There’s No Place Like Hope by Vickie Girard

I decided to review this book because it was highly recommended to me by several women who have recently had cancer chemotherapy. After reading it, I definitely thought it would be a good addition to the Moretti Family Resource Library’s collection of support books. It is also available for purchase in our “Shop on Main”.

The author has advanced cancer diagnosed in 1989. She describes her book as “a guide to beating cancer in mind-sized bites.” Segmented thoughts are openly shared with her readers. A little humor as well as some good advice and helpful hints are sprinkled throughout. It is easy to pick up and put down at any time and is compact enough to take with you anywhere.

This small book shines a big light! I feel most women undergoing cancer therapy would benefit from her personal writing style. It is not just words, paper and binding. It is Vickie, personally guiding you with her love, wisdom, and sharing of hope.

Return to Wholeness by David Simon, M.D.

Return to wholeness is an up-to-date guide of complementary therapies that appear to enhance healing. This book invites patients to become active participants in their own care. The author is a medical doctor who originally was a neurologist. He soon turned his attention to holistic therapies. The forward is written by his friend and colleague, Deepak Chopra, M.D., who is a renowned author in his own right.

David Simon is an excellent writer who can express his genuine concern for cancer patients, and their need to regain control of their lives. Special consideration is given to comfort during treatment, healing during recovery, and to prolonging wellness. All of the therapies receive some explanation for why they seem to be effective, and the book is written with compassion and sensitivity.

Specific areas I find interesting are nutrition, journal writing, art therapy, music, and meditation techniques. My favorite chapter discusses the use of our 5 senses. Taste, sight, hearing, sense of smell, and touch can all be useful avenues for healing. For example, aromatherapy is presently being used to enhance peace of mind during chemotherapy. Aromas that remind us of pleasant past experiences can stimulate a return of those good feelings. Another example of the 5 senses is a healing touch therapy such as massage, which is fast becoming a soothing way to regenerate wellness of body and mind.

Cancer patients have more effected than just their bodies. Minds become stressed and spirits wounded. Books like Dr. Simon’s Return to Wholeness help educate and inform patients about healing their “whole being”—body, mind, and spirit.

Eating Well Through Cancer by Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D.

This is a well thought out cookbook designed by the authors for people undergoing cancer treatment. Holly Clegg is also the author of “Trim & Terrific”. Her father underwent treatment for cancer, and she became inspired to come up with a cookbook with recipes that taste good and also help relieve some of the side effects of cancer therapy. She collaborated with Dr. Miletello, an oncologist, to create easy to read recipes categorized by treatment symptoms.

This book is available in our resource library or can be purchased in our “Shop on Main”. Below is a recipe from the “Snacks and Light Meals” section. It is a good tasting supplement food for those who cannot tolerate large meals and need to maintain their weight.

Yummy Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream margarine, sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg; mixing well. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Spoon batter by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Makes 4 and ½ dozen cookies.

Nutritional Information per Serving

 Diabetic Exchanges: 0.5 starch, 0.5 other carb., 0.5 fat