Cancer Is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I've Learned

by Clea Shearer

A comforting, empowering, practical, and beautifully written guide to living with breast cancer from Clea Shearer, cofounder of The Home Edit

In 2022, Clea Shearer This is going to be the best year of my life. The Home Edit, the company she had cofounded and worked so hard to grow, was acquired by Hello Sunshine. She had just finished filming the second season of her Emmy-nominated show Get Organized with The Home Edit. She turned forty surrounded by candles, flowers, friends, and family. And then, on March 8, 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her life as she knew it was over.

But life is full of nuances. As the months went by, Clea started to feel like she had been given an opportunity. What if she could share everything she experienced and learned throughout this process, so it would be a little less frightening for someone else? If she could manage to do that, maybe she could turn her cancer purposeful.

Cancer Is Complicated is the book that Clea wishes she’d had when she started on her cancer journey. It is a memoir and a guidebook, blending Clea’s experiences and all the wisdom and advice she’s gathered through this process. The book follows Clea through every step of her journey, from the moment she first felt a lump in her breast, through treatment, to where she is today. Clea also offers insights on questions big and small—from how to be your own biggest advocate, to knowing whom in your circle to share your diagnosis with, to understanding the emotional side of cancer, to what to bring with you to chemo, to things to eat when nothing else tastes good, and so much more.

Clea has built an incredibly successful career on empowering and helping people navigate the overwhelm of their homes—offering accessible ways for us to begin to put our lives in order. Here, she applies her wisdom to one of the most overwhelming and frightening experiences any human being ever has to cancer and illness.

Warm, honest, and straightforward in its approach, Cancer Is Complicated is for anyone with cancer or anyone who loves someone with cancer. It is a reminder to care for ourselves and one another, and it is here to help readers feel less alone and more prepared for the journey ahead.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing the section Okay, A Few More Things from the book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Biography, Autobiography

Audible Audio

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Clea Shearer was born and raised in Los Angeles and just recently located to Nashville (what a move!) for her husband's job as an Entertainment and Music Photographer with Getty Images.

Moving her family across the country (TO the country, she claims) has been a huge adjustment, but an incredible experience for her. In Nashville, the stars aligned and she met her business partner, Joanna! Together, they launched a home organization business called The Home Edit.

If you aren't familiar with The Home Edit it's time to get yourself caught up because it will rock your drawers! Since launching their organization business The Home Edit, it has spread through Hollywood from Gwyneth Platrow's playroom to Katy Perry's closet. They teamed up with Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine to produce Master the Mess that gives you a peek into their Hollywood projects, It was so popular Netflix took notice and will be launching a spinoff.

If you need a little (or alot!) of The Home Edit in your life, you can pickup their book: The Home Edit: A Guide To Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals that will inspire you in ways that you just might do it! It's super easy to incorporate their tips with their product line exclusively available from The Container Store.

Although she once called LA home, she loves the food, energy and scenery of the city. Plus, the shopping at White's Mercantile is pretty great.

Prior to starting The Home Edit, Clea attended the Parsons School of Design—okay, we totally know why she’s so talented! Her guilty pleasures include Harry Potter, The Real Housewives of “Anything” and trips to Target. Maybe next time she heads to Target we can tag along and she can spill all of her design secrets – fingers crossed!

Reviews

[Katie Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited so impatiently for this book to finally land on my doorstep! I preordered it SO fast! It’s no wonder I started reading it immediately yesterday & now finished the night after. I needed this book badly, as I am still in the thick of it walking my own cancer journey. I can resonate with many of the things Clea experienced. You don’t need to have breast cancer specifically to appreciate this book, but if you do happen to be a part of the pink sisters club, DEFINITELY grab a copy! And if you are a support person for someone in your life with cancer, I think this would be a beneficial read for you too. Clea is such an inspiration, and I just think her story is going to help lots of people. It really gives me the courage to get back to writing my own book. I started it recently but have only made it a paragraph in so far.

Anyway, this book deserves all the stars!!! I loved it!

[Brandice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and hopeful are the words that come to mind after finishing Cancer is Complicated, Clea Shearer’s memoir.

I became a fan of Clea years ago after learning about and following The Home Edit on IG. I was surprised when she announced in 2022, right after turning 40, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey since then has been full of unpredictable twists and turns, and safe to say, anything but easy.

