Customer Reviews

Breast Cancer Survivors' Club: A Nurse's Experience

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After my friend had breast cancer surgery, I bought Lillie Shockney's book for her and read it myself to be sure it was appropriate. I was impressed with the way she conveyed her hope as well as the hard times. She shared her effective use of humor, and expressed the importance of gathering people around for support. I gladly passed the book on to my friend with the hope she would find support in reading about someone who has coped using methods she has also used. I recommend this book to anyone who is coping with breast cancer, either as a patient or as a supporter of a friend or family member.

The author discounts or ignores many of the options and treatments that most breast cancer patients need to consider, without adequate information for dismissing them. Why wasn't she on tamoxifen? Why couldn't she consider implants with reconstruction to balance the existing breast? Why was chemotherapy never even discussed? It seems she never consulted an oncologist. Why? If you're > Stage 1, skip this.

I've been awarded the opportunity to see up close what a benefit Lillie's book can be to many women facing the shocking diagnosis of breast cancer. As the owner and manager of a small book store, I've had the opportunity to arrange a speaking engagement for Lillie, regarding this issue, at our local university, followed by a booksigning at my store. I could clearly see on the faces of many in attendance, the appreciation they felt in meeting someone who knew first hand what they, as "members of the club" were experiencing. Many times since then, I've recommended Lillie's book to customers at my store who have expressed an interest in breast cancer resources, either for themselves or for loved ones. More times than I can count, I've given the book to friends, relatives and even "secret pals", because I feel strongly that the story told in this book deserves to be shared. The only "problem" that I can find with this book, is that it's difficult to classify! We had quite a time at my store deciding where to shelve it. It could rest easily on the Inspirational shelf, as well as in the Humor or Psychology and Self-Help sections!

I found this to be an excellent guide. It was well written and didn't use long technical words. My experiences paralled hers and it gave me great insite on the disease. It also has very good references and contacts. I have recommended it to many people. I would like to see her write more of what is happening after the years.

So many of us have had to face saddness, fear, illness, and death in our lives. Breast cancer is not prejudice, it does not discriminate, or is understanding, and so many women today are faced with having to deal with this disease in someway. Reading Lillie's book made me realize that although it is frightening, it was okay - okay to change your appearance, your lifestyle, and your outlook on life. With the use of laughter and the comfort of her family and friends, this woman took a life altering experience and, with her mind set, she changed her way of seeing the world. She is a survivor, and after reading this book, you feel the strength that she has gained, and will have the courage and spirit overcome any challenge life gives you.

I do not have breast cancer and have never had a mastectomy, but I am a woman and that gives me a 1 out of 8 chance of being a member of this club. Lillie Shockney takes you into the examining room, operating room, even into the bedroom. But, most importantly, she takes you into her heart. With humor,candor and common sense, she takes away some of the fears and taboos associated with breast cancer and mastectomies. Her book spurred me to make an appointment for a long overdue mammogram!! God Bless you and your family, Lillie, for sharing a very personal experience.

This was the first book I received after having surgery for breast cancer. By page nine, Lillie Shockney had me laughing--the best medicine for cancer patients. She tells her story so that the reader becomes a friend on her journey through fear, medical treatment, assuming control, and recovery. It is a must-read for cancer patients, their families and friends. I sent it to my Mother and three daughters to better explain to them what my treatment would be like. Thank you, Lillie, for your gift to breast cancer patients!

A cancer survivor twice over who demonstrates how her sense of humor and support from her family members enabled her to remain a "club member" in good standing. Her compassion for others is evidenced as we follow the chapters of her life before and after cancer. A truly remarkable young woman who shows us that attitude toward what is dealt us is the key to survival. Her resource chapter as a finale should be beneficial to breast cancer victims striving to become survivors. A "must read" book for anyone needing a lift and a laugh

I read part of this book and then put it down and gave it away. In the book, the woman has breast cancer and surgery, and that's it. Surgery was only the first part of my experience with breast cancer, and I was looking for more.