Cordelia Galgut – författare

Challenging a number of myths about living long term with or after cancer, this book offers new insights by delving into areas that are not usually spoken about. Written from a dual perspective- that of a psychologist who had breast cancer and who copes with the long-term effects of treatment - the book contests the assumption that the afflicted person will simply 'get better' or 'move through' to a better situation. Emotional and physical side-effects can worsen over time and people living beyond or with cancer often endure a mismatch between expectations and reality, because they have been told that life would be easier than it actually is. This can leave both those suffering longer term and those close to them confused and unprepared.Including testimonies with people who have had a cancer diagnosis and people in the medical profession, the book signposts ways that professionals may help and offers prompts for friends and relatives to have useful and open conversations with the person affected. It gives voice to many people who feel that their suffering is disputed and diminished by the prevailing narrative around recovery. Galgut includes discussion on relationships, work, trauma, fear of recurrence and the role of therapy. Giving an unflinchingly honest perspective, Living with the Long-Term Effects of Cancer sheds light on these struggles, in the belief that bringing this conversation to the forefront is key to improving life for those who are affected by cancer and who suffer longer term from its effects.

'It's rare to find a professional in the field of health care who understands the psychology of such a frightening experience and who has also been through it herself. Cordelia's book will ring true to every woman who has experienced breast cancer and will, I hope, offer insight to doctors and nurses.' - From the foreword by Jenni Murray OBE What is it like to experience breast cancer? This book presents rare and valuable insights into the impact of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis from a woman who has experienced breast cancer as both patient and as health professional. It informs and educates readers about the psychological realities of living with breast cancer, of treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, and the impact of social and historical attitudes to the breast and breast cancer on a woman's experience of the disease. The conflicts Cordelia Galgut experienced between conventional wisdom and her own first-hand experience are explored vividly and reflectively. The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer is vital reading for medical and mental health professionals and trainees working with breast cancer patients, and for those who are affected by or have an interest in the condition. 'The aim of this book, and the way forward, is to understand that we must all be more sensitive to the feelings of patients and to the suffering, uncertainty and sense of vulnerability that this disease imposes upon them.' - Dr Carmel Coulter in her Foreword 'This book has helped me understand the complexities that my patients present and has turned me into a better doctor. It has eased my way along the road that I now travel as a cancer survivor.' - Dr Cathy Roberts in her Foreword ]

This compassionate guide presents an array of new perspectives on the emotional effects of breast cancer and includes many personal testimonies from women who have been diagnosed with this disease. Written by a breast cancer survivor and practising psychologist, it shares practical ideas to help support sufferers at all stages, be it at diagnosis, during treatment or during life after the initial treatments are over. The concise, easy-to-read format includes exercises to develop an acceptance of thoughts and feelings, whilst the individual accounts validate the multitude of emotions felt by sufferers. It is a must for all breast cancer patients and sufferers, their families and friends. Its real-life approach, using first hand accounts, is also highly recommended for all health and social care professionals wanting a fresh approach to managing the emotional impacts of breast cancer. The shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer is hard to describe in words, as anyone who has had to suffer this diagnosis knows. Until it happens to us, we cannot really know how it feels. Not only do we have to deal with the diagnosis and subsequent treatments, but also we have to deal with the fact that breast cancer profoundly affects how we feel about ourselves as women. From the Introduction