A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer »

Dr. F. J. Montz (1955—2002) was a professor of gynecology and obstetrics, surgery, and oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions. Dr. Robert E. Bristow is an associate professor of gynecology and obstetrics and oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions. Paula J. Anastasia is a gynecologic-oncology clinical nurse specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

This comprehensive guide to ovarian cancer offers a wealth of information to ease the physical, emotional, and psychic suffering of women with the disease. The authors — two Johns Hopkins gynecologic oncologists and a gynecologic-oncology clinical nurse — put particular emphasis on the concept of "survivorship," or living life well in the face of daunting uncertainties. They stress the importance of self-determination: the right of each patient to be informed, involved, and in control of her care.

Up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and alternative therapies, forms the core of the book. But the authors' immense clinical experience also means they understand what women worry about and care about, and they address these issues with true compassion. Stressing quality of life, self-determination, and living life to the fullest, this remarkable book speaks to women with ovarian cancer everywhere.

Library Journal

It is estimated that in 2005 alone, 16,000 American women will die from ovarian cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among this demographic. If diagnosed and treated early-before the cancer spreads outside the ovary-it is a highly treatable disease. However, only 29 percent of cases are discovered at this early stage. Johns Hopkins gynecologic oncologists Montz and Bristow and clinical nurse Anastasia provide a thorough, up-to-date resource for women with ovarian cancer, offering information on diagnosis and treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, pain management, and alternative/complementary options. The overarching theme is survivorship, which means not just avoiding death but living life to its fullest in the face of major challenges. At the core of the authors' philosophy is the need for ovarian cancer patients to be well informed and in control of their own care. This important book should be included in all consumer health collections, as well as purchased by women affected by the disease.-Linda M.G. Katz, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.