Author's Bio Press ReleasesReviews & InterviewsArticlesPhotosTo Order Home E-Mail

Book Reviews

Reviewed by Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
Lifeline Newsletter -- Fall 2001

Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer by Nancy Mikaelian Madey is a great read. Written in a 'novel-like' format, Facing Fear is the first person account of Nancy's journey from her doctor finding a lump in her breast, through her second diagnosis, to the end of her treatments. First diagnosed at 35, only five months after the birth of her son, Nancy focuses on her emotional reactions, her coping strategies, and the reactions and support of family and friends. The details of her diagnosis and treatment, which apply only to her, are not as important as the emotional process she was compelled to go through. Nancy's description of her reconnection with her spirituality and her struggles with her fears are inspirational. Of special interest is the "Perspectives" section, where her family and friends share their reactions and feelings. Facing Fear although written by a "Young Woman", could be helpful to women diagnosed at any age. For more information about Nancy and her book you can go to www.survivingbreastcancer.com. Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer (ISBN # 0-595-15117-5) is available by order only from traditional bookstores everywhere, online from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com, iUniverse.com, or by calling the publisher toll-free at 1-877-823-9235.

Reviewed by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (National Race for the Cure)
Mission Newsletter-Summer 2001

While the title emphasizes a young woman's account, women of all ages can identify with a great deal of Nancy's journey. The book provides the reader with an insider's view of the author's personal encounter as a young wife and new mother being diagnosed, not only once but twice with breast cancer. It exposed the highs and lows a survivor may experience from detection through treatment. It also gives an overview of possible treatment choices and emphasizes the importance of breast self-examination. Lastly, it compares and contrasts organized support groups and support from family and friends

Reviewed by Susan C. Sedgeley
49 years old, breast cancer survivor, wife and mother

RATING: 5 stars
The author was very descriptive beginning with her early detection all the way through her reconstruction. She covered every angle of her ordeal, which I found fascinating and so easy to understand. Unlike reading a 'medical book', this book expresses the author's thoughts and emotion, which I found very comforting. Any questions I had in my mind were answered in this book. I felt like it was written by me/for me. Even the time frame was identical. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I highly recommend it not only for breast cancer victims but also for friends and family. It will help them understand our fears and the physical aspects of dealing with this disease.

Reviewed by Ann Guzzardo
33 yr. old breast cancer survivor

RATING: 5 stars
"Facing Fear" is an excellent read for young women facing breast cancer. It is unique and refreshing because it is written from a young woman's perspective--and it reads like a novel! I recommend this book because it eloquently explains the emotional journey, the importance of support from friends and family, as well as the physical journey. It also gives some practical information about radiation and bi-lateral mastectomies with reconstructive surgery. While "Facing Fear" is not structured and written as a step-by-step guide, it is an excellent account of one woman's journey from diagnosis to completion of treatment. This book will give young women (and their family and friends) support and information about facing breast cancer. BRAVO!

 

Radio Interview

To hear Nancy's live radio interview, click on her photo.

Note: In the pop up window type in the search box facing fear. From there you have the option to click the Audio button on the right or hear the interview.

Past Appearances & Events:

· Mission Medical Center; Mission Viejo, CA
· Western Medical Center; Santa Anna, CA
· The Ritz_Carlton; Laguna Niguel, CA
· Orange County Regional Cancer Center, Fountain Valley, CA
· Gilda's Club, Davenport, IA
· Y-ME National Teleconference, Chicago, IL
· UCI Medical Center, Orange, CA
· Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Racine, WI
· St. Mary's Hospital, Racine, WI
· Hoag Breast Center, Newport Beach, CA
· Saddleback Breast Center, Laguna Niguel, CA
· Sentara Cancer Institute, Hampton, VA
· Nordstrom S. Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA
· JC Penney, Westminster, CA
· Ingram Micro, Santa Ana, CA
· Orange County Memorial, Fountain Valley, CA
· Saks Fifth Avenue, S. Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA
· Bloomingdale's Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA