Feisty Righty: A Cancer Survivor's Journey

by Jennifer D. James

Feisty Righty received an Evergreen Gold Medal (presented by the 2023 Living Now Book Awards) for its contribution toward positive global change. This award commemorates truly world-changing books.

This powerful and award-winning memoir is full of inspiration, a wake-up call for anyone looking to transform their life in a positive way. A breast cancer survivor herself, author Jennifer D. James is a mentor trained in offering support to those who have been diagnosed with cancer. The pages reflect the same understanding, honest answers, hope, and valuable insight that she shares during the many heartfelt conversations. Successful in her career and happily married, Jennifer's world was upended at age 41 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. During her struggle against the disease, she realized that she had to let go of the life she was trying to desperately hang onto and embrace every aspect of the journey. This book is based on her seven handwritten journals, completed over 247 days, as she navigated through chemo, surgery, radiation, and the physical, emotional, and mental struggles brought on by the life-threatening disease. With honesty, a heightened awareness, and self-reflection, Jennifer shares her hard-earned wisdom of becoming a survivor, the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations, how to proactively self-heal, the importance of love, the art of living, and the gifts and lessons surprisingly revealed along the way, as she shines a light on the stigmas surrounding women and cancer. An empowering read, not only for individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and medical teams but for anyone in search of something missing in their lives. It’s a bold reminder as to why we must fight for the life we are born to live, with or without a diagnosis, and that with every breath, there’s an opportunity to live fearlessly.

332 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2023

About the author

Jennifer D. James is an author, cancer survivor, trained breast cancer mentor through the American Cancer Society, certified meditation teacher specializing in patient healing and pain management, certified Maurer Foundation breast health educator, and advocate for individuals diagnosed with cancer to help them gain necessary resources. By sharing her journey, she hopes to encourage women to schedule routine breast screenings and mammograms while opening the conversation about cancer to shift the narrative. Jennifer currently resides in Palm Springs, California, with her husband, Bruce.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Shotkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a breast cancer survivor myself this was a very enjoyable read. Although your stories are different there are many similarities. A great read for all of us as we are all touched someway by breast cancer. You get to know characters and feel a part of the journey. Inspirational.

[Christine Conradt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people might not want to read about someone being diagnosed with breast cancer because it seems like a dark read, but this was just the opposite. In her memoir, which is based on journals she kept during her cancer journey, the author takes the reader on a heartfelt ride from the day she found a lump in her breast (even after having a clean mammogram only eight months earlier) to the day she discovered she was cancer-free, and everything in between. While she gives the technical/medical terms along the way, the memoir focuses mostly on her emotional and spiritual awakening throughout the process. She explores a multitude of topics including how she discovered the lump and how it felt to hear her doctor confirm it was cancer, how her diagnosis changed her relationship with her husband and her perspective on life and work, how she decided who to tell about her diagnosis (and how those she chose not to tell, reacted), her feelings of guilt as she saw how the stress of her diagnosis was affecting friends and family, how she dealt with chemo and hair loss, and so much more. Even though the author is a certified breast cancer counselor, she wasn't when she was diagnosed and the pages are filled with a very relatable, raw honesty. The book reads very fast and I found myself feeling inspired. It's a great read for anyone who has been diagnosed, survivors, medical professionals that work with cancer patients, and caregivers/friends/family members. I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do, and what cancer patients and survivors go through.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feisty Righty was an amazing story of courage and inspiration. This book will change how you view cancer and bring a glimpse into the life of someone with breast cancer. Jennifer's story is told with such grace and humor you will not put this book down until you're done. Her words are lyrical and beautiful. It's a fast paced read and I laughed and cried simultaneously. My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago. Now I can better understand her experience. We all know someone who has had cancer. This book will help everyone understand breast cancer better, told from a cancer survivor's view point. There is still a stigma about cancer and talking about it with others. I know this book will help change our views about cancer and the people it affects. The power of Jennifer's journey is abundant in Feisty Righty. This book is for everyone who wants to read a story about inspiration and love.

[Hydee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friends probably know I am an avid reader, but am not really one to post reviews. I just finished reading the book “Feisty Righty”, an honest, heartfelt and artfully written account of Jennifer James’ courageous “Feisty Righty” breast cancer journey and fight. I found myself crying, laughing and just plain inspired. I am so proud of her tenacity, strength and words of wisdom.