Resources & Support \ Library

We have a library of books we are able to lend to you. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to borrow a book from those described below.  To borrow a book please email us at info@silverribbon.co.nz with the name of the book.

All we ask is that you simply courier it back to us, or to the next person who wishes to read it.

We would like to sincerely thank Julie Skellern for the donation of many of the books relating to ovarian cancer and to Bronwyn Darby-Jackson for the donation of Motherless Mothers and Motherless Daughters.

New books for April 2010

"Last Wish" by Betty Rollin

TV journalist Betty Rollin's memoir of her mother Ida's two-and-a-half year struggle with ovarian cancer, ending with Ida's decision to end her own life. Reading like a novel, the story paints a realistic picture of difficult cancer chemotherapy and Betty's choice to help her mother commit suicide. The story is moving, engrossing, and even funny by turns, showing how family bonds intensified in response to the illness.

Recent additions:

"Motherless Daughters" by Hope Edelman

A courageous journey into the heart of a woman's most profoundly life-altering passage.

Ask any woman whose mother has died and she will tell you that she is irrevocably altered, as profoundly changed by her mother's death as she was by her mother's life. And although a mother's mortality is as inevitable as nightfall, no other book has addressed the lasting effects of this incalculable loss. First published more than a decade ago and now available in this updated edition. Motherless Daughters is still the book that women of all ages look to for understanding and comfort when their mothers die, and it is the book that they continue to press into each other's hands.

Building on interviews with hundreds of mother-loss survivors, this life-affirming book is newly expanded to reflect the author's personal experience with the continued legacy of mother loss. Now married and a mother of young children herself, Hope Edelman better understands how the effects of mother loss change over time and in light of new relationships.

"Motherless Mothers" by Hope Edelman

When Hope Edelman, author of New York Times bestseller Motherless Daughters, became a parent, she found herself revisiting the loss of her mother in ways she had never anticipated.  Now the mother of two young girls, Edelman set out to learn how the loss of a mother to death or abandonment can affect the ways women raise their own children.

In Motherless Mothers, Edelman uses her own story as a prism to reveal the unique anxieties and desires that these women experience as they raise their children without the help of a living maternal guide.  In an impeccably researched, luminously written book enriched by the voices of the mothers themselves - and filled with practical insight and advice from experienced professionals - she examines their parenting choices, their triumphs, and their fears, and offers motherless mothers the guidance and support they want and need.

New books for September:

"On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D.

What the dying have to teach doctors, nurses, clergy and their own families.

One of the most important psychological studies of the late 20th century.  On Death and Dying grew out of Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life and transition.  In this remarkable book, Dr Kubler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family, brining hope to all who are involved.

"Beating Ovarian Cancer: A Survivor's Story" by Chris Bledy

"A diagnosis of ovarian cancer does not have to be a dealth sentence. Recent advances in medicine have made this once incurable disease treatable and manageable. You can beat advanced, and even recurring, ovarian cancer.

Simple but significant lifestyle changes can produce big results, when it comes to healing."

“Don’t let statistics determine your fate. You are not a number!” ~ Chris Bledy

Read this book and learn how to: recreate your body after surgery and chemotherapy; shift your focus from surviving to thriving; conduct a one-day lifestyle inventory; implement small changes that create big results; use gratitude and love to accelerate and enhance your healing and achieve complete healing of your body, mind and spirit.

"Gilda's Disease.  Sharing Personal experiences and a Medical Perspective on Ovarian Cancer" by M Steven Piver, MD with Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder offers a tender and touching portryal of Gilda's struggle and a personal perspective on how the disease affects the women who suffer from it as well as the people who love them. 

Excerpts from Gilda Radner's best-selling autobiography, It's Always Something, along with examples of the many letters Gilda's fans wrote to Gene Wilder after her death, paint a picture of concern and admiration for a woman who never failed to inspire others in their efforts to confront cancer or the loss of a loved one.

"The Light of Evening" by Edna O'Brien

Edna O'Brien's commanding new novel is a story of attachments; especially the attachment between a mother and daughter, who yearn for closeness but are also estranged.

From her hospital bed in Dublin, the elderly Dilly awaits the visit of her daughter, Eleanora, from London.  The epochs of her life pass before her; emigrating to America in the 1920s, a romantic liaison she had there, the destiny that brought her back to Ireland, and her marriage into the stately Rusheen.  She also retraces Eleanora's precipitate mariage to a foreigner, which alienated mother and daughter even more, and Dilly's heart-rending letters sent over the years in a determination to reclaim her daughter.

Eleanora's visit does not prove to be the glad reunion that it might have been and, in her sudden departure, she leaves behind the secret journal of their stormy relationship, a revelation which brings the novel to a shocking close.

It is a novel of dreams and broken dreams but, at its core, is the realisation that the bond between mother and child is unbreakable, stronger even than death.

"100 Questions and Answers About Ovarian Cancer" Second Edition by Don S Dizon, MD, FACP and Nadeem R Abu-Rustum, MD

Empower Yourself!  Whether you are a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help.  Completely revised and updated, the second edition of 100 Questions and Answers About Ovarian Cancer gives authoritative, practical answers to questions about treatment options, including information on advances in chemotherapy, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more.  Written by specialists in the medical and surgical care of gynecological oncology, with actual patient commentary, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

"The Dust Busting Chronicles: Cleaning My Way Through Ovarian Cancer" by Cheryl L. Cushine

This book details the horrific and life-altering battle against ovarian cancer during a harrowing 19-month period.  The story relays the logistical challenges of  a life-threatening disease, and explores poignant moments of hope, anger, frustration and defeat.

The story begins with the author packing up her life in New Jersey, after the loss of her life partner, Lyse.  The ensuing chapters disclose the cancer experience in compelling detail.  Chemotherapy treatments begin, and the couple adjusts to a regimen of infusions, disabling side effects, and a mountain of pills.

Cheryl's obsessive-compulsive disorder grows in scope as Lyse's medical challenges put a strangle hold on all areas of their life.  The story gives the reader an intimate view of the dark side of the author's coping mechanism and the stress that accompanies her rituals.

The first chemotherapy regimen results in a good report, but several months later, the couple receives discouraging news.  Two more chemotherapy protocols follow and both yield disastrous results.

The final three weeks of Lyse's life, spent at Holy Name Hospital, were dramatic, tender, and passionate.  The concluding chapter is a matter of fact but moving account of accepting things, even death, as they are, loving so deeply it's painful, and coming through on the other side.  Those of us left on this side will move forward, alone, but having loved in such a way that that is all we truly remember in the end.

"Ovarian Cancer Journeys: Survivors Share their Stories to Help Others" edited by Ayala Mirou, 2004

Women of ages 17 to 78 join to tell their true stories. Find out about the lessons they have learned along their ovarian cancer journeys; from symptoms to diagnosis, trough treatments, and survival.

"All of the research has reinforced that ovarian cancer is not a silent disease as was once thought and as is shown quite eloquently in this collection of stories... The value of this collection of stories is that is helps raise awareness about symptoms, need for patient persistence, and the importance of being treated by a gynecologic oncologist." - Barbara A. Goff, MD (Professor and Co-Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine).

The most complete source book for cancer information.  Answers your questions on latest treatments, medications, procedures, break throughs and the many options available.

Fully revised to cover the latest medical and technological breakthroughs.  Choices, fourth edition, provides the most up-to-date and essential facts on cancer, from diagnosis to recovery - medication and nutrition, symptoms and stages, and all available surgical and non surgical treatments - in an accessible, easy-to-use Q & A format.  The book also includes checklists of essential questions for your doctor; useful internet resources; a state-by-state listing of cancer-related programmes, organisations, and services; reviews of complementary and alternative therapies; updated listings of chemotherapy drugs and their side efects; and advice on practical living concerns for both survivors and caregivers.

"A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer" by F.J. Montz and Robert E. Bristow

This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of information to ease the physical, emotional, and psychic suffering of women with ovarian cancer.  The authors - two John 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.

In addition to covering the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment - including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and alternative therapies - the authors draw on their immense clinical experience to address the emotional distress and worry that accompany the disease.  Stressing quality of life, self-determination, and living life to the fullest, this remarkable book offers compassion and hope to women who are dealing with ovarian cancer.

"This important book should be included in all consumer health collections, as well as purchased by women affected by the disease." -- Library Journal

"This guide excels at providing detailed medical information and practical tips on ways to reduce the side effects of treatment." -- Mamm

"The latest developments in diagnosis and treatment are discussed -- but even more so, is the quality of living itself: it's this which sets A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer apart." -- Bookwatch

"Provides a great place for a newly diagnosed woman to start learning about the disease." -- Susan McIntyre, Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Newsletter 

"Because the authors all have years of clinical experience, they seem to understand what women worry about and care about, and they address these issues throughout the book." -- Canadian Women's Health Network 

"No time to die" by Liz Tilberis

"It was to be the most glamorous and celebratory night of my life.  Except it was the worst of times.  I had cancer.  And nobody at the party knew except Andrew and me."

In 1993, Liz Tilberis seemed to have it all.  She was a working mother with a family who adored her.  As editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar she was at the heart of the glamorous world of international fashion, and was widely recognised as one of the most powerful people in the industry.  Her circle of friends included Karl Lagerfeld and the Princess of Wales.  That year she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

This inspiring memoir offers a no-holds-barred look inside the world of fashoin magazines, and a candid account of a battle with a debilitating illness.

"This is a campaigning book and an important one...It is the juxtaposition of fashion highs and cancer lows that gives No Time to Die its roller-coaster compulsion...She is an extraordinarily courageous woman"  Daily Telegraph

"Liz Tilberis appears as a thoroughly agreeable, sane woman, brave and open in the face of a frightening illness.  She is a heartening example." Sunday Times

"Her talent, vision and heart-stopping courage are truly admirable." Mail on Sunday

"You can Conquer Cancer" by Ian Gawler

This was a revolutionary book when first published in 1984.  It has been reprinted sixteen times and translated into German, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Hebrew, Indonesian, Polish, Sinhalese, Thai, Czech and Korean.  It has become a classic and one of the most widely-read books on the subject of cancer prevention and cancer management.

Dr Ian Gawler's ideas and concepts which were regarded as being somewhat controversial at the time of publication have since received substantial scientific recognition and validation both in Australia and internationally.

This edition is completely updated.  It contains whole sections which provide important new information and self-help techniques.  The book, remarkable for its clarity, enlarges upon what is a truly integrated, holistic approach to cancer; emphasizing diet, the power of mind, meditation, family and social support and the spiritual dimension in life.

A wonderfully practical, inspiring guide both for preventing and healing cancer.  Ian Gawler's personal experience as a cancer survivor coupled with the tremendous wisdom he has gained in running cancer support groups, gives this book a rare depth and richness.

"The Gynaecological Cancer Guide. Sex Sanity and Survival" by Margaret Heffernan and Professor Michael Quinn

This book has been written for women with gynaecological cancer, their carers, family, colleagues and medical support teams.  For the first time a book is available that provides information on the critical issues that gynaecological cancer survivors commonly experience, the range of gynaecological cancers and the treatment options available.  An important aspect of the book is the survivor interviews.  Margaret Heffernan has interviewed many women who have experienced gynaecological cancer and their very frank and honest comments throughtout the book will be of great help to the reader.  The information in this book will enable patients to return to a balanced functioning quality of life as soon as possible.

Margaret Heffernan B.Ed, B.Bus [Admin] (Dist), M.Arts [Communications] is a gynaecological cancer survivor of 12 years who wishes she had had a book like this to give her insight and speed her recovery.  A candid and inspiring gynaecological cancer activist and professional speaker, Margaret has won several awards for her cancer efforts.  She brings personal experience and wisdom to this book.

Michael Quinn MB ChB, MGO, MRCP (UK) FRANZCOG, FRCOG, CGO is a gifted clinical gynaecological cancer specialist and researcher.  Author of more than 130 publications, he is the Director of the Cancer Unit at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, and chairs many National and International committees related to all aspects of cancer control.  He brings a career of over 25 years of caring for women with Gyanecological Cancer to this book.

"The Silent Passage" by Gail Sheehy

All women face menopause, but, as Gail Sheehy compellingly reveals in interviews with women from a broad spectrum of different backgrounds, the passage is seldom easy.  Distracting symptoms, confusing medical advice, unsympathetic reactions from loved ones, and scornful attitudes of society often make menopause a lonely and distressing experience.

Sheehy brings together the latest information and assesses women's options and risks.  She writes frankly about her own experiences, and more importantly she plays back the words of numerous women who have talked to her about how they have coped and what they think of the treatments they have tried.

Myth-shattering, funny and vibrant, this is a book of candour and hope that places menopause in the cycle of life as the gateway to a second adulthood and post-menopausal zest.

Includes interviews with Fay Weldon, Kate O'Mara, Edwina Currie, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Eve Pollard, Antonia Fraser

"Cancer and How to Live With It" by Denise Robbins

This book has been written with the help and endorsement of the Cancer Society and is a practical guide on how to maintain and improve quality of life while living with cancer.  It provides ways of coping with treatment, and tips and techniques for eating well, dealing with stress and keeping the body active.  It also includes easily understood information on the disease and its treatment, along with a comprehensive list of sources of help.

Contents:

Part 1 - About Cancer

Part 2 - What the doctors can do

Part 3 - Living with cancer: Turning the corner; Thinking about it; Eating well; Learning to unwind; Keeping the body moving; Travelling with cancer; Where you can get help

Appendices: Bladder cancer; Bowel cancer; Breast cancer; Cervical cancer; Leukaemia; Lung cancer; Lymphomas; Ovarian cancer; Prostate cancer; Skin cancer; Stomach cancer; Testicular cancer

Denise Robbins is a writer who has had bowel cancer and a melanoma. She uses her experience with the disease to help other cancer patients in the LIVING WITH CANCER seminars run by the Wellington and Central Districts divisions of the Cancer Society.

These books are there for you to borrow and we would love you to take advantage of this facility.  Click here to request one of the books.