AND A TIME TO LIVE: Toward Emotional Well-Being During the Crisis of Cancer

by Robert Chernin Cantor ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1978

For those faced with the jumble of emotions which accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment, this direct, comforting analysis should provide a firm measure of support and guidance. Cantor, who runs workshops for the American Cancer Society, considers the more common responses of patients and their families--feelings of anxiety, anger, depression--and describes ways of coping, using actual cases and life-sized models as examples. Because adaptive styles vary, doctors must accommodate different temperamental needs: most patients want to know their chances but some do not. Cantor believes attitude can influence the course of the disease--tumors seem to grow faster in those who stifle their emotions--and he quietly alludes to the Simontons' ""visualization"" technique as worthwhile mental exercise. He demonstrates how open communication is crucial, and diplomatically explores the kinds of tensions added to family relationships in which honesty and mutual trust are absent. The closing section, written with muted religious overtones, focuses on the search for meaning and offers illustrations of those who have used their experience and insight to help others. Although Cantor refers to the findings of Kubler-Ross and to Mannes' Last Rights issue, he emphasizes strategies for living--with the disease or with someone afflicted--and his suggestions are well-defined and prudent enough to reach a broad audience.

Pub Date: March 1, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION