Customer Reviews

The Courage Muscle: A Chicken's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer

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Given ample scientific evidence of the mind-body nexus in healing and wellness, it is amazing that someone hadn't written this extraordinary book before. On the other hand, if it had been done, it is hard to imagine that it could have been crafted as humorously, eruditely and sensitively as Ms. Spencer has done. It is almost as if Groucho (or Rocky and Bullwinkle) meets Jane Austen (or Barbara Pym)in the limning of dealing with breast cancer by a cancer survivor.

It should become a textbook for the medical professions and a guidebook for all who must confront, or support those who do, breast cancer. It is a beautiful book, beautifully written, that sweetly balances gravitas, zaniness and one person's truth. The author's humanity is in full, accessible display for all to see, share and learn from.

No one facing a diagnosis of breast cancer should be alone. This fantastic book is almost like having a wise friend right there, offering advice and good humor. Proceeds from the book go to the Beth Isreal Deaconess Hospital. I encourage Amazon to get this book in stock- it is a life saver.

Finally a breast cancer survivor who has brought our most valuable emotion -- humor -- to the forefront. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is facing breast cancer, or anyone who is supporting a friend or family member with breast cancer. Well written, great perspective, and it will leave you smiling and encouraged. Who ever would have thought?

As one who is symmetrically challenged, breast-wise as Spencer is, I promise this is a terrific book to read if you or anyone you love is diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, even if no one you know has the disease, which is unlikely these days, it's a tremendously funny guide for getting through any of life's daunting little challenges. I'd say it is an absolute scream, but I don't want to scare you; it is an hilarious trip, packed also with good information about your diagnosis and what to expect. The humor shines through, a good thing in the worst of circumstances. Speaking of screaming, it put me in mind of a regular day after work when five of us ladies were hooked up to our portaports, getting our dose of poison, I mean chemo, when a four-inch cockroach scurried out from a corner and under a chair. We all hoisted up our legs (as best we could in those recliners) and started screeching and hollering for help. It was like, "Cancer smancher, this friggin dangerous beast just ran across the linoleum!" So, there are indeed laughs to be had--and more than fair are in The Courage Muscle. A great comfort.

I gave this book to my mother when she began her treatments for cancer and it was the first time I heard her laugh out loud for weeks. Beyond the wonderful humor, the book provided sage and compassionate advice about not just surviving the ordeal of cancer treatment, but growing through it. A must for anyone going through treatment for breast cancer!

This book uses humor to teach valuable information about getting through cancer treatment. It is a hands on guide with very helpful suggestions...such as: why you should go to the dentist as soon as you learn you have cancer.

I laughed and I cried.
Great book.

This book is empowering, and I know what I'm talking about - this year I was diagnosed with a nasty cancer (kidney cancer, stage IV (metastasized), grade 4 (aggressive)), so I got to experience fear like I'd never known. The book does a great job of weaving the cancer experience into the rest of life, and Ms. Monique makes it VERY clear that howEVER she feels about it is absolutely okay with her! I don't have breast cancer, but I gobbled every word and I recommend it to everyone involved with any cancer, without exception. (I'm doing very well now, btw.)

I'm so delighted to see this book available through Amazon. The bellyaching laughs and sound advice from this book got me through chemo. Every evening, when my spirits were sinking and I was exhausted, I would treat myself to some Monique humor and inspiration. I applaud the Beth Israel Deaconess medical center for recognizing the importance of this book and publishing it.

After I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer (really bad), lots of people sent me books - some very spiritual books and some science-y. This book was a breath of fresh air and made me laugh out loud. Send it to the women you know with BC, they will love it. I have given it to many.

Monique Doyle-Spencer is an excellent writer. The Courage Muscle touches on comedy and seriousness.
Recommend this for EVERYONE.