I want to thank the author, Sara Liyanage, and her publishers, Sheldon Press, for sending Sara’s book, After Breast Cancer, so that I may read and review it. The name itself appeals to me. Survivorship after breast cancer is not only important but can mean many things to those of us who have gone through it. I am honored to share my book review of After Breast Cancer.
From Cover to Cover a Quick Summary
When I taught students how to “get to know” a book these are things that I would tell them.
- Hold the book in your hands.
- Look at the cover and know how the author is.
- Turn to the back and read the short summary of the book that focuses on the message of the book.
- Read the Acknowledgement page to hear the author send a resounding thank you to collaborators.
- Look at the table of contents to see how the book is set up and get the flow of the author’s thoughts before you begin.
- Read the introduction to feel as if you are getting to know the author.
- Flip to the Index at the back and quickly glance through words as your roadmap to the book.
In every sense of the word, after I took my own advice and went through these steps myself, I was ready to dig into Sara’s book.
How After Breast Cancer Speaks to so Many
Did you feel as though you were free falling after finishing all your treatments? Were there days when you weren’t sure what follow up you would need with your oncologist or the other members of your healthcare team?
Sara acknowledges our breast cancer experience uniqueness in her writing. How people feel after a breast cancer diagnosis varies depending on many factors. The physical, emotional, and psychological challenges are discussed. She offers practical suggestions for dealing with anxiety, fears of recurrence, and how our guilt can sometimes get the best of us after breast cancer.
Key Features of the Book
I find great comfort in familiarity. When I would get to the end of a chapter Sara always a “Top Tip” and a checklist summarizing what was talked about. I really like it she left a page entitled, “Notes”. Under the word Note at the top of these pages, there is a prompt to help you personalize some thoughts writing what appealed to you in that chapter. The reader can then look back on these “Notes” pages to reflect on emotions and feelings whilst reading.
It feels personal to read comments shared from actual patients who have completed their breast cancer care. I feel many of the comments will resonate with the readers of the book, making them feel as if they are not alone in how they feel after breast cancer.
The toolkit section was a super bonus for me. Sara outlines some solid, actionable items the reader can do after breast cancer. A quote she shares from another book she wrote, “Ticking Off Breast Cancer”, is:
I need to stop. I need to press the pause button. I need to take a few deep breaths and I need to think about how to get through this.
Ticking Off Breast Cancer
With that quote in mind, Sara delivers in the toolkit section of the book. She carefully shares ideas, activities, and simple, very attainable activities for the reader. Do you need some resources? There is plenty to choose from toward the end of the book.
I Am Adding After Breast Cancer to My Booklist Resources
Sara, thank you for this great book and for sending it my way to review. I am now adding your book to my booklist for others to discover and enjoy!
