Books, Videos & DVDs for Cancer Patients
EXCELLENT BOOKS FOR CANCER PATIENTS
Cancer: 50 Essential Things to Do
by Greg Anderson
Written by a lung cancer survivor who was once given 30 days to live, this book contains an excellent overview of the many components of an action plan for healing. Easy to read and understand—a great book for someone just diagnosed and beginning the cancer journey to overcome hopelessness or inertia.
The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness
by Greg Anderson
Empowering book with a comprehensive, easy to follow, and concise description of what healing is truly about: that everything we think, say, feel, and do has a direct impact on our physical and emotional health—yet we overlook this fundamental truth every day. Contains one of the best stories we have encountered concerning the powerful role of forgiveness in healing and wellness, and how the author experienced this as the pivotal turning point in overcoming his late-stage terminal cancer.
The Cancer Conqueror
by Greg Anderson
Another great book and modern-day parable. This is the story of one cancer patient’s search for help and healing, and the teachers he meets along the way. Simple and easy to read and great for newly diagnosed patients. Available from The Cancer Recovery Foundation at: 717-545-7600 or on the website: www.cancerrecovery.org
Cancer as a Turning Point: A Handbook for People with Cancer, Their Families and Health Professionals
by Lawrence LeShan, PhD
Written by a psychotherapist who has worked with cancer patients for over 50 years, this classic book written by the “father of mind-body therapy” demonstrates how psychological change, together with medical treatment, can mobilize a compromised immune system for healing.
Beating Cancer with Nutrition
by Patrick Quillin, PhD
There is a new and revised edition with a great deal of excellent information and research on nutrition, detoxification, healing diet, and supplementation. Written in a very readable style by the Director of Nutrition for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Includes a CD.
The Journey Through Cancer: Healing & Transforming the Whole Person
by Jeremy Geffen, MD
An excellent book written by a board-certified oncologist with a background in integrative medicine, Eastern philosophies and complementary and alternative therapies. Geffen presents an inspiring and practical holistic cancer treatment model that can be accomplished within the context of modern medicine and modern life. Includes great chapters on "Emotional Healing" and "The Nature of Mind." Geffen explains why, after physical needs are handled, it is vital for cancer patients to turn inward: "Now the journey through cancer becomes less about cells, chemicals and diets and more about thoughts, feelings and emotions."
Feelings Buried Alive Never Die
by Karol Truman
Highly recommended by Dr. Mercola (http://www.mercola.com/2003/jan/25/truman_book.htm), this book explains how our unresolved emotions directly contribute to the diesease process and why they must be dealt with for long-term healing to take place. The author offers easy to use methods for transforming these undesireable feelings to they no longer hinder healing. Excellent resource.
Love, Medicine & Miracles
by Bernie Siegel, MD
Lessons learned about self-healing from exceptional cancer survivors by this well-known surgeon turned mind/body/spirit healer and teacher. Unconditional love is the most powerful stimulant of the immune system. The truth is: love heals. Miracles happen to exceptional patients every day—patients who have the courage to love and those who have the courage to work with their doctors to participate in and influence their own recovery. There are many other great works from Bernie (all highly recommended) including Humor and Healing and an audiotape: “Meditations for Enhancing Your Immune System: Strengthen Your Body’s Ability to Heal.”
The Definitive Guide to Cancer
by Burton Goldberg
Offers an overview of the specific cancer treatment protocols of 23 alternative physicians and other practitioners, as well as detailed explanations of many of the modalities used. A good place to start learning about alternative cancer treatments in clinical practice. One chapter is devoted to Dr. Douglas Brodie’s protocol.
Anatomy of an Illness
by Norman Cousins
A short book and fast read. This is the man who taught us about the value of laughter and humor in healing, but this book is much more. It will make you think about the role your thoughts, attitudes, and emotions play in your health and ultimate well-being.
Quantum Healing: Exploring the Boundaries of Mind-Body Medicine
by Deepak Chopra, MD
Chopra asks an interesting question: Why, when your body mends a broken arm, is it not considered a miracle, but when your body heals itself from cancer-- it is? Chopra believes the two phenomena spring from the same source, that the body is capable of doing much more than we assume it can. He calls this ability to cure disease from within “quantum healing,” and shows how we are all capable of it. He believes intelligence exists everywhere in our bodies, in each of our 50 trillion cells, and that, therefore, each cell has the ability to heal itself.
Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine
by Larry Dossey, MD
This book studies the link between medicine and spirituality, and the healing power of prayer. Prayer heals? Hardly news in the religious world, but for modern science, it is a revelation, one confirmed by dozens of laboratory experiments that Dossey cites. Prayer can help with most forms of disease; it can alter enzyme activity, blood cell growth, and even the germination of seeds. Another good read along these lines: Prayer Is Good Medicine, also by Dossey.
Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine
by Candace Pert, PhD
The first book to scientifically explain and document exactly how our thoughts and emotions affect our physical health, and how the mind and body function together as parts of an interconnected system. Pert uses understandable terminology to explain the neuropeptide system as the carrier of the emotions throughout the entire body. Pert’s discovery that neurotransmitters are found not only in the brain but also in the gut, the endocrine system, and the nervous system throughout the body, is the clearest proof to date that our emotions and thoughts have a direct and powerful effect on our health. Also by Dr. Pert: Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind: New Insights Into the Body/Mind Connection.
The Biology Of Belief: Unleashing The Power Of Consciousness, Matter And Miracles
by Bruce Lipton, PhD
This book will forever change how you think about your own thinking. Stunning new scientific discoveries about the biochemical effects of the brain’s functioning show that all the cells of your body are affected by your thoughts and feelings. The author, a renowned cell biologist and former medical school professor, describes the precise molecular pathways through which this occurs. He demonstrates how the new science of epigenetics is revolutionizing our understanding of the link between mind and matter, and the profound effects our thoughts and feelings have on our lives and our health. The book's synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics is a major breakthrough showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking.
The Type C Connection: The Behavioral Links to Cancer and Your Health
by Lydia Temoshok, PhD and Henry Dreher
In agreement with Dr. Douglas Brodie’s empirical observations on the personality traits common to cancer patients, the authors describe the cancer-prone personality (Type “C”) as those who typically have trouble expressing emotions; that deny anger or other negative emotions, and who generally try to help others at their own expense. The authors show how the immune system works. They describe how not shutting yourself down emotionally and expressing your needs, anger, etc., can actually boost your immune system to fight cancer. An out-of-print book but you can find copies on Amazon.com and elsewhere.
Remarkable Recovery: What Extraordinary Healings Tell Us About Getting Well and Staying Well
by Caryle Hirshberg and Marc Ian Barasch
A compilation of scores of stories of spontaneous remission and other socalled anomalies in the recovery of terminal cancer patients. If you are looking for hope in the face of dire medical prognosis, here it is, documented by medical experts. Cases of patients who unexpectedly survive a terminal disease happen more often than is believed, and this book gives fully detailed histories of a number of long-term survivors. In fact, the authors show us that remarkable recoveries are much more than remissions and anything but spontaneous. They feel that these cases are clear demonstrations of the ability of the human body, mind, and spirit to heal itself.
Mind-Body Unity: A New Vision for Mind-Body Science and Medicine
by Henry Dreher
Over the past twenty years, an explosion of scientific studies has helped to explain why our emotional and mental states may exert such a strong influence on the state of our health. Dreher argues that our minds play a role in our health the way our eyes play a role in our sight. He discusses remarkable findings on the role of emotions, coping, and personality in cancer progression and survival. He describes mind-body approaches to the treatment of cancer and other health conditions.
The Creation of Health: The Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Responses That Promote Health and Healing
by Caroline Myss, PhD and C. Norman Shealy, MD
This is the unusual pairing of a well-known medical intuitive/theologian with a conventionally-trained neurosurgeon and past President of the American Holistic Medical Association. As a team that has worked with patients for many years, they explore the link between emotional dysfunction and physical illness; the emotional, physical, and spiritual patterns that form health; and the stresses that can cause disease. Other books by Caroline Myss: Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can and The Energetics of Healing.
Heal Your Body: The Mental Causes for Physical Illness
by Louise Hay
An easy read, this book offers positive new thought patterns to replace negative emotions. It includes an alphabetical chart of physical ailments, the possible mental/emotional causes, and healing affirmations to help you eliminate old patterns. Louise Hay healed herself by using these techniques.
The Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive and Don’t Know How
by Lewis B. Smedes
“When we forgive,” Smedes says, “we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us.” He teaches the reader that more than anything else, forgiveness is a way of healing. If you are ready to make peace with those who have hurt or betrayed you, then this practical book can be your roadmap.Dramatic examples from real life situations are used.
Living Well with Cancer
by Katen Moore, RN, AOCN, MSN and Libby Schmais, MFA
Written by an oncology nurse and medical researcher, this book addresses the side effects of medical treatments—from aches and pains to nausea, fatigue, fear, and depression, with down-to-earth recommendations. It addresses healthcare issues rarely discussed in standard medical texts, including guidance on exercise, rest, nutrition, sex, and emotional issues. Includes a resource guide to helpful organizations and literature—lots of practical advice.
Hungry for Health
by Susan Silberstein, PhD
A practical lesson in healthful eating from the Executive Director of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education. Great for anyone who wants to eat better, but doesn't know where to start. Based on four fundamental principles for preventing disease, enhancing wellness or facilitating healing. Contains 157 no-guilt recipes with lots of tasty tips and “nutri-notes.” Based on Dr. Silberstein’s 29 years of experience with nutrition and cancer patients, although anyone who wants improved nutrition will benefit. Order online at www.beatcancer.org or call 610-642-4810.
Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy
by John Boik
The ultimate reference book in understanding the use of natural botanical compounds in cancer therapy. A powerful starting point for cancer protocols involving vitamins, herbs, and other natural products.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing
by Phyllis Balch, CNC and James Balch, MD
This is the “bible” of reference books for nutritional guidance, organized by specific condition or disease, with an extensive list of recommended nutritional (drug-free) supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other items. Includes scientific descriptions and uses of all supplements, as well as food recommendations, and other important considerations. Excellent resource to have on hand, and a great starting point to educate and inform. Updated regularly, current version is the fourth edition, out in late 2006.
Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal and Practical Guide for Living With a Life-Challenging Condition
by David S. Landay
Although not cancer-specific, this book offers excellent easy-to- understand and practical guidance.
VIDEOS/DVD’s
Breast Cancer: The Diet Connection--DVD or VHS
by Susan Silberstein, PhD,
Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement in Cancer Education.
The video outlines easy dietary steps to help prevent cancer or its recurrence; the information can be applied to all types of cancer, enhancing immune response and wellness. It is an excellent plan, based on Dr. Silberstein’s 28 years of experience with over 25,000 cancer patients, and as many years studying and teaching proper nutrition. Includes references for research studies.
What the Bleep Do We Know!?
This is a groundbreaking documentary/movie that is an entirely new type of film. It uses entertaining visual effects and story-telling to demonstrate the tenets of quantum physics and how they are actually the force behind the creation of our daily lives. Interviews with award winning physicists and other notable researchers and scientists, such as Candace Pert, are woven provocatively throughout the movie. If you would like to know more about the science behind how our thoughts and emotions create our reality, including our state of health, then you need to see this film.
The Secret
Order the DVD or watch it online one time for $4.95--but definitely watch it! This is a fascinating and powerful look at how positive thoughts and emotions truly create the life and health we desire. Uplifting and inspirational. Just go ahead and order it, you'll probably want to watch it several times.
CD's
Kitchen Chemotherapy
by Susan Silberstein, PhD
Based on thousands of articles published in the scientific literature documenting the relationship between diet and cancer survival, this 79-minute CD highlights a dozen advantages of implementing nutrition in a cancer treatment program, outlines foods that promote or suppress tumor growth, and explains the connection between cancer and biological terrain. Purchase online at www.beatcancer.org or call 610-642-4810.
Cancer Meets Inquiry
by Byron Katie
You should probably read Katie's first book, "Loving What Is" before listening to this CD. What Katie calls "the work" is the basis for what she calls "inquiry" in order to shift our thoughts around any situation in life--including cancer. Inquiry brings to light our personal obstacles to clarity, self-realization and personal freedom. And what Katie shows us, in a moving, loving way, is that there's nowhere else to go in this process but inside ourselves. Healing isn't "out there" somewhere, it's within us. Perception is everything and this process is a powerful and intriguing way to perceive your cancer and healing journey--and just about everything else about your life. What is cancer for? Katie suggests it's the help us reconnect to our own center--to who we really are--and ultimately to God. This is a bit like Buddhism meets Course in Miracles--profound and life altering. www.thework.org