Breast Cancer: The Path of Wellness & Healing

Offering five-plus hours of information, reassurance, and advice on breast cancer—addressing risk factors, how the disease is diagnosed and treated, survival rates, and life after cancer—the double-disc set Breast Cancer will help women grasp relevant terminology; prepare for surgery (including breast reconstruction), targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation; and assemble support teams (both medical and personal). Besides serving up a wealth of detail on traditional medical approaches, the program also provides suggestions for adding complementary alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and meditation. Among those featured are Drs. Harvey Karp, Susan Love, Dean Ornish, and Deepak Chopra, along with spiritual expert Marianne Williamson, while survivors interviewed include musicians Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and Olivia Newton-John, and actresses Christina Applegate and Jaclyn Smith. Extensive DVD extras include short segments in which physicians answer questions about hormones and breast cancer, the effects of chemo and radiation on the skin, and talking to one's children about cancer. Other extras include brief demonstrations of guided imagery, visualization, Chi Gong breathing, mindful meditation, and yoga. A comprehensive program that focuses on wellness and proactive approaches during and after treatment—while also taking into account the emotional side of coping with cancer—this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)