Maychai Brown

After experiencing breast cancer, BCAM member Leila Peltosaari — a publisher and writer of practical "how to" books — decided to write a book. The result, entitled Dancing With Fear, is a compilation of hope, help and humour from 127 women and men, including several members of BCAM.

Leila, inspired by the Chinese proverb, "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back", created a website inviting women to share "what we wish we had known, what we would do differently, how we coped, and especially what helped us." She was delighted and a bit overwhelmed by the response.

With such a wealth of material, it was a challenge to keep to her original concept of a small book — something a woman could keep by her bedside or easily stick in her purse. The final 223-page version is bigger than anticipated, but still portable. Respondents' comments are organized into 16 subject areas, a format that invites reading at random, choosing a topic that is currently relevant — diagnosis, dealing with the medical system, surgery, chemotherapy, and more. A wealth of practical advice is offered in sidebars on such subjects as scheduling the best times for appointments, tapping the knowledge of the local pharmacist, managing surgical drains at home, and combatting fear of recurrence.

Leila's suggestions for maximizing physical comfort while undergoing uncomfortable treatments include arranging bedding, foods to take during chemo, easing the effects of radiotherapy, choosing the most comfortable clothing, and instructions for how to make a microwaveable heatbag to soothe the bodily assaults.

Dancing With Fear: Tips and Wisdom from Breast Cancer Survivors is both a companion for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and a good source of information for family members and friends. There's advice on what to say, what not to say and the best gifts to offer. Although the book has been available since September at Indigo ($18.95) and on the internet www.dancingwithfear.org), Leila has been forced to postpone the official launch due to health problems unrelated to her breast cancer. Stay tuned for another announcement.