Breast Cancer Survivors' Club: A Nurse's Experience

After my friend had breast cancer surgery, I bought Lillie Shockney's book for her and read it myself to be sure it was appropriate. I was impressed with the way she conveyed her hope as well as the hard times. She shared her effective use of humor, and expressed the importance of gathering people around for support. I gladly passed the book on to my friend with the hope she would find support in reading about someone who has coped using methods she has also used. I recommend this book to anyone who is coping with breast cancer, either as a patient or as a supporter of a friend or family member.

I found this to be an excellent guide. It was well written and didn't use long technical words. My experiences paralled hers and it gave me great insite on the disease. It also has very good references and contacts. I have recommended it to many people. I would like to see her write more of what is happening after the years.

I do not have breast cancer and have never had a mastectomy, but I am a woman and that gives me a 1 out of 8 chance of being a member of this club. Lillie Shockney takes you into the examining room, operating room, even into the bedroom. But, most importantly, she takes you into her heart. With humor,candor and common sense, she takes away some of the fears and taboos associated with breast cancer and mastectomies. Her book spurred me to make an appointment for a long overdue mammogram!! God Bless you and your family, Lillie, for sharing a very personal experience.

I've been awarded the opportunity to see up close what a benefit Lillie's book can be to many women facing the shocking diagnosis of breast cancer. As the owner and manager of a small book store, I've had the opportunity to arrange a speaking engagement for Lillie, regarding this issue, at our local university, followed by a booksigning at my store. I could clearly see on the faces of many in attendance, the appreciation they felt in meeting someone who knew first hand what they, as "members of the club" were experiencing. Many times since then, I've recommended Lillie's book to customers at my store who have expressed an interest in breast cancer resources, either for themselves or for loved ones. More times than I can count, I've given the book to friends, relatives and even "secret pals", because I feel strongly that the story told in this book deserves to be shared. The only "problem" that I can find with this book, is that it's difficult to classify! We had quite a time at my store deciding where to shelve it. It could rest easily on the Inspirational shelf, as well as in the Humor or Psychology and Self-Help sections!

A cancer survivor twice over who demonstrates how her sense of humor and support from her family members enabled her to remain a "club member" in good standing. Her compassion for others is evidenced as we follow the chapters of her life before and after cancer. A truly remarkable young woman who shows us that attitude toward what is dealt us is the key to survival. Her resource chapter as a finale should be beneficial to breast cancer victims striving to become survivors. A "must read" book for anyone needing a lift and a laugh