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"Amazon Heart - Coping With Breast Cancer Warrior Princess Style" is a unique conversation between two young women coping with breast cancer.

In a real-time format, through email and live conversations, the book explores key aspects of the journey, including not only diagnosis and treatment, but also the emotional challenges of negotiating a life beyond.

US$14.95

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Read an Excerpt
Click here to download an excerpt from the book.
                                                                    

Reviews
“I laughed, I cried, I related. I understood, and I even got clarity on confusions I didn’t even know I had. Amazon Heart covers subjects, answers questions, gives explanations and support that only the “cancer-experienced” can.”

- Patricia Randazzo, Breast Cancer Survivor

 

“I felt as though I was afforded a very personal look into the lives of two women as they were going through a horrendous experience.  What an example of grit and grace It’s an example of patients teaching health care givers.”

 

- Rosemary Marescu, R.N., Breast Cancer Educator

 

“Very honest. Sometimes funny and often moving.”

 

 “I wish the book was around when I was newly diagnosed – it would have been good to know what I was feeling was ‘normal’”

 

- Jane Poynt, Breast Cancer Survivor

 

“It’s an open and honest account of how most of us feel. Same sex couples may also be able to make a connection because there is not much in the market place they can relate to. I liked the chapter on reconstruction – it expressed my thoughts exactly – I really felt a connection.”

 

“After reading Amazon Heart, I felt as though Meredith and Megan were my friends too and I was part of their email conversations – they really made a connection. Their journey was different from mine, but their anxieties, fears and hopes along their journey were no different to mine, or any other woman who is forced on this journey. I would certainly recommend it to my customers.”

 

- Leonie Young , Breast Cancer Survivor

 

"For the past 14 years I have worked as a Registered Nurse and Psychologist in the provision of support for people coping with cancer.  As a researcher and service provider this work has included teaching patients and their families about the emotional effects of a cancer experience; educating health professionals about ways to better support patients; developing self help materials for patients and families; and undertaking applied research in this area. 

 

My research has been published in international peer reviewed journals such as Psycho-Oncology; The Journal of Psychosocial Oncology; The Journal of Cancer Education, The British Journal of Urology, The Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, Patient Education and Counseling, Oncology Nursing Forum, and The Breast.  I have presented my work in international conferences in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia .  In 1998 I established the first support program specifically for younger women with breast cancer in Australia . 

 

This extensive background in the field did not however, stop my heart from breaking when my younger sister at the age of 33 years was diagnosed with breast cancer.  As I walked beside my sister Meredith in this experience, I discovered how strong she was, as despite what medical treatments were thrown at her, she came back fighting every time maintaining her sense of humor, strength of purpose and control over her life.

 

I think the Amazon Hearts is an important manuscript for a number of reasons.

 

First, as a record of two women’s intimate exchanges as they face the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis at a young age, the reader is provided with insight into the human condition and how we struggle in adversity to maintain our sense of self and purpose, and a story of friendship between two women from very different ways of life. 

 

Second, the recounting of a dialogue maintained through email exchange provides an example of how contemporary letter writing (which is what email is after all) can be used to develop support and community, even continents apart. 

 

This aspect of the work, as well as the authors’ honest and straight shooting communication style, makes this manuscript contemporary and novel.  The work is candid and honest with the gloves off, a refreshing approach that makes it sparkle. 

 

Finally, the work provides an alternative to the oft promoted view that after cancer a person needs to become immersed in lifestyle changes that focus on keeping cancer at bay.  Rather, Megan and Meredith celebrate life for its own sake and refuse to be typecast.  This is coping with cancer warrior princess style. "

 

- Dr Suzanne Steginga

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