Secrets of Survival:
Every breast cancer survivor is a hero and has learned some of the secrets of survival. Family, friends, and coworkers who are supportive also bring some wisdom to the fight. UPLIFT is a wonderful collection that lives up to its subtitle: “Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors.”
How It Got Started:
Barbara Delinsky is a bestselling author of fiction, including “Looking for Peyton Place,” The Woman Next Door,” and “Coast Road.” Her character, Katharine Evans, is a breast cancer survivor, like Barbara herself. Ms. Delinsky got so much fan mail about Katharine Evans that it started her down the path to compiling a book of tips, comments, and opinions from the many breast cancer survivors that wrote to her. Five years later, this book has been updated with new material, which comes from many of the original contributors.
Practical and Personal, Real Advice from Survivors:
This book covers so much practical advice and is so conversational in tone that it is like having a portable support group that you can confer with any day, and any time. Each entry comes from a real person, with a date of diagnosis, location, and occupation. The range of ages and careers is a good indication of how indiscreet breast cancer is in choosing its victims, and how resilient we all can be, no matter where we are in life when confronted with this disease.
"Draw on eyebrows, then use a brow brush to make them look real."
Consistently Upbeat:
It would have been easier to compile a book of horror stories and complaints, but this book always focuses on the positive side of life during and after treatment. Every entry is a serving of encouragement, rather than a pity party.
"I am not a survivor - I am an overcomer"
While reading it, you may read between the lines and find someone whose experience has been rather tough, but they never focus on the negative. These secrets are consistently upbeat, aimed at overcoming the odds.
A Few Other Side Effects:
This book doesn't have any medical advice, but does have plenty to say about dealing with side effects from treatment. Hair loss and nausea are well-covered, and fatigue from radiation is talked about as well. However, some common chemo side effects - vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bone pain - don't get many mentions. These are all difficult to discuss in a positive tone, but they are things that I wish I had gotten more advice about from experienced survivors. Perhaps the next edition of this book will include more tips on those topics.
"I could grieve or I could celebrate. The choice was mine."
Patients and Supporters:
Ms. Delinsky edited the contributions into topics and arranged them into chapters that follow a chronological flow: diagnosis, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, side effects, recovery. But she went on to cover the more personal areas of life: family and friends, coworkers and support groups.
"Cancer is tough stuff, but love is stronger."
Ways of coping include humor, exercise, and religion. The chapter titled “Men” could have been called “Being Supportive,” because it includes some great tips for people who are helping breast cancer patients make it through treatment and recovery.
Fast Forward:
"A positive attitude will give you the courage to go on when things get rough. Most important, remember that you are not alone!"
The best part is in the last chapter, written five years later, by the original survivors. They are still doing well, despite career changes, recurrence, loss of family. Many survivors reported feeling stronger and more confident. One quote that sums up the spirit of the book is this one: “We’re here, we’re not alone, we can do this.”
Read for the Cure:
Barbara Delinsky donates all of her proceeds from the sale of UPLIFT to her charitable foundation for breast cancer research. The money is used to fund breast surgery fellowships at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Patients in treatment for breast cancer
- Breast cancer survivors
- Friends, family, and coworkers supporting survivors
- Anyone who wants to support a search for the cure
