Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul: Stories to Inspire, Support and Heal

Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Mary Olson Kelly
HCI (2006)
ISBN 0757305210
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (11/06)

I started reading the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series several years ago and have always been amazed and inspired at the wonderful stories in them.  "Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul" does not disappoint.  Right after I agreed to review this book I had my annual physical, which included a breast exam.  The doctor found nine lumps in my breasts and scheduled me for a mammogram and sonogram.  This book arrived on the day that I had the tests.  I began reading it not knowing what the tests were going to turn up and immediately found myself in awe of the people that faced this disease, some winning, some not, but all discovering that the most important thing in life is to live each day as if it were your last--simple advice, yet so hard to follow when we are caught up in the everyday problems and rat-race in our lives.

The pages of "Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul" are full of stories about love, families, and laughter and the incredible support that breast cancer survivors give each other.  The book is perfect for a person diagnosed with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer and their families and friends.  Many of the survivors look back on their experience with cancer as a gift because they learned what is truly important in life during their treatment and recovery time.  Oftentimes, we feel so helpless when a loved one is facing tough times and there are also many wonderful suggestions for things that can be done to help.

I was also amazed at the bond that forms between women, and more increasingly men, who have breast cancer.  They join support groups, educate each other about treatment and rally around people who are trying to make it through treatment and recovery.  They do not just move on when they reach the five year cancer free mark, but wear their pink ribbons with pride and do their utmost to support others.  The people in this book are true heroes, who have met one of life's toughest challenges and instead of giving up in despair learned that life is worth living minute by minute.

I highly recommend this book for people with breast cancer, survivors and their family members.   After reading it I am making a personal goal of mine to participate in the 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer Research.  That will make the marathon that I completed a few years ago seem like child's play, but if these people can survive this disease with so much courage, then a 60 mile walk will be nothing.  I received the results of my mammogram and sonogram and found out that I have cystic breast disease and not breast cancer.  After experiencing those few days of uncertainty, I am in even more awe of the powerful survivors’ spirit in "Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul."

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