Customer Reviews

Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I picked up my wife's book, not knowing what it was about. With the title and photo I assumed it to be about dating. As I began reading it became clear to me that this lady was in big trouble.

My mother was in her late forties when she discovered a lump in her left breast. A general practitioner told her she had cancer and must immediately have the breast removed. This was in the sixties. He hacked off her breast and sewed it up in a most crude manner, leaving a hideous scar. I knew what she went through was no picnic, but until reading "Why I wore Lipstick," I had no idea the depths of her despair and suffering.

In the eighties my sister was found to have cancer, and both breasts were removed and then reconstructed. Again, no idea of what she was going through.

Last year my mother again developed cancer, this time in her right breast. She was 85 years old and suffering from dementia.
With the help of my loving wife and hospice we nursed her in my home until her death.

Geralyn's story took me into the physical and psychological depths of her experience. She shared her feelings in a way that I never could have imagined. Her story also gave me insight into the media world. I always assume that those who make it to the top tend to lack compassion and kindness. I am grateful for her helping me to become more sensitive to the afflicted, and for helping dispel my prejudice toward those in high places.

Humility, humor, openness. What an experience!

Geralyn Lucas writes a thought provoking and candid account of her Cancer experience. She addresses topics that are not addressed in most other accounts - beauty, sexuality, familial tensions. I found the book to be fresh and exciting. Good for her, she wrote what a lot of young cancer patients need to hear.

Ms. Lucas manages to convey the roller coaster ride which is diagnosing, treating, and surviving breast cancer with unique wit, intelligence,honesty and humor. She has bared her soul as well as her breast, and imparts important information along the way. This is a must read for anyone who has breast cancer, who had breast cancer, who had a relative or friend with breast cancer, or who fears getting breast cancer which is to say, ALL OF US. It is also a primer for doctors as to how to approach patients. Just being smart isn't enough, as Ms. Lucas makes crystal clear. Although the main focus of the book is breast cancer, I think it has useful information for all current or former cancer patients , their families and friends, and their caregivers. Don't miss this one! Jane A.

Every young woman's experience with cancer is different so this account is useful from that perspective. But as a young survivor I found it very ego-centric and not at all relateable. Is it tragic that she got breast cancer - yes. Is it more tragic that she got breast cancer AND she's "pretty" and married to a doctor and knows people whose names we recognize - no. While I acknowledge that body image and issues of sexuality and attractiveness seem to be more acute the younger a woman is - this book never develops beyond the surface. Being someone that is not interested in "It" girls (or guys) to begin with - her "it" experience with breast cancer is also lack-luster for me.

Although I enjoyed the book and read it in one sitting, I feel that since it is nearly a decade removed from the disease that its recollections are way too gauzy. Granted it is well written and humorous: But beware - the author engenders more compliments than a Hollywood startlet. Practically everyone she comes in contact with tells her she is beautiful, foxy, stunning, etc. It it filled with grown men reduced to tears - her surgeon, her high school friend she hasn't seen in years, groups at birthday parties, as if all men that know her can't help but mourn for her marred beauty. Her sex life resumes without missing a beat. She get a promotion during her chemo. Barbara Walters showers her with flowers. She comes in contact with New York City cabbies who are sympathetic to her disease, as only an "It" girl could. It fails to capture the searing lonliness and alienation that most patients with this disease experience. For a more honest account of what cancer is like for a young survivor read Katherine Rich's "Red Devil".

I first saw the movie - while I was going through breast cancer myself at 32. Months later - I bought the book. I loved it! I was able to understand what other people went through. It was easy to read with lots of charm. I feel like I really know her and want to read more about how her life is today. I have shared this book with others so they can also understand what it is like to have breast cancer. It should be read by anyone with a loved one - breast cancer can happen to anyone.

I really enjoyed the book. I also saw the movie which was really good. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2006 but I am doing great. I would recommend this book.

I have just finished reading this book. Anyone who has wanted to help a friend with breast cancer needs to read this book! She is so candid, honest and open about what is it like to have breast cancer... You are with her every step of the way from the chemo cocktails to the high school reunion.

For those who were critical of her being the "it" girl, thank God for this "it" girl coming out with breast cancer. The reality is that breast cancer is an epidemic and we need to get it out of the closet. This book is a god-send. I am giving this book to my next friend diagnosed with breast cancer!

I loved this book. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I can relate to everything she is saying. It is also so hilarious! I gave this book to my mom and my best friend to help them understand my world. It really helped.

I agree wholeheartedly with most of the positive reviews here. This lady faced her dark hours with a sense of humor about herself as well as those around her who couldn't know what it exactly felt like to be in her shoes. The path of cancer or any serious condition is fraught with faux pas of medical staff as well as loved ones and acquaintances. There is no set script for anyone to follow. The author meets these issues and her illness with a fighting spirit. Well-written,funny and a stark view of cancer victim reality with a empowering edge.