Portraits of Hope: Conquering Breast Cancer : 52 Inspirational Stories of Strength [Box set] [Hardcover]

Marcia Stevens Sherrill (Author)

Book Description

Series: Portraits of Hope | Publication Date: September 1998

This two-book set presents a message of hope that desperately needs to be heard. Inspirational and uplif ting, the stories provide a measure of strength and support, while the journal is a sanctuary for reflection '

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Whether you're one-breasted, two-breasted, or no-breasted, it's a two-fisted fight," says former congresswoman Bella Abzug in this inspirational and motivational book-and-journal set. It includes touching passages from both male and female breast cancer survivors, as well as women who've had prophylactic mastectomies, from social workers, teachers, activists, and artists to celebrities including Julia Child, Linda Ellerbee, actress Jill Eikenberry, and Betty Ford.

The essay by Ms. Senior America Miriam Adamson is especially uplifting. Her husband left her after 33 years of marriage, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer soon afterwards, which she attributes to her heavy emotions. Chemotherapy left her bald, but she drew strength from the students at the high school where she taught: "She laughs when she recalls that though they started out with the very solicitous words, 'How are you, Ms. Adamson?' the next question would invariably be, 'Can I get a pass to study hall?' so they could see their boyfriends or girlfriends. They were too busy with their own lives to pander to her illness." She's been cancer-free for 15 years now.

These survivors discuss their sometimes controversial decisions--from hedging their bets and refusing chemotherapy to having a radical mastectomy when the doctor said a lumpectomy was all that was needed, to continuing hormone-replacement therapy even though it's been shown to stimulate the growth of breast cancer. These profiles prove that listening to one's inner voice--even if it goes against conventional wisdom--is essential. All proceeds from this collection will be donated to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Stewart Tabori & Chang; 1St Edition edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556708556
• ISBN-13: 978-1556708558
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,452,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best gift for someone facing breast cancer., October 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Portraits of Hope: Conquering Breast Cancer : 52 Inspirational Stories of Strength (Hardcover)

It's hard to visualize how women go on with their lives after the diagnosis of breast cancer. The pictures in this book show committed, involved women whose breasts may have been taken but not their spirits and strength. The stories are often moving, often funny and the journal gives you a place for your own story and notes to record this major life challenge. A great set to get you or friends or family through the worst and get ready for the best part of your life, cancer-free.