Getting well again

Getting well again
Carl and Stephanie Simonton

This book was reviewed by Linda, an Ovacome member, in the autumn 1998 newsletter.

Getting well again was among the first books I read following my own diagnosis of ovarian cancer in December 1996. Conditioned during my lifetime to swallowing the medicine as prescribed by doctors, I had never considered how I might participate in my own recovery from illness. Such was the impact of this book on me, that I did not hesitate to select it as a suitable title for a book review.

The authors are practitioners at the Cancer Counselling and Research Centre at Fort Worth in Texas. Their book describes a self-help programme of psychological and practical techniques, based on the approach used at Fort Worth, which aims to show cancer patients how they can participate in getting well again and live a rewarding and fulfilling life.

They believe that emotional and mental states play a significant role, both in susceptibility to, and recovery from, cancer. Cancer is described as a problem of the whole person, not just an illness of the body. It follows that effective treatment must focus on the total human and not the disease alone. Emphasis is placed on participation in getting well again, i.e. what you, the patient, can do, in conjunction with orthodox medical treatment, to regain your health.

Part 1, 'The mind and cancer', explains the theories on which the physiological approach to cancer treatment is based. Patients are encouraged to develop positive expectations and a belief that the disease can be influenced. A fascinating chapter explores the links between an individual’s reaction to stress, suppression of the immune system, and subsequent susceptibility to illness, especially cancer.

'Pathways to health' then describes a programme of self-help techniques designed to reinforce orthodox medical treatment and foster the image of such treatment as an ally and friend. Techniques such as relaxation and visualisation are important elements of the programme and detailed instructions are included. Much is made of the mental imagery process. During a period of relaxation, patients are encouraged to mentally picture or visualise the desired outcome. A number of case studies illustrate the power of effective mental imagery. The programme asks patients to set personal goals to help focus their reasons for living and establish priorities. Specific suggestions are included to ensure that a balance of physical, intellectual and emotional needs are addressed.

The final chapter describes how to build an important support system. Several coping strategies are featured, including a suggestion that the patient be rewarded for health, rather than illness.

Empowered by this knowledge, patients who have participated in their own recovery often emerge from the experience of confronting life-threatening illness with a sense of control over life which was not apparent before illness.

An inspirational read and a valuable handbook to accompany patients and supporters through the cancer journey.