cover image Cancer Talk: Voices of Hope and Endurance from ""The Group Room,"" the World's Largest Cancer Support Group

Cancer Talk: Voices of Hope and Endurance from ""The Group Room,"" the World's Largest Cancer Support Group

Selma R. Schimmel, Ann Ed. O'Leary, Lam Kam Chuen. Broadway Books, $19 (352pp) ISBN 978-0-7679-0325-7

Schimmel, a 16-year cancer survivor and host of ""The Group Room,"" an ongoing cancer support group on National Public Radio, addresses the concerns of cancer survivors, their family members, friends, physicians, nurses and other health-care professionals about a variety of cancer-related topics. Schimmel, who was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, presents a well-needed, sensitive approach to cancer treatments and health policies that effect everyone in one way or another. Issues such as talking with one's oncologist, living with a young child who has cancer, coping with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, bone marrow transplants, drug trials, as well as survivor guilt and caring for the caregiver are discussed initially by an expert and then followed by comments from forum participants. The hopes, fears and challenges faced by these individuals is testament to the strength of the human spirit. More important, however, are the voices of the people affected by cancer who provide hope instead of hopelessness. Also provided is an extensive listing of cancer support and advocacy organizations. This is must reading for survivors, family, friends and the people who care for them. (May)