Chemo: Secrets to Thriving (My Guidebook)

Shortly after I started chemo, a friend of mine (who was also going through chemo) sent me a book that changed my life. She said it was helping her so much and knew it would help me as well. It's called "Chemo: Secrets to Thriving (From Someone Who's Been There) by Roxanne Brown (who is a breast cancer survivor).

I didn't want to read any books from women who had gone through a similar experience because I was so afraid it would be all gloom and doom. I was afraid I'd read a side effect they had and then I'd put it in my head that I was going to get that side effect. This book is not scary at all. It's a perfect guidebook. It's a very easy read and I have referenced it probably 100 times. It talks about the POSSIBLE side effects you can get and easy tips if you get them. For example, I get really teary eyes. There is a section that addresses it and tells you to always have a small packet of tissues with you (which I never carried) and an antihistamine (with your doctor's approval).  But she doesn't freak you out by saying, "you are for sure going to get teary eyes and sorry for your luck." The reality is, everyone is different and not everyone gets the same side effects but if you happen to get teary eyes, the book has a good remedy. My fingernails also started to hurt a bit after my last treatment so I went to the Skin and Nails section in the book and was so comforted to read her nails got sore as well. There is a section for everything and the book has really eased my anxiety.

I emailed the author to thank her for writing her book and helping me through chemo. I didn't expect her to write me back but she did and was so sweet and supportive.

If you know someone who is going through chemo, the best gift you can give them is this book. Below is the link on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Chemo-Secrets-Thriving-someone-there/dp/1935254537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369061727&sr=8-1&keywords=chemo%3A+secrets