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Books that help By Nola Here is a list of books that I have found to be fantastically helpful. The first nine books are the books that had a dramatic and life-changing effect on me as I read them. Most of these I read in the first year after diagnosis in my quest for well-being and a better way to live. Detailed Descriptions Head First, Norman Cousins An amazing book which is a "bible" of self-help in the face of life-threatening illness. Has been out of print but a new edition has recently been released. Anatomy of an Illness, Norman Cousins A detailed description of Norman Cousins' battle with a terminal, degenerative, life-threatening illness and how he took control of his treatment and went on to recover fully. He used laughter (playing funny movies) as a pain-relief strategy and was able to significantly reduce his need for analgesics. Has an excellent chapter on surviving the hospital system which should be compulsory reading. Getting Well Again, Carl O. Simonton and Stephanie Simonton, Bantam Books, New York, 1978. This should be one of the first books you read. It's an excellent starting point for newly diagnosed cancer patients who want to know how to help themselves become well. It's a foundational work in that it was one of the earliest books to explore the mind-body relationship and its role in disease and well-being from a Western Medicine/scientific point of view. Easy to read. Quest for Life, Petrea King. Petrea is an internationally recognised authority on well-being and cancer survival. She has established a retreat centre called the "Petrea King Quest for Life Centre" at Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, south of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Quest for Life is an easy-read storehouse overflowing with information about the experience of having and surviving cancer and its treatment. It's chock-full of wisdom and hope for cancer patients and families. You Can Fight for Your Life, Lawrence LeShan, 1976. Lawrence LeShan is an American psychotherapist who for many years worked exclusively with cancer patients who had exhausted all avenues of medical treatment. He worked with his patients to help them find reasons for living and, in the process, had an extraordinary number of patients who experienced complete remission and others who survived long beyond expectations. He emphasises the importance of quality of life over quantity of life. His books are easily read and contain many stories about patients who, just like us, struggle with the threat of cancer and its impact on their lives. Our bodies respond to hope and meaning with wellness as we walk the road of self-discovery in our quest for a full, rich life. These books are a rich source of example and wisdom. The Gynaecological Cancer Guide: Sex, Sanity and survival. Margaret Heffernan and Professor Michael Quinn. Melbourne, Michelle Anderson Publishing, 2003. This book is a recent publication that helps fill the gap with information about gynaecological cancer. Along with expert input from Professor Quinn, a number of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer contribute their stories and experiences, giving a balanced and interesting read. The Relaxation Response, Herbert Benson Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Suzanne Jeffreys The Bristol Programme, Penny Brohn, London, 1987. Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Joan Borysenko, 1987 After Cancer A Guide to Your New Life Wendy Schlessel Harpham, Australia, Doubleday, 1996 Living for Tomorrow A positive approach to the treatment of Cervical Cancer Margaret Wilson RNRM, Melbourne, Australia, Hill of Content Publishing Company Pty Ltd, 1994 Love Medicine & Miracles - Lessons learned about self healing from a surgeon’s experience with exceptional patients Bernie S. Siegel, MD, New York, Harper & Row Publishers, 1986 Beating The Blues A Self Help Approach to Overcoming Depression Susan Tanner, Jillian Ball, 1989 Good Loving-Great Sex Dr Rosie King, Arrow Books, 1998 One Thing in Common: Personal Accounts and Reflections Cansupport, Tower Books.
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