We all know people affected by cancer. It’s scary, and I appreciate Clea sharing her experience, both in this book, and as she’s continued to, online, since 2022.

In Cancer is Complicated, Clea offers tips on how to be a supportive family member & friend for those going through this. Even in recounting her dark days, I appreciated that she shared snippets of her humor and has often kept a positive outlook.

One takeaway Clea reiterates throughout the book is to advocate for yourself in healthcare — Do not accept being dismissed by doctors, receptionists, or others. I’ve always felt strongly about this and listening to Clea’s story only reinforced this belief 🗣️🩷

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutally honest account of all the twists and turns along the way. Clea and I were on the exact same timeline. She is still in the trenches in a way I am fortunate not to be, but we are still in the trenches together. She lives this journey on a very public stage, and definitely tells it like it is.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if listening to this was a good idea since I’m going through a second breast cancer diagnosis in one year, but it was actually so nice to listen to someone who knows. I didn’t have to go through everything that Clea did, but so much of what she said resonates with me.

[Jen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be given to anyone going through breast cancer as a guidebook. When you don’t know what to get a friend going through it, gift them this book to read during chemo. It’s a quick and insightful read, with lots of helpful tips & tricks, along with how to help manage expectations and most importantly advocate for yourself! Great book, Clea! Happy to be in the worst club with the best members alongside you. 💕

[Lindsay Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book every woman should read after they are diagnosed with breast cancer. While my journey wasn’t the same as Clea’s, so many things she talked about resonated with me. This is such a helpful resource.

[Leah Hersey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Clea was very helpful and honest about her cancer journey. She is very brave! From my perspective, the off putting things about the book were that she doesn’t have a relationship with God (I can’t imagine going through this trial without Him) and that she’s very privileged, so her experience is in many ways not the norm. She acknowledged this a few times, but it still felt difficult to relate to at times.

[Julie Bestry · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, full disclosure:

Clea Shearer and I are in the same profession; and, in fact, we live in the same state. While I assume we know colleagues in common, we have never met. I know of her now-famous business (which she and her partner started more than a dozen years after I began mine) through her Netflix TV show and books, but due to having a great variance between our perspectives and philosophies, I can't say I ever paid her very close attention. (And one would not be entirely wrong in wondering if my lack of interest was due to the fact that she became both wealthy (like, renting-a-private-jet wealthy) and famous, and while I am an expert in my field who began this career more than a dozen years earlier than she did, I have not become wealthy or famous.)

That said, when I pulled her book off the new book shelf at the library, I didn't not immediately recognize who she was; I was focused on the book being a breast cancer memoir, of which I've read many (in what I'm sure is a misguided, "magical thinking" attempt to protect myself from cancer). When I looked further and saw who the author was, I was intrigued. What "unexpected lessons" had she learned from her experience that I've not heard from my mother and friends who've had breast cancer?

As I've said in reviews before, reviewing memoirs is tricky, because you're basically judging a person's life. The best you can do is concentrate on the quality of writing, the organization of the material, and the "book"ness of the memoir, rather than the content, except as how it is helpful in some way for understanding a profession or approach to life. I'm relieved to say, with regard to all of this, including the content, Shearer has done a superb job.

Her writing is warm and enthusiastic, fast-paced, and yet the emotion feels true and not ramped up for effect. Shearer, for the most part, details the day-by-day, month-by-month experience from finding a lump to getting a diagnosis to treatment, over about a year and a half, both at the height her of her professional fame and in the early-middle years of COVID. She shares when and how she negotiated telling the people in her life (including her children), and uses her life as an example rather than a template for the cancer experience.

Shearer's stories are honest, sometimes painful, and always compelling. As the title goes, cancer is complicated, particularly her experience, as every expectation was repeatedly subverted as nothing seemed to go to plan as she navigated each step. (Shearer sometimes seemed cursed with regard to how often her recovery has been interrupted by problems with her treatment, side effects, COVID, etc. In Googling her age just now, I find that just weeks ago, she had her 15th surgery and is still experiencing difficulties related to reconstruction, only the start of which was alluded to in the later chapters of the book.

But the book is better than merely good because, between every chapter, she offers up "One Thing" in sidebar pages, advice on psychological and physical actions you can take to protect yourself, your psyche, your body, your family, and your future. The two aspects, the memoir of her experiences and the practical advice for readers, combine for an easy-to-read, relevant, helpful book.

