I’ve been walking this path called survivorship for a while now. It’s gotten so that I often get phone calls from others wanting to know what I did and what I think works. In fact just yesterday I talked with a friend of my brother’s who has melanoma. He is looking to make some changes and is having trouble figuring out where to start. It’s no wonder. There is so much out there. I finally asked if I could just send him some of my favorite books to start him on the way. This is just my opinion, no pays me to endorse their stuff (though that would be sweet!). These are simply books that I believe in. Since I have always loved to read, books are a great place for me turn when I need inspiration, motivation, and comfort. One more disclaimer before I get started: I do not necessarily agree with or do all of the things in these books. I just feel that they are a great place to start. Ultimately no book will kill cancer. That is your job, just as it is mine.
Here are my choices. If I could send a book bag to everyone starting on this journey I would. And all of these would be in there.
Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer by Heather Jose. I have to include my book in the list. I wrote it to provide hope and inspiration to other survivors. This book details my journey through the first year of my diagnosis. It gives a lot of specific information about what I was doing to kill cancer.
A Dietitian’s Cancer Story by Diana Dyer. Diana is a three-time survivor of cancer and a dietitian to boot. She provides extensive information about nutrition including my favorite shakes that I still use. There are also grocery lists, choices for traveling and eating out and TONS of research.
50 Essential Things To Do When the Doctor Says it’s Cancer by Greg Anderson. Greg was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in 1984. He was given thirty days to live. He is still alive and kicking today. This book helped me lay out a plan and really inspired me to try. I have given away many copies over the years.
It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins. I would have loved to have this type of inspiration when I was fighting. I love Lance’s attitude and go hard spirit. Like or hate him personally he certainly understands how to kill cancer. Great read.
101 Foods That Could Save Your Life by David Grotto. Dave is a great dietitian who has a way with words. He has been nudging me in the right direction for years now. This is a fun book that shows us all that it doesn’t have to be about what you CAN”T eat. Not specific just to cancer, although Dave has a ton of experience in that respect.
My last pick is also my latest read. Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD. I knew I was going to like this book when the cover stated “All of us have cancer cells in out bodies. But not all of us will develop cancer.” I’ve been saying that for a long time now. This doctor, who is also a survivor, does a great job of explaining cancer and telling us what we can do to stay strong. You’ll come away educated and inspired. What a great combination in my opinion.
So there you are, my choices for books that help survivors learn to kill cancer and exceed all expectations. They are all available via online bookstores. I’m sure there are many more great reads. If you want to share them send me a comment.
Every day I am Killing Cancer… You can too.
ABOUT HEATHER JOSE:
Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at 26, Heather Jose, chose to fight the cancer head on putting together a plan to battle cancer on a daily basis. Nine years later Heather is healthy and using her experiences to reach healthcare providers and patients about how much their actions and words can impact success.
Heather is the author of “Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer” and a contributing writer for the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. Heather also blogs at www.GoBeyondTreatment.com and www.Mlive.com/health. Jose lives in Michigan with her husband, children, and pets.