Book Review: A Breast Cancer Alphabet By Madhulika Sikka

A BREAST CANCER ALPHABET

By: Madhulika Sikka

Published: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Crown, First Edition

Non-Fiction

I am part of the TLC Book Tour for A BREAST CANCER ALPHABET. To see other stops on this book tour including reviews from other book bloggers and giveaways, click HERE. 

During this month of October, I felt it was especially appropriate to share this book. A BREAST CANCER ALPHABET isn't just for the person with cancer, but for those who love and care for the person with cancer. I would even offer that even though this book focuses specifically, in certain chapters, about breast cancer, this book could be helpful to anyone with any form of cancer. 

While working as a producer with NPR, Sikka found out she had breast cancer. As she traveled through chemo and hair loss, surgeries and sickness, she found there wasn't a book to tell you exactly what you wanted and needed to hear while going through the days of cancer. Sikka wrote this book to remind those with cancer and their families and friends that you can still smile, life still goes on and most importantly, you have every right to feel the way you do.

The book is laid out exactly as you would expect. Each chapter begins with a letter of the alphabet that explains a part of living with cancer.  In the "A is for Anxiety" chapter, you will find that anxiety isn't a feeling experienced just during the waiting game after a lump is found, but a part of life that continues years after you are "cancer free". The anxiety during your treatments is just as real as the anxiety you feel in the back of your mind, always wondering if your cancer will come back.  In the "E is for Epiphany" chapter, Sikka explains that all those dreams and wishes you had in your "pre-cancer" life are nothing compared to the dreams you have in your "after-cancer" life. Realizing that your life was pretty great just as it was may be the epiphany you needed. There are also practical chapters like "P is for Pillows" in which the author shares the practicality and necessity of a three-by-six-inch pillow. 

I found A BREAST CANCER ALPHABET to be a practical, yet emotional book. Just because I am a woman makes me a large target for the wretched breast cancer beast. Reading this book made me fearful, yet encouraged. I get my annual mammograms. I perform monthly self-checks. But, I also have a family history of breast cancer. I know the risk for me is high and I found comfort in the pages of this book. Sikka was honest, thorough, and creative in her informative book. I am more aware of how cancer patients feel, physically and emotionally, because of her honesty.  This is a book that should be shared with every woman you know. We can become better patients, caregivers, and friends with the knowledge in this book. 

Madhulika Sikka

Madhulika Sikka is a veteran broadcast journalist with decades of experience. Among other media outlets, she has worked at NPR News and ABC News. For more on Madhulika Sikka, visit her website, http://www.abreastcanceralphabet.com/.

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Thanks to TLC Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book for review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated for this review. If you choose to purchase a copy of this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you spending a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.