Anne Loeser

Probably not the most cheerful book in my roster, but this comprehensive and up-to-date overview of metastatic breast cancer, how it is treated, how it can progress, and options for dealing with side effects is exactly what I needed at this point in my treatment.

Loeser isn't a doctor -- she is a woman with metastatic breast cancer and a background in social work, computer programming, and project management. When she was confronted with the disease and frustrated by the lack of a single source of information on MBC, she started compiling this work. While this information is all out there on the internet somewhere, I've found that many of the sites supporting women with MBC tend to go back over the same very surfacey / all pink / "so you found out you have metastatic breast cancer, what now" content without really digging into the scientific side of things (like how do the drugs actually work, when were they approved and what does current research look like, how are different side effects treated in the real world). And the more scientific papers and sources can sometimes be TOO scientific and overwhelm the lay reader. Loeser strikes a good balance and also adds in personal experiences and alternative strategies that readers have sent her over the years, which are particularly helpful in the side effect arena.

While only a subset of what Loeser includes is applicable to me right now, I am happy to have this as a resource to turn to as my treatments change and if the cancer moves from my bones to other areas of my body (and of course I read the whole thing, even the glossary, because that is how I am). Just knowing what could be possible and that there are treatments out there is a huge comfort. She also doesn't shy away from mortality statistics and percentages of failed treatments, and, honestly, I really appreciated that too. I'm at a point where I don't want things to be sugar coated most of the time.

This is a self-published text that is frequently updated as new studies and treatments become available. You can buy a print copy via Amazon, or download the free PDF at https://www.insidersguidembc.com/post/ (a great way to have a searchable and updated copy for reference even if you also read the print book like me). Not recommended for everyone, but if you or someone you love is being treated for MBC, this is a must have.… (meer)