The definitive guide to breast reconstruction—now completely revised and updated. For more than twenty years, The Complete Guide to Breast Reconstruction (formerly The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook) has been an essential resource for individuals who are undergoing mastectomy and thinking about breast reconstruction. In this revised edition, two-time breast cancer survivor Kathy Steligo covers the critical information patients need, from finding the right surgeon to weighing options and making informed decisions. Anyone considering a mastectomy faces a perplexing array of issues, questions, and decisions in their treatment options. This updated and expanded edition provides a comprehensive road map of the entire mastectomy and reconstruction experience. Steligo explains the advantages and disadvantages of postmastectomy options, including staying flat, using prostheses, and undergoing reconstruction with breast implants or a patient's own tissue. The extensively updated text includes new information on • The benefits and limitations of traditional versus advanced procedures • How mastectomy affects sensation, scarring, and projection • What to expect from nipple-sparing mastectomy • How reconstruction restores shape, size, and projection • The pros and cons of saline and silicone breast implants • The differences between muscle-sparing and muscle-sacrificing natural tissue reconstruction • Improving results with fat grafting • 3-D nipple tattooing • How radiation therapy impacts reconstruction • Male mastectomy and reconstruction • The physical and emotional effects of surgery and recovery Featuring before-and-after patient photos, expert commentaries, and patient stories, this guide describes the mastectomy and reconstructive journey from research to recovery so readers can make informed decisions about what is best for them.

A comprehensive, down-to-earth guide for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer. Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be scary and confusing. There are medical terms to learn, options to consider, and important decisions to make, all while trying to carry on with work, family, and life. The Breast Cancer Book can't reverse a diagnosis or make breast cancer disappear, but every page can inform and empower you or your loved ones, no matter where you are in the breast cancer experience. Written by three trusted experts-an oncologist, a breast surgeon, and a two-time breast cancer survivor-this multidisciplinary book walks you through everything you need to know about breast cancer so that you can make the best decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. In plain, easy-to-understand language that illuminates all the facets of this disease, the authors draw on their professional experience and the most current scientific knowledge to * describe the risk factors for breast cancer; * explain the various tests used to detect cancer; * clarify the full range of treatment options, from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to newer combination therapies; * provide insight from experts in genetics, radiation oncology, and breast reconstruction; * present inspirational true stories of breast cancer survivors; and * simplify complex concepts with detailed graphics, tables, illustrations, and photographs. A crash course on breast cancer that will help get you or anyone you love through the physical and emotional challenges of the disease, The Breast Cancer Book will also help readers communicate with their cancer team. Packed with information, this compassionate guide is the most up-to-date book available.

Since 2002, The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook has been the best resource on this topic for women who have had a mastectomy. Equal parts science and support, it is filled with stories that illustrate the emotional and physical components of breast reconstruction. Kathy Steligo, a gifted writer and breast cancer survivor who has twice had breast reconstruction, compassionately answers women's questions about how they will respond emotionally and physically to losing a breast, whether to treat or prevent breast cancer. Steligo provides detailed descriptions of the various surgical options for mastectomy and reconstruction, as well as information on choosing and paying for a surgeon, preparing for and recovering from surgery, and handling the many practical details and difficult decisions women will face along the way. A road map of the mastectomy and reconstruction journey, this book gives women the comprehensive, unbiased details they need to make their own informed decisions about whether reconstruction-and which reconstructive option-is right for them. Readers learn how breasts can be recreated using implants or their own tissue and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Surgery timelines, recovery, and potential problems (and how they can be resolved) are also explained. A new foreword by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, of the PRMA Plastic Surgery Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, highlights the book's strengths and offers a medical perspective on breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. The extensively updated text includes new discussions of* innovative reconstructive procedures* contralateral mastectomy* the benefits and limitations of nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomies* nipple delay procedure* patient-controlled tissue expansion* cohesive gel silicone implants* microsurgical advances that improve tissue flap procedures* fat grafting* nipple reconstruction* nipple and areola tattooing* reconstruction with the BRAVA system* pregnancy after TRAM* male mastectomy and reconstruction* decision making and solving cosmetic and medical post-op problems* surgical procedures that reduce the risk of cancer* the latest research data on mastectomy and reconstruction* and much more