The book feels like what a new friend would tell you when you get to sit and really hear a big life story. It's awful and terrifying, but also uplifting (in a non-sugary way), and the best I can say is that I hope that anyone who reads Shearer's book does so out of random curiosity and not a need to read something in parallel with their own cancer journeys. The writing is clear and concise, and 43-year-old Shearer charming in a not-too-heavy-handed way; she feels like someone — a lot of someones — you already know.

Shearer seems to recognize how lucky she is — to have family support, to be able to afford insurance and treatment, to have an understanding and loving spouse, to have supportive friends (especially those who'd already gone through the cancer experience and could guide her), etc. That doesn't mean she always makes it easy to feel close or connected.

While she doesn't seem to take for granted that she was able to charter a private plane — from her fancy California vacation back to her home, in to avoid the danger of germs on a plane when her health was at a low ebb, while most people would have to choose an uncomfortable cross-country drive —the name-dropping of her celebrity friends (Hoda Kotbe, Christina Applegate, Reese Witherspoon etc.) doesn't always make her feel entirely relatable. Her jet-setting to LA, Paris, and Hawaii may create some distance between Shearer and the reader, depending on how relatable a memoirist's life needs to be.

But that's OK. Being truthful about your experiences is valid even for the wealthy and famous, and while it can remind us of how unfair it is that we don't all have equal access to high-quality healthcare, and that not everyone can stop working when they are sick and undergoing treatment, we can all recognize that's a systemic situation that Shearer has neither caused nor prolonged.

If you are a fan of Shearer's, or if you or someone you know is just interested in reading a comparatively gentle breast cancer memoir, Cancer is Complicated is a good pick.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Cancer Is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned by Clea Shearer
Rating: 4.8/5

Clea Shearer’s Cancer Is Complicated is a rare hybrid of memoir, guidebook, and emotional lifeline. This work transcends its genre to offer both solace and actionable wisdom for those navigating breast cancer. As co-founder of The Home Edit and a public figure, Shearer’s voice is already familiar to millions, but here she wields her platform with raw vulnerability and pragmatic grace.

Strengths and Emotional Resonance
Shearer’s greatest achievement is her ability to distill the chaos of cancer into manageable, human-scale advice. Her chapter on being your own advocate—where she details how to challenge dismissive doctors or parse overwhelming medical jargon—left me both heartbroken and inspired. As someone who has supported loved ones through cancer, I recognized the truth in her observation that illness is as much about bureaucracy as biology”.

The book’s structure mirrors Shearer’s organizational expertise: chronological yet nonlinear, with interludes like “What to Pack for Chemo” and “How to Answer ‘How Are You?’” functioning as survival kits. Her humor (e.g., comparing post-surgery drains to alien appendages) disarms the terror of the unknown, while her honesty about living hell moments (bone pain, chemo-induced sensory overload) validates readers’ darkest experiences.

Constructive Criticism
-Scope Limitations: Focused heavily on breast cancer (stage 2 invasive mammary carcinoma), the book occasionally struggles to address broader cancer experiences. A future edition could expand on parallels with other diagnoses.
-Privilege Blind Spots: Shearer’s access to top-tier healthcare (e.g., rapid diagnostics, personalized therapies) isn’t universal. More acknowledgment of systemic barriers would deepen its inclusivity.
-Emotional Whiplash: The tonal shifts between witty asides and harrowing vulnerability, while authentic, may unsettle readers seeking consistent solemnity or optimism.

Summary Takeaways:
- The Marie Kondo of cancer guides—Shearer organizes the unorganizable with heart and hustle.
- Forget pink ribbons: This is the breast cancer book we’ve needed—equal parts warrior cry and warm hug.
- Shearer turns survival into an act of rebellion, one chemo bag and honest confession at a time.

Personal Reactions
Reading this as a relatively healthy person, I felt both voyeuristic and profoundly grateful. Shearer’s description of mourning her old body while learning to love the new one shattered my complacency about health. Her advice on letting people help you (even when you’re used to being the helper) reframed my understanding of resilience as collective, not solitary .

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for the review copy. This near-perfect guide earns a 4.8/5, docking slightly for its niche focus. As Shearer writes: “Cancer is complicated, but you don’t have to be.” Her book is proof.

