[.ca] When Life Becomes Precious: The Essential Guide for ... (ISBN 0553378694)

From Amazon.com:
When someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, what should you say? What should you not say? What are the best ways to offer help, or to help children understand what is happening? When Life Becomes Precious is an outstanding resource for answers to such uncomfortable questions. It includes specific tips for cultivating a support network, avoiding caregiver burnout, managing fear and anger (in both yourself and the cancer patient), finding the best doctors and other health care professionals to plan treatment, preparing for hospital visits, and, for the patient, dealing with cancer when at the workplace. Written with tact and warmth, this book is filled with advice that's likely to escape your mind during this time of stress, from 14 questions to ask before surgery to the medical and legal documents to have handy at all times to 8 reasons for switching doctors. Babcock, who has 23 years of counseling experience, also offers guidance for what to do when the cancer patient refuses all medical care: "Someone who refuses treatment and understands the repercussions of his decision is not in denial," she says. "You will have to learn to respect and accept his choice, however, even though you disagree. No other stance will support him, even though you think it will." Babcock also includes empathetic ways to discuss mortality, and tactics for making it through holidays and birthdays, along with contact information for more than 100 resources such as support organizations and networks, chronic pain centers, hospices, and newsletters and magazines. --Erica Jorgensen

This should be for coping with any medical problem:
My spouse had heart disease. At the same time, I was looking for a book for a friend with cancer. I found Precious and read it before giving it as a gift. I realized the suggestions applied to my family. I started using the author's ideas immediately and it helped us tremendously. I find myself quoting her often in my volunteer work at church (with patients) and with friends. One friend called and said she was having serious problem coping with her husband's diabetes. She read the book and called to tell me that after following the advice in Precious, she saw a dramatic change in the way her family communicated and supported each other. Another friend said she was in an argument with her daughter about the father's illness. The mother used the suggestions in the book to calm her daughter down. Later that evening, the daughter (in her 30s) came up to her mom and said, "Thank you. What you said and how you said it was wonderful!" This book should not even have cancer on the cover. It's practical, moving, upbeat and extremely helpful for patients and families coping with any medical challenge. J. Long, past president of a personnel agency

Terrific and very helpful!:
Elise Needell Babcock's words are better than any I've read on dealing with cancer and family. Her advise is simple and extremely helpful.

Fabulous resource:
This truly is a fabulous resource! The information is quite straightforward and covers a wide array of areas/issues that are certain to be impacted by the news of a loved one being ill. The components of the book cover areas such as understanding your feelings, how our fears play out in the ordeal, how to have conversations regarding the illness and ramifications of the illness, how to find resourceful medical care and how to balance one's role in life given the situation. I would highly recommend this book for people who are going through the challenge of a loved one being ill, as it applies to not only cancer patients - but all who have serious health issues.

"A Godsend for helping my best friend ":
I was convinced this was the book I was searching for after the first chapter. This book spoke to me because of the way the author told her personal story. She knew what I was feeling, knew I wanted to help my best friend and she gave me suggestions to do that. She helped me face the future right beside my friend. It was a godsend. This book should be handed out to everyone at doctors' offices.

"A Godsend for helping my best Friend":
This was the book I was searching for to help my best friend. It spoke to me because of the way the author told her personal story and gave ideas and suggestions. I felt like she was speaking to me. She knew what I was feeling, knew I wanted to help and she gave me ways to do that. She helped me face the future right beside my friend. when Life Becomes Precious was a godsend. It should be handed out to everyone at doctors' offices.