The Cancer Effect shares Claudia Bretzing's tender and ultimately triumphant journey to conquer third stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Her autobiography draws a grueling picture of the effects of cancer on her life, vividly describing how her life was turned upside down and inside out. From the shock of diagnosis in 2009, Claudia writes of her journey wading through treatment options, choosing a health care team, losing both breasts, the devastating exhaustion and illness of chemotherapy, and the frustration and terror of losing control over every aspect of her life.
When her chemo treatments ended, Claudia discovered that cancer's effects were far more than physical and extended miles beyond her first vision of the journey. Cancer exacted a massive emotional, mental and spiritual price. She narrates how debilitating fear and addiction can be, how important the support of friends and family were to her survival, and how she learned to trust in God and her own body again.
"The Cancer Effect is more than about surviving cancer. It's about conquering the trials and fears we all eventually face," said Richard Dinsdale, MD. Claudia's heartfelt memoir is rich in detail and will bring tears, laughter, hope, courage and even joy as readers navigate with her the often bumpy cancer road.
The Cancer Effect is an inspiring story of the celebration of life, love, family, self-discovery, and the power of faith and prayer.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother and a stage 3 breast cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed, it was a shock to discover that the small change in the appearance of my breast was actually hormone receptor positive breast cancer. One day I was fine, and in one small moment, my entire life changed course. My book is titled The Cancer Effect for a reason. Besides the obvious physical effects of cancer, I was forced to face the emotional, spiritual and mental effects no one tells you about. But there are also positive effects - the Cancer community is one of the most giving, loving, supportive group of people I've ever known. If there's one cancer effect I'm grateful for, it's the people I've come to know through this journey. When I began writing this book, I wrote with the intention of helping others who were diagnosed with cancer. That is still my hope, but writing has come with an unexpected bonus. As I allowed myself to gradually open and scrutinize my complex emotions, I achieved personal healing. I hope it helps others do the same. On a more personal note, I've been married to the love of my life, the best companion and support I could ever have along this journey, for 43 years. We have six children, and sixteen grandchildren, so far! Through Randy's service in the Air Force, we have lived throughout the country and in Germany. One of my fondest memories is performing as a member of the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra as a violinist. I love to do crafts and sew gifts for my family. I live in Arizona but love to travel and visit my far-flung family. Being with them is my greatest joy.
