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Laughing through the Tears of Breast Cancer: My Personal Metamorphosis

by Carla Chesser RN

177 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #05-1747; ISBN 1-4120-6836-3; US$18.50, C$21.23, EUR15.00, £10.50

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, this book provides inspiration and insight for handling the emotional pain of diagnosis and treatment without fear or anxiety.

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

Laughing through the Tears of Breast Cancer is a source of inspiration for women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and for their caregivers. The easy-to-read style of writing takes you through a year-long journey of dealing with the emotional experiences of the breast cancer diagnosis and the physical treatments that lead to eventual healing.

Although it is a personal journey, this story offers enough similarities that help those who are part of the breast cancer "sisterhood" recognize that, even as they are experiencing their own pain related to this diagnosis, many blessings will result.

By sharing her story through journal writings, emails and inspirational messages, Carla creates enjoyable reading, in a girl-talk format, with an abundant amount of practical information about breast cancer. You will laugh while the tears flow from your eyes as you read her story and share her experiences.

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About the Author

Carla Chesser is a registered nurse with a degree in Psychology and has been a healthcare provider for over 30 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 53, she found herself on the receiving side of the healthcare process. Believing that "everything happens for a reason", Carla has dedicated herself to helping women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer to overcome their fears about this disease. Carla lives in Orlando, Florida and is a single mother of one beautiful daughter, Kelly.

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Excerpts

"It's hard to fathom that every 30 seconds a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 239,000 women...will be faced with making decisions about a diagnosis that they didn't ask for, didn't want and, in most cases, didn't expect." Page 8

"On Tuesday morning, November 11th, as I was getting ready to go to the gym, the phone rang. It was Dr. W. calling with the results of the biopsy. "I am sorry to tell you that the results of the biopsy show breast cancer"... Page 15

All of a sudden it HIT me---I have cancer!! And the tears started. ...It was the most sorrowful cry that I have ever had in my entire life. Page 21

WANTED: A number of caregivers who will provide assistance in getting a "lightweight" up in a chair and dressed. Will need help with meals and clean up. ...Continuous entertainment guaranteed with antics including loud snoring, my face without make-up, the inability to go to the bathroom by myself and calling for pain medicine. HBO and Showtime included. Page 48

At this point, Dr. M. was looking at me, sitting across the room, and he could see the disappointment in my eyes. He started giving me statistics and validation for the reasons as to why I should have chemo, but I wasn't listening. I knew that he wouldn't recommend it if he didn't think it was necessary. But, for the past month, I really believed that I would not have to endure chemotherapy. I just felt drained. Page 84

For me this was like a boxing match that I was going to win! That being said, there were times when I realized that sometimes I was winning the fight and other times I was fighting to win. With each successive treatment, I felt like I was knocked down to the mat...and after each one, I realized that I was closer to being finished with this fight. So, every time I struggled to get back up on my feet and was ready---yes, even looking forward to---the next round. Page 115

So, I went to the mall...walked straight into Frederick's of Hollywood and said: "I need to buy a butt!" Sure enough, the saleslady pulled one out and the price tag was $27.00. Page 121

At one point, Michelle walked me to the bathroom (she pushed the IV pole because I was loopy from the Benadryl) and when I came out, I yelled: "Who left the seat up? I fell into the toilet!!!" (A man had gone in before me---so I pointed at him when I came out.) The place was roaring with laughter!!! Page 132

I will continue to live as a "survivor" as so many women before and after me, will do. A survivor keeps a positive attitude and believes that they have won the battle; but will continue to fight when necessary...no matter what challenge Life decides to present...Page 162

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Catalogue Information

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