A comprehensive, down-to-earth guide for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer. Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be scary and confusing. There are medical terms to learn, options to consider, and important decisions to make, all while trying to carry on with work, family, and life. The Breast Cancer Book can't reverse a diagnosis or make breast cancer disappear, but every page can inform and empower you or your loved ones, no matter where you are in the breast cancer experience. Written by three trusted experts-an oncologist, a breast surgeon, and a two-time breast cancer survivor-this multidisciplinary book walks you through everything you need to know about breast cancer so that you can make the best decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. In plain, easy-to-understand language that illuminates all the facets of this disease, the authors draw on their professional experience and the most current scientific knowledge to * describe the risk factors for breast cancer; * explain the various tests used to detect cancer; * clarify the full range of treatment options, from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to newer combination therapies; * provide insight from experts in genetics, radiation oncology, and breast reconstruction; * present inspirational true stories of breast cancer survivors; and * simplify complex concepts with detailed graphics, tables, illustrations, and photographs. A crash course on breast cancer that will help get you or anyone you love through the physical and emotional challenges of the disease, The Breast Cancer Book will also help readers communicate with their cancer team. Packed with information, this compassionate guide is the most up-to-date book available.

The most comprehensive guide available on hereditary cancers, from understanding risk, prevention, and genetic counseling and testing to treatment, quality of life, and more. Up to 10 percent of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes. Finding out that you or your loved ones may be at increased risk of developing cancer because of a genetic mutation raises a lot of questions: Is cancer inevitable? Is there anything I should do differently in my life? Will my children also be at higher risk of cancer? Should I have preemptive treatments or surgery? This comprehensive guide provides answers to these questions and more. Written by three passionate patient advocates, this book is a compilation of the trusted information and support provided for more than two decades by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the de facto voice of the hereditary cancer community. Combining the latest scientific research with national guidelines, expert advice, and compelling patient stories, the book offers previvors (those who have a mutation but have never been diagnosed), survivors, and their families the guidance they need to face the unique physical and emotional challenges of living in a high-risk body. An ideal resource for genetic counselors, physicians, nurses, advocates, and others who support and care for the hereditary cancer community, Living with Hereditary Cancer Risk also provides coverage of * signs of inherited cancer risk in a family; * the value of genetic counseling and testing; * mutations in BRCA, Lynch Syndrome, and other genes that elevate cancer risk; * risk-reducing strategies; * traditional treatments and newer personalized approaches, including immunotherapies and PARP inhibitors; * nationally recommended guidelines for prevention, early detection, and treatment; * insurance coverage and discrimination protections; and * coping with sexual health, fertility, menopause, and other quality of life issues.

