Who Wouldn’t Want A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey?
July 23, 2008 by Karen Lynch
Filed under Women's Health
Update: Read through to the bottom of this post if you want to be entered in the drawing to win this journal!
Who here has a pocket folder full of information and notes that you put together when you were first diagnosed with breast cancer? A 3-ring binder? A manilla folder hanging in a Pendaflex file?
Well, take a look at this …
A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey, by Kim Regenhard, was released in April 2008.
The journal, from RiverStone Journals, and in collaboration with Day-Timer, is specifically intended to help women newly diagnosed with breast cancer understand, organize, plan and record their journey from diagnosis through recovery.
Kim herself was diagnosed in 1998, treated with a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Upon her recovery, she took it upon herself to develop a tool that will help others navigate the physical and emotional course of cancer.
“I felt compelled to create a handbook that would make the battle with cancer less burdensome for those diagnosed,” said Kim.
This beautiful hard cover (faux suede, by the way; feels awesome to someone who is tactile like myself), spiral bound book — 86 pages in total — also features beautifully photographed survivors. Kim worked with The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation as well, to include information pertinent to survivors — including terminology and medical explanations of pathology and treatment options.
It’s available online for $39.95. (A portion of the proceeds from A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey sales will be donated to breast cancer research, education and advocacy.) This would make a great gift for anyone newly diagnosed. Yup, wish I had one when I was first told I had cancer. Absolutely, indeed!
Here are a few of the journal’s special features:
- Calendar to plan and manage your schedule
- Directory to organize important contacts
- Compartments to collect critical information
- Questions to ask your medical providers
- Tips and advice from survivors
- Ample space to reflect on your experience
- Inspiring pictures and quotes
- Resources and breast cancer-related organizations
- Special section for caregivers
This journal is a gift from Kim to you … a gift from someone who has walked and survived to someone taking her first steps.
Literally, it’s a gift. I’m giving one Pink Ribbon Review reader a copy of A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey.
All you have to do to qualify to win is leave a comment here explaining your diagnosis and including the date you were diagnosed — I’ll choose one commenter on Sunday, August 3rd, and post the winner for all to see and celebrate.
Thanks Kim, for bringing this journal to our attention.
(Image: RiverStone Journals)
Sounds like a great read
i was ok after all
This would not be for me, but for my sister. She is 39 yrs old and was diagnosed just last week! This is a brand new journey for her and this book looks like a wonderful resource.
in 2001 diagnosed, removed- it has come back several times but am a survivor and too stubborn at this point
My husband and I both lost our moms to breast cancer as teenagers. I feel like I am a survivor just because I am older than my mom ever was.
my wife would find this an interesting book
this sounds like a wonderful gift.it would not be for me but for my step-daughter’s mother.she was just diagnosed and opted for a breast removal.she is such a courageous woman.if i could have chosen a sister from God it would have been her.angie is such a wonderful,warm,caring woman who by far is one of the greatest mothers i have ever known.she was there for me when i lost my mother to a heart attack several years ago.i always go to her when i have a problem with our (my two included)children and have been able to talk to her about anything.she selflessly shares one of her greatest gifts with me (her daughter brittany) and for that i am thankful.she is not just my “daughter’s” mother she is my friend.
Hi,
I was diagnosed on May 22, 2007 and July 26th is my anniversary of having a bi-lateral mastomy with immediate TRAM-flap reconstruction (and my ovaries removed) followed by devoloping a blood clot and a week long stay in ICU-and that is the short story. I had invasive ductal AND lobular stage 2+.
I developed three-three ring binders within 6 weeks and wish I could have had the survivor’s journey book. I would not keep this for myself but would give it to the next newly diagnosed lady that joins my cancer support small group at my church. Another great resource that I have given out has been Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer by Janet Thompson, it is was very inspiring. Keep up the great writing. I enjoy your blogs!
Hi Karen,
I just joined the breastcancer.org discussion board. I saw your post and thought I would read your blog. I was diagnosed on 7/24 with IDC. I won’t know until Wed the grade or stage I am in. However, I know its going to be scary b/c my tumor is 5 cm. I am terrified it will be too late for them to treat just b/c no one detected this until I found it a month ago. I don’t even have to win the journal, I am really just trying to reach out to others who are dealing with the same thing I am. Thank you for your time and for doing such a kind thing for others.
Danyel
Not for me, but for my Church. There’s a breast cancer support group that meets every week.
Diagnosed 7/3/08 with IDC and on 7/18 with additional DCIS plus multiple small invasive areas. Surgery scheduled 7/31 & don’t know if it will be a lumpectomy or mastectomyUntil the surgery!!!
I have a pocket folder now and keep all my info in it. The book sounds like a great idea where I could also journal my journey through czancer and out the other side for my grandchildren, especially my only granddaughter.
I’m entering to win this for my friend, Julie who was diagnosed in May.
excellent
I have a friend who is currently fighting the battle.
I have two friend and two cousins that are going through this battle right now
So far I’ve been blessed and do not have a breast cancer diagnosis,but the book would be for a co-worker that has become a good friend. Her diagnosis was recent and she’s still struggling.
I have a friend who is currently fighting the battle.
I was 29 dxed with lobularbreast cancer 10/23/2001. Dx with mets 10/2002 & started on herceptin 10/23/2002. Exactally one year later.
I would love this for my friend Angelique who is a fantastic writer and loves keeping journals and is struggling with a new dx of BC at age 36.
Love the blog keep up the good work
This is the most unique gift! I am a cancer survivor and would enjoy reading this book.Thanks!
My sister-in-law just died from cancer. I would like to win this to get some insight into the world of cancer. I could contract cancer too and I just want to understand it a little more.
I have not been diagnosed, but I am waiting on the results of a recent mammogram. I would like to donate this book to my local library.