I like to spend warm, slow, summer days reading. This book review is long overdue. I promised the author, Mark Clemens MD, I would do so, and I even said so in this DiepCFoundation interview we did on BIA/ALCL in early 2024. Dr. Clemens, it is a magnificent addition to my bookshelf and resource page. As promised, a book review: Phoenix Rising, Empower & Transform Through Breast Reconstruction.
Phoenix Rising Arrives in the Mail
I was very touched to find a lovely gift from Dr. Clemens in the mail soon after we met at the ASPS Fall 2023 conference. On the final day of the conference, I attended a panel discussion with two friends and international microsurgeons, Dr. Anne Dancey and Dr. Ruth Waters. The topic was on BIA/ALCL and Dr. Clemens was the moderator of an all-women scientific panel from around the world. Anne, Ruth, and I went to dinner together celebrating the final night we were together in Austin since they had traveled from their respective overseas countries to attend.
Our conversation was centered around all we had learned that weekend and Dr. Clemens’ panel stood out as a highlight. It was after the panel I approached him to do an interview with me following up on the topic of BIA/ALCL. He graciously accepted. To my delight and pleasure the book soon arrived in the mail not long after I arrived home with this message from Dr. Clemens.
Hello Terri, thank you for all of your advocacy for breast cancer and reconstruction patients. I hope you enjoy this book. It comes from mutual passion for shared decision making.
Best ~ Mark Clemens
The Layout of the Book
I used to tell my classroom students to hold a book and explore the front cover, back cover, and contents. Then I would instruct them to quickly flip through the pages before beginning to dive into the chapters and read the book. Dr. Clemens invites readers into this space at once.
There are two parts to the book. Part 1is entitled Planning and Preparation. He includes individual sections from diagnosis, consultation, and all the surgical considerations for breast surgery and breast reconstruction including no reconstruction or often known as aesthetic flat closure. Part 2: Recovery and Restoration takes a deeper dive into what treatment and surgery there might be.
Patients know the price we often pay during radiation and chemotherapy. He brings real stories to life in the book from patients who have experienced side effects from these treatments, so the reader feels they are not alone. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter will inspire and make you want to keep reading.
Empowering and Transforming
Each part of the book, each chapter within those two parts, gives you all the information you need to make an informed choice. I feel it prepares you for a shared decision-making conversation with your breast cancer and breast reconstruction health care team. A common theme I felt throughout the book is that education is empowering. One of my favorite lines is on page 64:
Stay informed, not frightened.
~ Phoenix Rising, Empower & Transform Through Breast Reconstruction
You must check out the “Pro Hack: Fight Cancer Like a Pro” sections found at the end of many of the chapters. Here are a few of the enlightening ideas from these rectangular squares at the end of some chapters:
- Self-care during treatment and surgery.
- Facing fears of seeing yourself for the first time after surgery.
- Practical ideas for at home care.
- Understanding insurance coverage and any issues that arise.
I love the beautiful black and white photos interspersed throughout the book chapters. Don’t miss Appendix A and B at the back of the book for “The Phoenix Fundamentals” and “Affirmations.” I recognize some often-used terms you will want to know in Appendix C. Check out Appendix D for some strong organizations providing support, community, and financial support.
A True Testimony and We Transform Through Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Clemens, you do well for all of us in the breast cancer community. This book has a prominent place on my office bookshelf. I use it not only for my own reference but for those I serve at DiepCFoundation. It is a reminder of your importance and impact across the world. It is an honor and privilege to know you. This book review is dedicated to your work Dr. Clemens!
Note: All proceeds from the sale of the book go to breast cancer and breast reconstruction research.
The journey of the phoenix is one of surrender and rebirth, teaching us to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace the transformation that awaits.
from: Phoenix Rising by Dr. Mark Clemens