The most comprehensive guide available on hereditary cancers, from understanding risk, prevention, and genetic counseling and testing to treatment, quality of life, and more. Up to 10 percent of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes. Finding out that you or your loved ones may be at increased risk of developing cancer because of a genetic mutation raises a lot of questions: Is cancer inevitable? Is there anything I should do differently in my life? Will my children also be at higher risk of cancer? Should I have preemptive treatments or surgery? This comprehensive guide provides answers to these questions and more. Written by three passionate patient advocates, this book is a compilation of the trusted information and support provided for more than two decades by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the de facto voice of the hereditary cancer community. Combining the latest scientific research with national guidelines, expert advice, and compelling patient stories, the book offers previvors (those who have a mutation but have never been diagnosed), survivors, and their families the guidance they need to face the unique physical and emotional challenges of living in a high-risk body. An ideal resource for genetic counselors, physicians, nurses, advocates, and others who support and care for the hereditary cancer community, Living with Hereditary Cancer Risk also provides coverage of * signs of inherited cancer risk in a family; * the value of genetic counseling and testing; * mutations in BRCA, Lynch Syndrome, and other genes that elevate cancer risk; * risk-reducing strategies; * traditional treatments and newer personalized approaches, including immunotherapies and PARP inhibitors; * nationally recommended guidelines for prevention, early detection, and treatment; * insurance coverage and discrimination protections; and * coping with sexual health, fertility, menopause, and other quality of life issues.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help everyone whose days are filled with chronic pain - the kind of pain that truly is a disease unto itself. Where does chronic pain come from, and why doesn't it go away? Dr. Steven H. Richeimer, an eminent voice in the field of pain management, answers these and other fundamental questions about chronic pain. Board certified in pain medicine, anesthesiology, and psychiatry, he knows that the stress of persistent pain quickly takes a toll on the body and the mind. And he has helped thousands of people reduce their pain and reclaim their lives. In Confronting Chronic Pain, Dr. Richeimer discusses what causes pain in such disorders as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, chronic headache, and back pain - and describes how to get relief. He provides clear and up-to-date information about pain medications, exercise and nutrition, injections and neurostimulators, and complementary therapies. He also explains the many approaches to managing the social and emotional aspects of pain. Understanding that chronic pain affects the spirit, he offers seven spiritual tools for moving beyond pain; understanding that chronic pain affects the whole family, he has created an action plan for family harmony; understanding the emotional component of people in pain, he helps them solve the chronic pain puzzle. "Just learn to live with it" is not a satisfactory response to someone living with chronic pain. Dr. Richeimer's compassionate and holistic approach can help soften the harsh edges of pain and provide hope for the future.

"Be informed. Be empowered. Be well."

If you are concerned that the cancer in your family is hereditary, you face difficult choices. Should you have a blood test that may reveal whether you have a high likelihood of disease? Do you preemptively treat a disease that may never develop? How do you make decisions now that will affect the rest of your life? This helpful, informative guide answers your questions as you confront hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Developed by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the nation's only nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, this book stands alone among breast and ovarian cancer resources. Equal parts health guide and memoir, it defines complex issues facing previvors and survivors and provides solutions with a fresh, authoritative voice.

Written by three passionate advocates for the hereditary cancer community who are themselves breast cancer survivors, "Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer "dispels myths and misinformation and presents practical risk-reducing alternatives and decision-making tools. Including information about genetic counseling and testing, preventive surgery, and fertility and family planning, as well as explanations of health insurance coverage and laws protecting genetic privacy, this resource tackles head-on the challenges of living in a high-risk body.

Confronting hereditary cancer is a complex, confusing, and highly individual journey. With its unique combination of the latest research, expert advice, and compelling personal stories, this book gives previvors, survivors, and their family members the guidance they need to face the unique challenges of hereditary cancer.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help everyone whose days are filled with chronic pain - the kind of pain that truly is a disease unto itself. Where does chronic pain come from, and why doesn't it go away? Dr. Steven H. Richeimer, an eminent voice in the field of pain management, answers these and other fundamental questions about chronic pain. Board certified in pain medicine, anesthesiology, and psychiatry, he knows that the stress of persistent pain quickly takes a toll on the body and the mind. And he has helped thousands of people reduce their pain and reclaim their lives. In Confronting Chronic Pain, Dr. Richeimer discusses what causes pain in such disorders as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, chronic headache, and back pain - and describes how to get relief. He provides clear and up-to-date information about pain medications, exercise and nutrition, injections and neurostimulators, and complementary therapies. He also explains the many approaches to managing the social and emotional aspects of pain. Understanding that chronic pain affects the spirit, he offers seven spiritual tools for moving beyond pain; understanding that chronic pain affects the whole family, he has created an action plan for family harmony; understanding the emotional component of people in pain, he helps them solve the chronic pain puzzle. "Just learn to live with it" is not a satisfactory response to someone living with chronic pain. Dr. Richeimer's compassionate and holistic approach can help soften the harsh edges of pain and provide hope for the future.