by the C-Sisters (available free in hard copy or download)

The dynamic C-Sisters breast cancer network have updated and enhanced their first resource guide to include even more information on how to cope with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, as well as an index of resources that goes countrywide.

As with the first book, the emphasis is on the practical and on providing medically-sound information that you may not think to ask your doctor in the consulting room (as your head is spinning trying to take in the diagnosis) or that your doctor may not have time to give you. For example the staging of tumours – you may hear the term Grade 3 tumour but what does that mean? What’s the difference between mammography, ultrasound and thermography? What is involved in reconstruction surgery?

From the diagnosis to the treatment and beyond, this little book gives practical advice on how to help you on your journey with breast cancer. From medically-weighty issues like chemotherapy and lymphodoema to lighter, but important, topics like where to buy a wig and whether to have your hair tinted, the facts are there. There are also case histories from women who give honest accounts of how they have coped.

There is a new section on sexuality, written by sex therapist Professor Elna McIntosh, as well as a useful section for husbands and partners by Marc Silver, author of Breast Cancer Husband.

The book is suitable for patients, family members, carers and anyone serious about their health as, with all cancers, early detection is key to a good outcome. The best is that this little book is free, thanks to generous sponsorship by Novartis Oncology, and it has been translated into Zulu by the Narrative Foundation.

Hats off to the fabulous C Sisters for their voluntary hard work that has yielded yet another user-friendly and comprehensive guide. The English and Zulu books are available at physiotherapist Donnee Ness’s Durban North practice.

Call 031 563 1136. Out-of-towners can download it free at www.physiosolutions.co.za – Lindsay Ord