The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming: And Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer

by Jennie Nash

Breast cancer made Jennie Nash a wise old woman at the age of thirty-six. She learned, among other things, that her instincts are good, her kids are really resilient, and that, in the fight against breast cancer, the journey for patients, family, and friends can be a surprisingly positive, life-changing experience.
Some five years younger than the AMA-recommended age for mammograms, Jennie Nash insisted she be tested, not because of a lump but because of a hunch brought on by a friend's battle with lung cancer. Jennie was as shocked to discover as her friend had been that cancer knows no age limits.
From detection and surgery to reconstruction and recovery, Jennie gives readers a road map for a journey no one chooses to take. She details both the large and small lessons learned along the the importance of a child's birthday cake; the pleasure of wearing a beautiful, provocative red dress; how to be grateful rather than guilty when someone brings lasagne to the door; and that sometimes the only difference between getting to live and having to die is luck.
A celebration of survival, Jennie Nash's account transforms one of life's most harrowing experiences into a story of reassurance and enlightenment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2001

About the author

Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company that trains book coaches to help writers bring their books to life. For twelve years, writers serious about reaching readers have trusted Jennie to coach their projects from inspiration to publication. Her clients have landed top New York agents, national book awards, and deals with houses such as Scribner, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Jennie is the author of 9 books in 3 genres. She taught for 13 years in the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program, is an instructor at CreativeLive.com and speaks on podcasts and at writing conferences all over the country. Learn more about being coached or becoming a coach at bookcoaches.com or authoraccelerator.com

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It is for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer, have had cancer, have known others who have died of cancer...in particular, breast cancer. It is inspirational and at times, brutally honest. This book shows the kindness of humanity, and all the honorable people involved who are helping to fight in the war against breast cancer. I really enjoyed reading this book in one day!

[Amber Mcmath · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels wrong to say there's nothing special about this story. It's just another story of another woman's fight with breast cancer. But it's healing to read any story of surviving cancer, no matter how typical. It's a quick read and recommended for anyone needing to hear they're not alone in their battle.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one. Enjoyed the honesty of it and the humor offset the seriousness of the subject matter.

[Susan R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me understand what women who have cancer go through

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the UK one person every 10 minutes is diagnosed with b reast cancer, there is no doubt that most of us will be affected by this disease one way or another. Personally, our friends, our family, our work colleagues - somebody that we know will be, or has been diagnosed with this vicious disease . So, the fact is that b reast cancer is a common disease, but the truth is, once it is diagnosed it becomes a personal disease, and everybody deals with it in a different way. Every single patient will react differently, to the news, the treatment, the prognosis and the people around them.
Jennie Nash was 35 when she was diagnosed. When she heard that her life-long friend Lisa had been diagnosed with lung cancer, something inside her told her that she too had cancer. Call it paranoia, or call it instinct - whatever it was, it was true. Jennie insisted that she be given a mammogram, and at 35 she was far too young for this to be standard procedure, and although the first mammogram came back clear, six months later she was recalled and yes, she had cancer in her b reast.
Part of Jennie's coping strategy was to keep a diary of the disease, to write down her thoughts, her actions, details of the treatment etc. She also tells of her personal feelings towards her friend Lisa during this time - Lisa's cancer was far more aggressive and had spread all over her body - Jennie's anguish and guilt that Lisa was suffering so badly and she couldn't be with her comes through in the writing.
This is a sad, yet humourous story, Jennie pulls no punches. She admits her frailities and her faults and describes in detail her surgery. It is not sugary sweet, it does not preach, it is heartfelt and honest. A short but very well written account of life after a cancer diagnosis

[Nranger7 · Rating 1 out of 5]

An office in my building was moving out and this was left in their pile of papers/trash to be thrown out and I rescued it. I understand now why it was in the trash. I really do not understand why this book is rated so high on this website. Just because it's about a cancer survivor does not make it good writing.
Perhaps someone can get something out of this book, but I personally cannot stand authors who come across as selfish and whiny. Her best friend has a very bad form of cancer and yet Nash writes a book "all about meeeeeeeeeee". Disgusting.
I feel sorry for her family - especially her patient, loving husband and her kids who have to put up with her crap. This book had such great potential but was ruined by her narcissism. Being sick or "terrified" does not give one the right to be a constant attention-seeking jerk. Taking offense at a 12 yr old for providing free babysitting is not something to be proud of. Hard to have empathy for cancer survivors after reading this garbage. Glad none of my friends/family who have survived it ever acted this way!!!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching, well written book that made me laugh and cry.

