Marc SilverBreast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) during Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond

This is the only book for "breast cancer husbands" I have read, and I did search for one that appealed to me based on book reviews and description. Overall, I was pleased, though much of the information was familiar as I am a physician.I found the book thorough, informative without being too heavy (not intimidating like Dr. Love's huge book), and well-organized. It covers most of what we husbands are going through, and it touches on several areas (fears, intimacy, etc.) that are likely welcome to the male species.Mr. Silver relies heavily on the input/advise of his interviewees, and I do not fault him for that--he admits that the medical world is foreign to him and his wife. But there are times when the sections read like a news column with often lengthy credits to those interviewed, and sections seemed to run the size of newspaper article. He is a journalist, to be fair, and I conclude that mouthfuls of information are likely better swallowed by the average male reader than banquets of information, and better than nibbles, too.I confess that I craved more personal insights or experiences from the author than I felt. Perhaps I crave the male companionship that he seems to benefit from his support groups. I, like the men he refers to in the book, am rather socially isolated--I don't have any real close friends nearby, so I miss the opportunity for close personal sharing. I probably wanted that from the book. I think my needs are not to be met by any book in a way. But there are several practical pieces of advise that were helpful and, at times, confirming.We are relatively early in our chemotherapy experience, and I was (to me) surprisingly caught off guard by the sections on recurrence and terminal situations. This is ironic since I am board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. I was not emotionally ready for those topics as they apply to me/us personally. I mention this because my "surprise" could be interpreted as disappointment, but this is not what I meant. I suggest to potential readers that they remain mindful of their respective place in treatment, as the yet-unfamilar parts that they have not experienced may surprise them, too.In conclusion, this book did provide several nights of companionship for me, and I felt as though I were inducted into a brotherhood of sisterhood of sorts. I do appreciate Mr. Silver's efforts and the spirit of the book, and I am grateful for having read it. I also appreciate that it is available in electronic form. I would recommend this book without reservation, and I already have.

Within a day or so after my wife was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer, I started looking for resources for her and came across this book. I thought about it, hemmed and hawed and a week or so later finally ordered.If you are like I was right now--trying to decide if this book will be worth it and helpful to you--stop and order this book immediately. I regretted waiting, because this book takes you through every single step, how you and she'll be feeling and how you can help at that stage. I found myself trying to catch up once I got it.I ultimately read it cover to cover. It was unbelievably helpful throughout the process. Us guys want to "fix" things and there's nothing we can really fix with breast cancer. BUT we can be really helpful along the way, asking key questions, double checking things and helping our spouse understand her options and make informed choices.As we hit each new stage--even those we'd hoped we wouldn't have to, such as chemo--I would take the book out and read aloud to my wife. She found the info in this book more helpful and digestible than the enormous books available for women on breast cancer.The only slight knock is that it would be great if he'd write an update since some of the treatments and medicines have advanced and some regimens are slightly different. Nevetheless, it was easy enough to adapt the advice to our situation and time. 98% of the information is still spot on, making the book a must read for any husband who finds himself in this unfortunate position.

If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are a new (and doubtless unwilling) member of the not-so-elite group of men who have become Breast Cancer Husbands. If so, stop reading this and buy this book. (Full disclosure: I was contacted by Marc Silver, the author, last year and interviewed extensively about my own experiences; I am quoted several times in the book.) I only wish that this book existed two years ago when my wife of 23 years was disgnosed with breast cancer; it is an invaluable resource that informs men in an accurate, succinct fashion exactly what is likely to happen at each stage of the diagnosis and treatment process. But Mr. Silver's arroach to the topic is hardly clinical. He deals with some of the most heart-wrenching topics any man will ever have to face with an eye on reality and a deft touch of humor. Breast cancer and humor in the same sentence? You've got to be kidding, right? Well, he pulls it off, managing to inject a lighter touch without ever minimizing the seriousness of his topic. Personally, I think most people use humor anyway to deal with the toughest situations, and the big "C" was no exception for my wife and I. Whether you are starting this journey, or if you've been through it like Marc and I have, this book is bound to become your most valuable resource, because it is told from the mouths of real Breast Cancer Husbands with real, true-life stories. With literally hundreds of books available for women who are dealing with this horrible disease, a book like this directed at the men simply did not exist. It was long overdue.

Speaking from personal experience as the spouse of a breast cancer survivor, I can state with confidence: don't waste your time with this book. Rather than help us through the experience, the author instead raised unreasonable expectations that caused us undue grief.Keep away.

A very well written book, to the point and not disguising anything. As a new Breast cancer husband i appreciate the knowledge that I am not alone.

Our niece brought it for my husband, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2015.my husband found it really helped him.. I read bits & whatever parts I read .. I found lots of simlararitys to my behaviour & how I was feeling.. On hearing our younger friends partner was recently diagnosed ..we brought them them the book.. He's only read bits.. But I heard my husband say to him 'read the book it will really help' ! So he definitely would recommend it.. & I personally don't think he would've coped so well , had he not have read it .. So is a thumbs up from us both!

Good book to show the other side of the coin during a partner's cancer treatments. So little is said about the partners and caregivers but this book is so helpful. A must read!