Synopsis
The author recounts her experiences with breast cancer, from the initial discover of the condition, through the various stages of treatment, to her present period of survival
Reviews
In addition to a detailed account of her medical and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, mental health counselor Mayer ( Night Studio ) demonstrates the psychological and literary insight which helped her to survive her trials. The author claims that extensive reading about cancer as well as a women's support group helped her to overcome her fears, self-pity, despair at conflicting professional opinions, feelings of rage and "alienation from the normal healthy world." Above all, she refused to believe that her suffering had no purpose. She recalls how a spiritually inspiring trip to Nepal and Tibet helped to heal her psychic wounds. Now, five years after surgery, Mayer concludes with an encouraging report on recent advances in chemotherapy.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Mayer quietly tells her story of failure to diagnose breast cancer despite mammograms and of what she found out about the medical profession, support groups, and herself. Hers is not the usual brash or flip presentation designed for the Sunday supplements or TV. When she finally was diagnosed, Mayer sought information first from reading and then from support groups. A major argument with her surgeons (which, to her later regret, she lost) arose when she wanted to have a mastectomy and reconstructive work done in close sequence. Details of her own and others' responses to surgery and chemotherapy underline the variation in individual reactions. Also individual is her decision, after experiencing leaks and other problems and despite her surgeon's objections, to have her original implant removed. She concludes with brief descriptions of new methods of treatment. Mayer raises many stimulating questions, and her low-key story deserves wide consideration. William Beatty
With breast cancer striking one out of every eight women, it's no wonder that there is a wave of new books on this topic. Mayer's work joins recent titles such as Joyce Wadler's My Breast ( LJ 9/1/92), Juliet Wittman's Breast Cancer Journal ( LJ 3/1/93), Yashar Hirshaut and Peter Pressman's Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide ( LJ 8/92), and Paul Kuehen's Breast Care Options for the 1990's ( LJ 8/91). Mayer, an author ( Night Studio: A Memoir of Philip Guston by His Daughter , Knopf, 1988) who is also a cancer survivor, writes with candor about her disease, stressing the psychological aspects of illness and recovery. In analyzing all aspects of breast cancer, from biopsy through reconstructive surgery, she offers a personal and highly articulate slant. Highly recommended. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the publisher is donating part of the proceeds from this book to the National Breast Cancer Coalition.--Ed.
- Janet Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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