“A really informative book – but also very readable.

Dr Thompson speaks from her own experience – both from the point of view of a patient and as a doctor – about her breast cancer. It gives us an insight into her own battle with with the disease – but also into what might happen in different cases. It also offers helpful advice/options on how one might approach medical professionals if you feel something is not as it should be with the treatment offered. I also found the bits about how the mind may possibly play a role in the outcome very interesting.

I would recommend the book to anyone with the disease – or who is supporting someone through it. It is also very informative to improve general knowledge and awareness even if you don’t fall into either of the categories above.”

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“I found Dr Thompson’s book to be a brilliant and highly informative read. Aside from the authors personal journey through her illness it expands to provide wider guidance for a reader suffering this illness. At times tear jerking and at times highly informative of the inner workings of the NHS and the medical profession. Dr Thompson’s dark humour providing a counterpoint to her fight for survival. A detective novel would be unlikely to have more twists, turns and dramatic moments, but this is for real and that makes it extremely poignant. The writing style I found to be woman to woman. While entirely appropriate for the subject as a man I felt it emphasised that the small number of men suffering this condition are a bit of an afterthought.”

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“For such a subject matter, it’s hard to admit that I really ‘enjoyed’ this book, but I did. The author has struck the perfect balance of easy to understand medical facts against her own personal experience of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. The order of the book has a natural progression, walking you through from first signs of cancer, through diagnosis and treatment, though as each chapter seems to be a self-contained section, I think you could easily dip in and out of the chapters as you please. The book is very easy to read, and quite gripping. I couldn’t put it down! Don’t think this will be a complete tear jerker, it isn’t. I found it quite the contrary – there’s a lot of wry humour. This book will appeal equally to those who have breast cancer and those who know someone with it. I definitely recommend it.”

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“Engrossing read. Considering the subject matter this is such a readable book so much so that I nearly missed my stop on the London Underground and my hasty exit resulted in leaving my spectacle case behind. Fortunately I was still wearing my spectacles so I could carry on reading this amazing book.”

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“A must read for anyone whose life is touched by breast cancer. This is a really important book, written by an author who is qualified to speak about this subject as a doctor and also as a patient l I expected to find it useful, but didn’t expect to be unable to put it down – even waking up early in the morning just to have a few extra minutes to read it. The book is written in an easily understanding way which gives advice but doesn’t lay down the law. Kathleen treats those reading the book as adults and understands that everyone’s experiences are different; She offers her own experiences in a straight forward honest way and I know that if I am ever faced with breast cancer, I shall turn to this book straight away and will hopefully feel better able to cope. I shall certainly buy it for anyone I know who is dealing with breast cancer and am sure that it will improve their experience of the journey they are embarking on.”

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“An excellent book for those diagnosed with breast cancer and all concerned about it. Written by a doctor who has been through it herself, it describes her emotional responses and concerns, as well as explaining what is happening at each stage of treatment in short, digestible chapters.”

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“I really enjoyed reading this book, which is a bizarre thing to say about someone’s cancer story, but it was very easy to read and written in a clear, totally not patronising, way, using the author’s story to highlight the information about how diagnosis occurs and treatment options. I felt very involved with the author’s story and that made it compelling. I have recently spent lots of time with doctors and hospitals with my mother (not with cancer) and what is really useful it learning that you have to take control of your illness and treatment and be polite but demanding. I will totally take that attitude with me!”

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“If you are wondering whether this book is for you, just buy it. Life’s too short to procrastinate! It’s probably best to read this book when you don’t think you need it. Dr Kathleen Thompson takes you on her personal journey in a lonely guide to cancer sort of way. It’s an easy to digest and enjoyable read and it leaves you aware of both the technical aspects of cancer and also the emotional bewilderment that accompanies it. This book that should grace the shelves of institutions that deal with cancer victims, it’s an accessible read and deserves to be accessed by those who need it, either as a patient or as a friend, relative or care giver.”

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“From Both Ends of the Stethoscope or how to get what you need from the medical profession. I found this book well written and informative. It was interesting to read Dr. Thompson’s personal story and also to find out that we are in charge of what happens to our body and how much we can insist on doing or having done. Please read this book.”

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”I shall say this whether I should or not! I know the author of this remarkable book personally. Correction – I thought I knew the author! Reading the story of Dr Kathleen Thompson’s encounter with breast cancer and her subsequent recovery from this devastating illness, has revealed a woman and an author who displays a deep vein of human sympathy, a remarkable aptness with words and a sense of wit and humour that shines through every page. I am a man, by the way! May I say that this account may be ostensibly about breast cancer, but more importantly reveals in great depth how women – as opposed to men – see the world and lead their “interior” lives. It has given me an insight into the way human beings – and especially women – react to suffering. It seems almost a contradiction, an aberration even, to say that I enjoyed every page of the book. But that is a simple statement of the truth. This book deals with suffering – but reading it from cover to cover is a truly enjoyable experience.“

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