This narrative describes, and by extension highlights, off-trail breast cancer topics; diagnosis challenges, why more complication awareness is needed, how complementary approaches can help manage ongoing pain and fatigue, the importance of medical self-involvement, and the potential long-term benefits of a double mastectomy choice. The medical perspective is part of the equation: the built-in barriers of the American health care system; the damaging effects of malpractice lawsuits; why physical therapy can be counterproductive; the reasons why breast cancer screenings are challenging for all parties involved; why different practitioners make different treatment recommendations, and how difficult it is to effectively manage breast cancer complications. Medical detours have personal and social repercussions. Therefore, this book incorporates in-depth personal insights and social scenarios. Marital challenges, along with ideas to help older teenagers through a parent's breast cancer diagnosis are part of the account, as are emotional and spiritual considerations. Part of the narration is a step-by-step journey, including a journal. The medical information is well-referenced, and books and websites are suggested on a variety of topics. An index is included in the printed version, references and websites are linked in the electronic format, and a detailed table of contents can be found in both versions. This book shows how active self-involvement, along with complementary approaches, might ease pain and fatigue, should help families cope with breast cancer challenges, and can improve quality of life after breast cancer treatment.
About the Author: To her surprise, Mrs. Glikin experienced several unexpected dilemmas after her breast cancer diagnosis. Luckily her medical background facilitated in-depth research and medical self-involvement. In time she managed to find ways to lessen her acute pain, ease her chronic fatigue and minimize her mental clarity difficulties. Along the way Mrs. Glikin became well acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer screening methods and with the pros and cons of the various surgical choices, including the possible benefits of a double mastectomy surgery. Her goal is to share the personal journey and the medical information that she gathered in the process. Mrs. Glikin worked in post-surgery care, cardiac, trauma, open-heart, and burn intensive care units as a registered nurse. She resides in the Tampa Bay area with her husband Sandy, their children Neil and Nicole, and with their canine family member Magic.