“Just Diagnosed was given to me when I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I was able to be extremely prepared for all of my doctor''s visits, armed with questions suggested by the book. It was also a source of comfort, knowing that even though everyone''s breast cancer journey is different, we are all in this together and can learn from each other. This book is a must-have. I have referenced it many times throughout my treatment and recommended it to several friends.”
— Allison Roditi, FACHE, Vice President of Orthopedics, Catholic Health, Breast Cancer Patient
Just Diagnosed, written by Arlene Karole, is based on her personal experiences and it is dedicated to helping others become self-aware and empowered by taking charge of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Just Diagnosed started with scores of sticky notes as certified healthcare professional Arlene Karole began navigating the early stages of her own diagnosis. Voluminous research and numerous consultations with doctors and discussions with friends followed, ultimately leading to this book, which is designed to teach, inspire, and empower. No matter your unique diagnosis, stage of breast cancer, stage of life, or gender (men get breast cancer too), you have choices regarding your attitude, approach, and health-care decisions.
Karole employs incredible candor, an often-humorous approach, and a great deal of vulnerability in connecting with her readers. She provides resources, checklists, and definitions. This book is designed as a road map through a breast cancer diagnosis; it''s a step-by-step guide on what you can expect, what you need to know, and what to do next—from initial diagnosis through the difficult decisions ahead.
In Just Diagnosed, Karole helps readers grapple with this most intimate disease. With her book as a guide, you will face this news with great friends—even "breast friends"—courage, and fearlessness, knowing you do have choices, you are in control and most of all, you are not alone.
Industry Reviews
"This is a book that aims to help those who have just been diagnosed to get the most from their breast cancer-related consults and appointments. Some of its sections focus on preventive care and suggest changes to enjoy better health; others are directed at those who are coping with medical challenges in the moment. The text is written with nuance, and its lines are empowering and coherent, even when it comes to technical medical jargon. It is also perky, reassuring, and sisterly...Just Diagnosed: Breast Cancer is a practical guide through breast cancer that includes sensible support options for every phase, from diagnosis to discovery and recovery."
- Claire Foster, Foreward Reviews
"A self-help work that offers a comprehensive overview of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Karole, a certified health care professional and health administrator based in New York, makes an observation about breast cancer that will be familiar to survivors of all types of cancer: that it's "a lifelong journey," and it's
one that she hopes she can ease with this book. The author's inclusive approach-encompassing her own story, those of friends and acquaintances,
and even occasional celebrities-allows her to touch on a wide spectrum of issues, from psychologically coming to terms
with a diagnosis to navigating the complexities of the medical industry. Along the way, she offers generous helpings of
low-key but helpful encouragement and advice. Readers dealing with breast cancer, as well as their loved ones and
other helpers, will find this book's combination of information and good sense to be invaluable. An empathetic and appealing handbook on all aspects of breast cancer and its treatment.
- Kirkus Reviews
