Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer [Paperback]

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2001

Just five months after giving birth to her first child, Nancy is diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. As a wife, new mother and working woman, she candidly shares her compelling survival story of how she dealt with the emotions of being diagnosed with breast cancer twice by the age of 37. Nancy vividly illustrates how she faced her own mortality and the impact this disease had on herself, her husband, family and friends. To further expand on this, she includes a special section called "Perspectives" at the end of the book. It's here that her loved ones express their intimate thoughts and feelings on how they coped with Nancy's diagnosis. Learn from her experience on how to deal the with highs and lows of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nancy writes her story and shares her tribulations to help women, young and old alike, cope with breast cancer in a more positive light.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Mikaelian Madey is a native of Racine, Wisconsin and holds a B.A., in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soula New York Times Best Seller, Nancy enjoys writing, traveling and collecting antiques. She resides in Huntington Beach, California with her husband Randy, son David, and daughter Nicole.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (February 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595151175
• ISBN-13: 978-0595151172
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,473,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 49yr. old Breast Cancer Survivor, Wife and Mother, June 11, 2001

By 

Susan C. Sedgeley (Littleton, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer (Paperback)

The author was very descriptive beginning with her early detection all the way through her reconstruction. She covered every angle of her ordeal, which I found fascinating and so easy to understand. Unlike reading a 'medical book', this book expresses the author's thoughts and emotions which I found very comforting. Any questions I had in my mind were answered in this book. I felt like it was written by me/for me. Even the time frame was identical. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I high recommend it not only for breast cancer victims but also for friends and family. It will help them understand our fears and the physical aspects of dealing with this disease.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A YOUNG Woman's Journey through Breast Cancer, April 26, 2001

By 

Ann Guzzardo (Austin, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer (Paperback)

"Facing Fear" is an excellent read for young women facing Breast Cancer. It is unique and refreshing because it is written from a young woman's perspective---and it reads like a novel! I recommend this book because it eloquently explains the emotional journey, the importance of support from friends and family, as well as the physical journey. It also gives some practical information about radiation and bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. While "Facing Fear" is not structured and written as a step-by-step guide, it is an excellent account of one woman's journey from diagnosis to completion of treatment. This book will give young women (and their family and friends) support and information about facing Breast Cancer. Bravo!

4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping story of courage, honesty and powerful love, August 7, 2009

By 

Claire Johnson "Claire Merriam "readzaple... (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer (Paperback)

This is a true life story told by a smart and lovely young woman who happens to be a friend of mine. Once I read the first page, I could not put this book down until I had finished it. I then ordered copies for my sisters and dearest female friends.

I had no idea until I recently reconnected with Nancy on Facebook, that she had gone through one of the most harrowing experiences a woman can face. Facing "Fear" is an understatement. I would describe Nancy's experience as a dreadful nightmare of unknowns that just WOULD NOT STOP for several years. Breast cancer -- it's only a risk for older women... right?

At the age of only 35, Nancy was a new mother who was enjoying her sweet baby and her marriage to a wonderful man. How could she have even dreamed that during a routine followup exam with her doctor, she would hear that he found a lump in one of her breasts he wanted "checked out." Being only 35, Nancy was not too concerned that this might be something more serious than a minor cyst. There was no history of cancer in her family and her risk factor was miniscule. Then came Nancy's very first mammogram, then an ultrasound, followed by the other tests that put Nancy on a journey of terrifying new experiences. Then, the devastating news... a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Nancy describes her fear and emotional ups and downs as she faced each new medical procedure and then, more devastating news. Nancy's honesty, her strong faith in God's love, her determination and courage will help anyone who may be facing this dreaded disease and all the unexpected turmoil it brings. What we come away with from Nancy's story is that one can embraced the idea that life is not fair, bad things do happen to good people of all ages, but we can still find happiness and experience joy at the worst of times. For Nancy, God provided a healing balm over her fear as she invited Him to walk with her and asked for His help in dealing with her challenges and those of her loved ones.

Nancy found a way to not only survive this disease, but to be a better person; grateful to be able to help others by sharing her experience. She highlights the value of love and support she received from her dear friends and family and her strong faith in God. This is an important story for everyone who may one day be dealing with the personal side of facing fear.