[Debbie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short book: 156 pages. I have had the book for at least 15 years. I recently retired and I am catching up reading from my pile of books that I bought, stashed away and never read. This book was written by a breast cancer survivor. I, too, am a breast cancer survivor. I related to her whole story. It touched my heart and brought back many long-ago memories. My cancer was found 6/27/2007. I started participating in the Susan G Komen Cancer Walk each year in Peoria, IL, in 2009. Other than the years Covid screwed everything up, I have participated in the walk each year. I am signed up already for this year. This book told another cancer survivor’s story. Simple and easy to read. Thank you to the author, Jennie Nash, for boldly telling her story. The book may not mean as much to those who have had no dealings with breast cancer, but if you are a breast cancer survivor, read the book. ♥️

[Madeline Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is powerfully raw, vulnerable, and painful, similarly to “When Breath Becomes Air.” Especially as breast cancer awareness month wraps up, its crucial to remember how deeply this disease impacts people’s lives and how imperative creating space to discuss experiences is. May we continue to relentlessly pursue more advanced drug delivery mechanisms and supporting those who have, are, and will fight to be a survivor.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, honest, heartfelt

Jennie Nash bares it all-her soul and body-in this very honest cancer memoir. I hadn't realized the layers of grief and myriad thoughts running through someone's heart when they're in the throes of cancer. Nash is no-holds-barrred, which makes her book both fresh and necessary.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short uplifting book of Nash's cancer story. She breaks the book down into different lessons, this really speeds the book along, it doesn't get slowed down or exhausting to read. Every lesson she has is intertwined with friends, family, and strangers who've helped her or touched her life. Life is meant to be lived with love and Nash reminds us to be thankful for the love we have.

[Sabrina Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a poignant story of the author's battle with breast cancer intermingled with the story of a close friend of hers, who did not make it. She is a young mother with young children. This book is a vivid reminder life doesn't always go as planned, but we continue on the best we can. She's a strong example of using your circumstances to help others. Additionally, she's an example to always move forward, but not forget. To be true to yourself and to live life. It's excellent reading. Have your tissues ready.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its an interesting look at one woman's story about breast cancer and various different things that happened along her road. She was lucky that she was caught early (due to a series of co-incidences and her own stubbornness). It's quite a short book and quite an heartwarming story of her life while fighting cancer. Not as detailed a read as others but she didn't have to go through Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy so her journey was a lot shorter than others but a lot of it reflected my own journey.

[Janet Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her story is different than mine, yet somehow the same. I'm guessing it is that way with all women who have dealt with, are dealing with or will deal with breast cancer. If you are one of the first two groups, I would highly recommend it. If you are in the third group but you don't know that you are in the third group, I'd also recommend reading it. You probably know someone who is dealing with breast cancer, so it would be a good read for you also.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very moving account of one woman's ordeal with breast cancer. I read it in only a matter of hours; I was impressed with not only her courage and strength, but with the humor with which she dealt with cancer.

Whether you have cancer, know someone who does, or simply are interested in finding a cure, this is a great read on the subject.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read as it is only 156 pages. It is one woman's account of her having breast cancer. I found realtable to a point as things work a little different in Canada, but it is a very real story with all of the ups and downs. Any book where the woman does not die of breast cancer is a vote to read for me.

[Jess (Shepherdjel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! I've never had breast cancer but people close to me have and it is hard to deal with for anyone, even the caregivers. Any cancer is hard and the best thing you can do is try and stay strong, don't let it get you down as hard as it is. This was a great story about Jennie's struggles with being diagnosed and dealing with the mastectomy and effects there after. Stay strong!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at my local cancer center. If your looking the book that tells that everything will be perfect if you just believe enough, this is not the book for you. Although older, the book still relevant information. This is a realistic view of cancer. People get very sick. People die. But there is hope, and useful coping skills for any chronic illness.

[Care · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest account of a cancer survivor addressing all the crazy scary and even funny issues that arise when facing this situation. I enjoy Nash's style of writing. Smart and conversational, real.

giving to Dawn...

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book since my mom is going through chemo for breast cancer at this time. It is helpful to hear about others' experiences to put a frame around this. I will pass it on to her. Some positive messages.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The autobiographical story of a young woman's diagnosis, treatment, and survival of breast cancer.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

don't miss this book!

[Marti]

A gift at Zeta Tau Alpha Convention 2002.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done and fun to read - lots of humor.

[Glennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice from the author's own experience.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

See the review at bookslut.com. I love my Aunt Danita!