Five Lessons I Didn't Learn From Breast Cancer (And One BigOne I Did) - Softcover

Lewis, Shelley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 045122390X ISBN 13: 9780451223906

Publisher: NAL Trade, 2008

Synopsis

An irreverent, funny, compassionate look at what having breast cancer means—and what it doesnÂ't.

From the pink ribbons to the websites that sell related accessories and stuffed animals, breast cancer has morphed from a disease to an experience. And at every step of the way, society tells women that this experience can teach them profound lessons and maybe even give them a peek at the meaning of life.

But what if it doesnÂ't?

Before Shelley Lewis got breast cancer she was a smart, edgy network producer. After the long month of treatment ended, she was still a smart, edgy network producer. The cancer was gone but in its place there was no epiphany, no new perspective on life. Lewis found that for herself and other women, breast cancer was many things, but it was not necessarily an opportunity for self-improvement. It didnÂ't teach them lessons, but surviving it did draw on hard-won life lessons theyÂ'd already learned.

A wonderful interweaving of the authorÂ's personal story, interviews with breast cancer survivors, and a sharp-eyed journalistÂ's look at the breast cancer “community,” this book is full of unconventional wisdom, unexpected advice, and hilarious observations about life inside the pink bubble.

About this title

About the Author

Shelley Lewis is a graduate of NYU School of Film and Television. After 25 years in television, she wrote Naked Republicans, a satirical voterÂ's guide.

Reviews

This cancer survivor’s book does not promote cancer as a spiritual gift. This is not a book filled with ‘Look on the bright side’ advice, Lewis says. This is . . . for women who don’t have and don’t want a spiritual makeover after breast cancer . . . and don’t expect breast cancer to fix what’s wrong with them. Furthermore, My only growth was the one removed by my surgeon. Her message throughout is that breast cancer can’t change who you are, it confirms who you are. It did, however, mean shedding illusions, including her self-image as still young with endless options. Ultimately, cancer meant clarification, not transformation. She organizes solid advice, including tips on finding Dr. Right, helping others to help you, and being wary of the attitude police, into easily handled chapters. Throughout a straightforward, fast-paced book, her clarity constitutes reassurance, while her ironic, sometimes painfully self-aware wit is a magnet for those seeking an alternative to the I’m-so-grateful-to-my-breast-cancer literature. --Whitney Scott

Edition details

• Publisher: NAL Trade
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 045122390X
• ISBN 13: 9780451223906
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 260