Cancer Survivors Network

The author shares stories from his 2nd career, at UCLA Medical School where he helped begin studies on the connection between a positive mental outlook and a positive medical outcome. He was often asked to see counsel with cancer patients. His take home advice: accept the diagnosis, but deny any pessimistic prognosis, because there are always patients who beat the odds- like he did.

I was a senior at the University of California at Berkeley. At the age of twenty, my life had been smooth sailing, seldom interrupted with adversity or difficulty. I was confident and not concerned much with my appearance. But out of nowhere, a lump had formed behind my right nostril. I had cancer. I fought it and survived. But after multiple surgeries and radiation treatment, I would discover that I hadn?t even begun to deal with what would become my greatest struggle for years to come ? the disfigurement that resulted from it.At Face Value explores the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that a disfiguring cancer brought to my life. It's a story about tragedy, obstacles, and ultimately, about triumph.At Face Value is a personal story that tells about the life I celebrated, but took for granted; the life I abhorred and tried to change; and the life that I treasured because it finally had meaning.

an up to date guide for patients and thier families on the major type of cancer. "with advice from dozens of leading cnacer specialistst at more than 30 major cancer centers"