The ubiquitous checklists and question lists would have been a godsend in helping us organize our efforts and emotions. We would have been better prepared when dealing with surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and nurses-the parade of medical experts with whom we consulted. Having reviewed other works of Judy Kneece's, I am not surprised that she fills her short chapters with so much information. As an oncology nurse, she knows what patients and their partners need. The latter is fully explained through excellent drawings and diagrams that are simple but well marked.
More illustrations help explain various types of lumpectomy and mastectomy.
An academic colleague of mine, who used her enviable research skills to understand everything about her breast cancer, was very angry after surgery to discover how much of her breast had been removed during the lumpectomy. That juicy tidbit had not turned up in any of her research. This book shows in graphic detail how much skin is removed during each procedure. If anyone could cut all that in one page, Ms. Kneece could, aided by the admirable illustrator, Debra Strange. Given her ability to cram in so many facts and suggestions, I am continually pleased that Ms. Kneece also offers powerful emotional advice on sexual relationships after the disease, communication intricacies during and after, and how to balance daily living with fear of recurrence once the treatment ends.