In 2014, an estimated 1.66 million people will receive a diagnosis of cancer. They will join a pool of 13.7 million Americans already living with a history of cancer. Almost 600,000 Americans will die from cancer. For some, cancer will be only a short divergence. For others, however, it will be a dramatic fork in the road. And for still others, the beginning of the end of the line. This book guides cancer patients along their journey where no one knows the duration or the destination. Divided into the three parts of being a cancer patient-the diagnosis, initial treatment, and on to survivorship-the book will help the newly diagnosed cancer patient navigate a complex health care system, make astute decisions at difficult junctures, and manage the emotional turbulence that can rock his or her world. Lastly, it shares the story of how the author and his wife, as well as other cancer patients, have confronted their disease. "John and Lori Leifer have provided an insightful and compassionate navigation path from diagnosis to closure after you hear it's cancer. Take the journey with them, it's well worth it." (Richard Carmona, MD,MPH,FACS, 17th Surgeon General of The United States; Distinguished Professor University of Arizona) "If you are a cancer patient, caregiver, or a cancer care provider, this is one book you must read! This is an excellent, comprehensive discussion of the journey a cancer patient takes once they hear "It's Cancer"." (Daniel P. McKellar, MD, FACS, Chair, Commission on Cancer) "After You Hear It's Cancer provides a wealth of information to assist patients and their families navigate the complicated cancer care system and to participate in the decision making process for their own care. The patient stories interwoven throughout the book make the experience personnel, real, and understandable." (Robert W. Carlson, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network)