Author Description

Each year, over 200,000 women in the US will be told they have breast cancer. All face surgery, and most undergo radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. But the worry isn't over when treatment ends. Women are left with nagging questions, questions they often are afraid to ask: When will I know that I am cured? Shouldn't my doctor be doing more follow-up testing? What are the real figures on breast cancer survival today? How would I know if I had a recurrence? How do I answer loved ones who think I worry too much? How do other women cope? Author and 14 year breast cancer survivor Musa Mayer talks frankly about the feelings of uncertainty and fear that breast cancer patients commonly face after treatment. She reviews scientific literature on survival statistics and explains what is known about follow-up visits and testing. Devoting several chapters to emotional recovery, she offers advice about how to tackle fears through information and support. Throughout the book are the warm and wise voices of 40 women who have been through this same tough journey of tears, fears and triumph.