Some of you know that I am a cancer survivor. It’s been almost eight years since I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. My diagnosis came as a shock considering I was young and a new mom.
I don’t have a family history of the disease and didn’t know one woman who had breast cancer at the time of my diagnosis. I turned to the internet, naturally. Spoiler alert: don’t do that. There is a lot of terrifying information on the internet and it will keep you up at night.
Instead, can I suggest the following books? I’ve read each of these books from front to back and again through the last several years. Each is written by either a medical doctor or a cancer survivor who has a shared experience. Affiliate links ahead.
Books for Those Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book by Susan M. Love, M.D.
This is the sixth edition of this book and for good reason. Dr. Love continues to provide readers the most current research and information on how to navigate their specific breast cancer diagnosis. Included in this edition are the newest advances in treatment and therapies. Additionally, Love dedicates a large portion of this guide to women living with metastatic disease. This is a must have for anyone newly diagnosed or living with breast cancer.
Crazy Sex Cancer Tips by Kris Carr
Kris Carr was diagnosed with a rare vascular cancer that affected her lungs and liver. This isn’t a breast cancer specific book but it’s a great guide on how to navigate life living with cancer based on the author’s personal journey. Resources and advice on boosting your immune system, dating, social life, appearance and more. This is a good book for those diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Carr has gone on to write other variations including: Crazy Sexy Diet, a survivor’s companion guide called Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor and Crazy Sexy Kitchen.
Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber
Expect a lot of science and data in this book but don’t let that discourage you. One quote that I’ve held onto for a long time since reading this book is “Statistics are information, not condemnation. The objective, when you have cancer and want to combat fatality, is to make sure you find yourself in the long tail of the curve.” The newest edition included research on diet, vitamins, toxins, and eliminating stress. This is a great book for people with cancer and how to fight it and for healthy people looking to stay healthy.
The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer by Hollye Jacobs, RN MS MSW
A visually stunning book by breast cancer survivor Hollye Jacobs. This is a memoir and resource book for the newly diagnosed to help find the positive during what can be a very dark, isolating time. Looking to give something to a woman who has been diagnosed? This is the book to give her.
The Healthy Girl’s Guide to Breast Cancer by Christine Egan
Egan’s book is about her personal journey of leading an incredibly healthy lifestyle but was still diagnosed with the disease. This book is part memoir and guide to health and wellness. What I love and admire so much about this book is the way Egan doesn’t allow herself to be a victim. Throughout the book, she shares how to deal with doctors, healthy eating advice and more.
pink tips: breast cancer advice from someone who’s been there by Ann Murray Page
Days after I was diagnosed I stumbled across a documentary called “The Breast Cancer Diaries” from Ann Murray Page that left me in pieces on my living room floor. She was the first woman I learned of who had been diagnosed in her 30s and I could relate to her journey. pink tips is considered a “CliffsNotes” version of advice for those diagnosed with breast cancer and especially for those who are looking to help a friend who has been diagnosed. Sadly, Ann Murray Page died from metastatic disease a few years ago.
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
This is a glorious, feisty memoir from one of my favorite authors. She describes “The Middle Place” being “that sliver of time when childhood and parenthood overlap.” After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she learns her father has been diagnosed with cancer at the same time. It’s a sobering reminder that life continues to happen around us when we’re going through our own things.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October during breast cancer awareness month, please considering taking a few minutes to perform a self breast exam or schedule an appointment for your yearly mammogram. If you are newly diagnosed and have questions, please leave a comment on this post and I’ll be happy to share what I know.
For more great information about breast cancer, visit our Best Pins for Breast Cancer Information Pinterest board.
