A breast cancer diagnosis means there will be a lot of decisions to make and finding the path that’s personally right is daunting – even when the patient has a medical background. That’s what Dr. Kathleen Thompson, an MD herself and author of the book “From Both Ends of the Stethoscope,” found when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Thompson worked as a medical doctor in the NHS in the UK for many years and now works in the pharmaceutical industry in new medicine development. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Despite being an MD, she struggled to understand what was happening and how to challenge the system when things weren’t right. It made her realize how much harder it must be for people without a medical background. She’s said that getting cancer gave her insight into what it’s like to have a life-threatening illness.
Dr. Thompson’s Recommended Resources
From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting Through Breast Cancer (Book)
Kathleen Thompson — medical doctor, drug researcher and breast cancer patient — uses her own cancer experience to guide the reader through diagnosis and treatment, both when things go smoothly, and when they don’t. Recognizing that anyone diagnosed with cancer is in a state of shock, she delivers factual information intermingled with her own story, in an easily-digestible, and often amusing format.
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Supporting primary and secondary breast cancer patients to make informed choices. Sharing information and up to date news on treatments, breast surgeries, consultants, hospitals and providing useful links.