous breast cancer.

Overall, I found this to be a very encouraging read. I enjoyed the author's journal entries more than any of the particular tips. I particularly liked Chapter 7 which talks about how cancer changes a person's perspective on life.

The author had young children to care for when she was going through her cancer experience, so many of the tips suggested are specific to helping with childcare and such. I wasn't able to get much help from this since my friend has one grown child and is waiting for grandkids.

The book is a short and easy read. While the author does talk about her faith in God and quotes a few encouraging verses here and there, I disagree with the previous reviewer who thought you might not be able to relate to it if you aren't a Christian. I didn't find the book to be at all preachy, and the heartwarming way in which the author talks about her own experience is pretty universal and I doubt many people (if any) would find anything in her book offensive.

a bit heavy on the christianity
The book has some practical(although somewhat obvious) advice. However, much of the book is dominated by references to God, Jesus Christ, to praying, to things like making a poster of a scripture saying etc. If you are not a Christian, you may not relate to this book.

Encouraging
I found this book full of ideas to help a friend or family member going through the trauma of cancer. The author gives her personal experience with exherts from her diary and relates how she was helped during her cancer treatment. I also liked the way Pamela related her helpful suggestions in a practical way, stating what to do and what not to do during different stages of cancer treatment and recovery. It certainly gave me a better understanding of the cancer patient and how I may be able to help.