Reviews
"I received this from a friend. All I can say is, "Wow!" I had a bilateral mastectomy in January of 2021. I wish I had this resource as I navigated the world of a newly diagnosed woman. I honestly feel this resource should be given to all women upon diagnosis. I appreciated the candor, humor, and honesty of Dr. Mathias. While reading, it really felt like a close friend giving me the inside scoop about breast cancer. If you have been recently diagnosed or a friend has been recently diagnosed, this is the book for you."
"The book is a welcome tool for those who receive a diagnoses of cancer and the people in their support team. It’s so easy to understand, so helpful with decision making, and honestly is a companion on a journey you never thought you’d experience."
"This book is a step by step guide to what to expect when you hear the words “you have breast cancer”. In an overwhelming time and your mind going in every direction this book makes hard to understand information easier to understand. Would definitely recommend reading if you or anyone you are close with is going through this."
Additional Resources
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Excellent Resource!!!
Susan G. Komen Foundation
Excellent resource for information and access to care. There is a Breast Care Helpline that links you directly with an Oncology Social Worker.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Another great resource for the latest information!
About the Author
"I was introduced to breast cancer at a very young age. My grandmother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer at age fifty while living in Alaska. In order to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and enroll in clinical trials, she lived with my family in Southern California. My clearest memories of my grandma “mee-mee” were of her wearing headscarves and face masks. My father was in the Navy, and I grew up moving around the United States, gifted with the experience of meeting people from all walks of life. My mother was an elementary school teacher, and I spent hours tutoring and learning the value of thoughtful and clear communication. I went on to graduate college with degrees in Biochemistry and English with honors. My English honors thesis focused on the metaphors that breast cancer survivors used in their memoirs to understand and cope with their cancer diagnosis, their treatments, and the side effects. In preparation, I read every breast cancer memoir that I could find. I then completed medical school, general surgery residency, two years in a basic science research laboratory, and breast surgery fellowship with the goal of focusing on the treatment of women with breast cancer. My mother still talks about how wonderful my grandmother’s doctors were. I grew up listening to just how important the relationship is between a woman and her doctor; and how, sometimes, that makes all the difference. I will always aim to be the little ray of sunshine in an otherwise stormy journey through breast cancer."
Contributing Authors
Deborrah Carter
Breast Cancer Survivor
Patient Advocate and
Founder of Sassy Survivor