Kristine Conner | Lauren Langford
1 Absolutely essential if you have ovarian cancer
I am one of the people quoted in the book, and had the privilege of knowing both authors. We met through the ovarian cancer discussion list on www.acor.org. This is the book we all wish we had access to when we were diagnosed. I can't recommend it highly enough, for cancer patients and their loved ones. It is frank, and sensible, and I continue to recommend it highly. There has not been another book that I have seen that covers the subject so completely, for patients, and from the patient's view.
Ovarian cancer is a frightening diagnosis, but coming to it with knowledge and information helps a great deal. I hope that this book takes away some of the fear, and leaves hope instead. I think putting in the actual words of the patient survivors makes this a very unique and helpful book.
I am now on the Board of Directors of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, as well as co-managing the list on acor.org that has helped so many. I am in contact with many women with cancer, and have only heard praise for this book. It is a great help for the cancer community.
2 Very important resource
My wife received her ovarian cancer diagnosis In July 2004. The doctors didn't want to tell us too much for fear of overstressing my wife and me, and frankly, didn't have the time to cover everything one needs to know. I've read 10 books related to this disease since then and this is by far the most helpful. It will answer most if not all of the questions you have and preapre you for the research necessary to be active in the treatment of this disease. Until a more current book is published I would start with this one. I also read "100 Questions and Answers about Ovarian Cancer" It is more of an executive summary and lacks the detail contained in Conner/Langford book. Give it to a concerned family member who can't handle the 440 pages of frank discussion.
3 VERY INFORMATIVE & HELPFUL
When I learned that I had Ovarian Cancer I was at a loss as to where to turn. My daughter sent this book to me from Boston and I devoured it. I learned that we as women, MUST take control of our own health care. I did just that and I credit this book for giving me the questions to ask my oncologist and getting the answers I needed to make the correct decisions for the best treatment. I can't thank my daughter enough for the insight she had to send me this very easy to read book. I tell every woman I run into with Ovarian Cancer about this read. Highly recommended.
4 Buy this book
This is probably the best book currently available for ovarian cancer patients and their families. Published in 2003, the information is relatively current. The publisher is de-emphasizing its "Patient-Centered Guides" series, so this book may not have a second edition.
The book contains some frustrating errors; e.g., some of the websites listed in the book are shown as having ".org" URLs instead of the correct ".com" URL.
The address listed on page 487 of this book for Steven Piver's "Myths and Facts about Ovarian Cancer" is out of date. This very useful book is available from: CMP Media, 30th Floor, 3 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10016 Attn: Kristin Kazanowski. Ph: 212-600-3192.
I would recommend buying both books.
5 Enlightening and Current
I picked this book up from the library and am on Amazon to buy my own copy. My husband's mom was diagnosed 3 weeks ago and it has given us a better understanding of her situation and how we can help. Everything from ascites to FMLA to wills is covered. The quotes from patients are particularly helpful to read.
6 A Must Have for All OV CA Patients
This is a must-have guide for women with ovarian cancer and their caregivers, among others. I bought one for my doctor's office because I feel more women undergoing care for ovarian cancer could benefit from reading this book. I wish I had heard about the book sooner -- ideally as soon as I was diagnosed with OV CA or before -- when it was first suspected. The guide is full of up to the minute tips for taking as much control as possible in your health care decisions. Though I am a nurse, there was much to learn from this book and the material is presented in a very user friendly manner. As ovarian cancer is a chronic disease, it is never too late to get this book and learn the latest on treatment and support -- from initial diagnosis, through surgery, initial chemotherapy, handling the anxiety ridden periods of remission, and through the dreaded recurrences and treatments that the majority of ovarian cancer patients will encounter.
7 BEST BY FAR
This book told me more in plain, understandable English than I've seen in several books combined. Good definitions, understandable research data and first person accounts all make the vital information interesting and clear. I thought I knew a fair amount about ovarian cancer, but I keep referring to it because it has so much more information and is so up-to-date. It should be read by ALL WOMEN - not just ovarian cancer patients/survivors. Excellent for caregivers, too.
8 Guide on ovarian cancer rates 5 stars with survivor
I just recently finished reading Kristine Conner and Lauren Langford's book, Ovarian Cancer...Your Guide to Taking Control and I have to say it is the BEST book that I have ever read on ovarian cancer. I especially liked it because it was written by women with ovarian cancer.It includes statements and facts from doctors, but it also contains the medical histories and thoughts from many women that have experienced ovarian cancer first hand. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with ovarian cancer, whether they are newly diagnosed, in remission or somewhere in between. It would also be good reading for loved ones of women with ovarian cancer. Finally, a book on ovarian cancer from the patient's point of view. We haven't had many of those since Gilda Radner's book.
Thank you for publishing a factual guide for women with ovarian cancer. I highly recommend this book and I can't say enough good things about it.
9 Valuable information
What a valuable book Kristine Conner and Lauren Langford have written. I am recommending it to everyone I know. I happen to be reading it while waiting for my mother to have some tests for another type of cancer. There is so much in this book that is useful, practical information for anyone dealing with an illness. How wise to include the words of those who have been there. Working for SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer I know how important sharing ones experience with other can be.
10 Wish I'd Had This Before I was Diagnosed
I didn't know about gyn/onc's and had a pre-op consult with the gyn surgeon that lasted maybe 5 minutes. I got information on hysterectomies and just a tad on ovarian cancer before. This book covers everything and I like its use of real women describing their experiences as related to text material. Everything is covered and the resources section is fabulous as is the chemotherapy chart section. Recommended!
11 A Must Read!
This is an absolutely terrific book, with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding ovarian cancer. It provides practical information, advice, and offers support for those facing diagnosis, those already diagnosed with ovarian cancer or those who care for and love women living with the disease. It's easy to read, understand, and makes the difficult journey a little bit easier.
