If I Just Breathe [Paperback]

Tina Koral (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 2008

In August 2003, Tina Koral was an ambitious medical research assistant with a blossoming career, and a newlywed with dreams of children. But her life was about to change forever. If I Just Breathe is the story of Koral's breast cancer diagnosis at age thirty, after her tumor was left to grow and spread for eighteen months because her doctors said she was too young to get breast cancer. While in treatment, Koral initiated a medical malpractice lawsuit against two doctors and two major Chicago area hospitals. During this time she wrestled with the questions that many young women with cancer do - will this kill me? Will I be able to have children? Will the doctors be held responsible for their negligence? With such universal themes of body image, fertility, and triumph over adversity, If I Just Breathe will inspire any woman to be resilient in the face of life's difficult times.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Tina Koral's journey highlights the issue that young women must know their body and advocate for themselves. A physician's words, 'You're too young to have breast cancer,' can have a devastating impact on a young woman's life. This book will inspire you to stand up for yourself and your boobies. --Marcia Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Young Survival Coalition

"Tina Koral's journey highlights the issue that young women must know their body and advocate for themselves. A physician's words, 'You're too young to have breast cancer,' can have a devastating impact on a young woman's life. This book will inspire you to stand up for yourself and your boobies." --Marcia Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Young Survival Coalition

Review

An honest, compelling and inspiring story of one young woman's courageous struggle to get busy living in the wake of a life-altering disease. Tina is a great example of what it means to be a young adult affected by stupid cancer.

"An honest, compelling and inspiring story of one young woman's courageous struggle to get busy living in the wake of a life-altering disease. Tina is a great example of what it means to be a young adult affected by stupid cancer."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (October 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440419922
• ISBN-13: 978-1440419928
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,391,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and well written, November 26, 2008

By 

D. Heatherly (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If I Just Breathe (Paperback)

Few things are more frightening than being told that you have cancer. Anyone who has heard those words firsthand will be stuck on page 13 of this book for a bit, remembering the moments before and after that diagnosis was delivered to you.

In that regard, it doesn't take long for the reader to be assured of three things: this author knows how to write, her message is genuine, and that message is well worth reading.

Tina openly shares the hopes, fears, thoughts, and feelings that she experienced. Young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are sure to drawn to the book naturally, but I'd recommend it for family members, as well. Tina does a wonderful job of putting into words some important things that a person with cancer may not be able to express in the midst of the crisis.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible first-person account of an profoundly difficult situation, November 25, 2008

By 

Todd Hagopian "CEO of the Hagopian Institute ... (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If I Just Breathe (Paperback)

Incredibly well written book that details the most intimate details of Tina's (You will also feel like you are on a first name basis with this wonderful author by the time you finish the novel) struggle with breast cancer. As someone who has known women that have been through similar struggles in the past, I would recommend this book to all women, as well as all men who have women in their lives enduring a similar struggle.

The details regarding how Tina finally found out about her cancer (after other doctors failed to find it) will provide necessary lessons that all women should learn. I do not want to disclose too much about the book, but needless to say, it is a fantastic story. Please support this courageous woman.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource!, November 17, 2008

By 

Jennifer S - See all my reviews

This review is from: If I Just Breathe (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for women of all ages! It hits home the point that no one knows your body better than you! Although the message is serious, it inspires and gives hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer. I commend Tina for sharing such an intimate and personal journey. She is a true warrior!