AfterShock: What to Do When The Doctor Gives You—-or Someone You Love—-a Devastating Diagnosis, by Jessie Gruman, Ph.D.

This is an A+ book.

The Patient Report’s Basic Book List is purposely kept small, focusing on books which we believe are worth your time and enable you go right to work on your concern. AfterShock is only the fourth book on the TPR list.

The Patient Report’s Recommended Book List includes titles which merit attention when you are interested.

Aftershock is a basic, a gotta-have-it book for the patient and, if the patient chooses, the patient’s own health care decision-maker—-a close friend or relative. 

We don’t expect to get bad news ourselves. Patients who get this kind of news will read this book when they must have it. 

For family health care decision-makers, however, you know that one day someone who counts on you will get some bad news. Serious illness brings chaos upon people. This books helps you, as the decision-maker, bring some order to that chaos. Reading before you really need it is a good idea.

The author, a social psychologist is someone who has received her own devastating diagnoses—cancer and a high-risk cardiac condition. Her cover picture will reassure any reader that it is not all over before it starts. There always are things you can do even if cure is not possible.

She has a 10-stage approach, developed through her experience, her work as founder and president of the Center for Advancement of Health, an independent, non-partisan Washington-based Policy Institute. Its goal is to help patients use good scientific information when making decisions about their health and health care.

1. In Shock
2. Get Acquainted with Your Disease and Treatment
3. Involve Others
4. Find the Right Doctors and Hospitals
5. Gather Expert Opinions about Your Diagnosis and Treatment
6. Get Timely Care
7. What Will I Do About Work?
8. Pay for Care
9. Find a Little Relief
10.Take Your Next Steps

Her appendices are equally helpful, saving you time while delivering you to excellent resources.

- Digger Deeper: A Guide to Greater Expertise
- What If I Only Want The Basics?
- Books on Family and Illness
- Find the Right Doctors and Hospitals
- Clinical Trials and Second Opinion Services
- A Short Course on Medical Privacy
- A Guide to Health Professionals
- Voluntary and Non-Profit Organizations
- Financial Help and Estate Planning