Key Contributions
-Demystifying Medical Trauma: Normalizes experiences like “chemo brain” and surgical aftermath with unflinching detail .
-Practical-First Approach: Transforms abstract fears into checklists (e.g., “Questions to Ask Your Oncologist”) .
-Community-Centric Healing: Emphasizes “cancer squads” over solo heroism, aligning with modern psychosocial oncology research .

For curriculum use: Pair with The Emperor of All Maladies (Mukherjee) for scientific context or Between Two Kingdoms (Jaouad) for complementary memoir insights.

Why This Matters Now
With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer, Shearer’s blend of designer pragmatism and radical honesty meets a cultural moment desperate for guides that honor both pain and hope.

[Mary Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clea has really been through the wringer with her cancer experience — from difficulties securing a mammogram appt, to the triumvirate of chemo, radiation, and endocrine therapy, to her ongoing challenges with reconstruction. I was not familiar with her work or shows beyond her IG account, and at first I was put off by the name-dropping of famous friends and a “chartered flight” from a trip to LA. Also, I have never heard of getting an oncotype of a biopsy (it might just be me, or my own insurance limitations), and I was initially surprised that she didn’t point to a more options of supportive oncology, such as talk therapy or groups. But then I let go of the idea that I needed to relate to her experiences in every way, and recognized that she is definitely an extrovert, who would handle this experience differently. At the end of the day, this book is a helpful account of one woman’s really tough experience, with insight into how things can go differently than you hope. She also offers practical tips at the end of each chapter. The range of her treatment provides a view of different types of adjuvant therapies that someone might encounter. As she mentions, being able to turn to other cancer friends is a huge resource. In writing this book, Clea feels like one of those cancer friends, willing to meet a friend of a friend to provide a personal orientation to a really scary diagnosis.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

November is Nonfiction Month in the UK, which ended up being ideal timing for me. This topic is undeniably heavy, but I’ve followed Clea Shearer on social media for years and had a feeling she’d handle it with honesty, clarity and a bit of levity.

The book traces Clea’s cancer experience from diagnosis through to the present. Sharing something this personal while living so publicly takes real courage, and she doesn’t shy away from any part of it.

What stood out most is that the book isn’t just a memoir. At the end of many chapters, Clea includes practical notes based on what she learned firsthand: how loved ones can genuinely help, what to bring to appointments, which clothes are most comfortable after surgery, and plenty more. It’s thoughtful, specific guidance you won’t find by searching online.

My biggest takeaway is simple but important: pay attention to your body. If something feels off, act on it. Advocate for yourself. And resist the urge to start Googling symptoms.

It’s an inspiring read, but more than that, it’s a genuinely useful resource for anyone affected by this disease.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of The Home Edit, I’ve been following Clea Shearer’s journey on Instagram since even before her breast cancer journey begam, and it’s been anything but easy. In Cancer is Complicated, she shares the story behind those posts – the fear, exhaustion, and pain, but also the moments of light that came through it all.
Clea describes this as the book she wished she’d had when her cancer journey began – a mix of memoir and guidebook for anyone going through cancer or supporting their loved one through it. True to her signature style, she writes (and narrates, in the audiobook) with honesty, humour, and heart.
Even in her darkest moments, Clea finds brightness: new relationships, time with family, and a deepened sense of confidence and purpose. She’s clear that if sharing her story can save even one life, it’s all been worth it.
Reading this was a reminder to advocate for yourself, make sure your voice is heard, and yes, don’t forget to get your mammograms.

[sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - This was a great book! It really helps you understand what it’s like to go through the diagnosis, (primary) treatment, and post (primary) treatments of breast cancer. I liked how it wasn’t written from a medical standpoint but from a person experiencing it. Often times, cancer waits for no one and doesn’t care what’s going on with your life. This book is exactly what it presents itself to be: the author’s experience and journey through her own diagnosis. There are points where she speaks from points of immense privilege that the average person obviously would never have the resources to do, but she is able to acknowledge these points of privilege. However reading certain things still feels out of touch.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has received a breast cancer diagnosis, knows someone who has received a diagnosis, or is just generally interested in what the process is like. Of course her journey is not reflective of everyone’s journey but it’s truly worth reading. I also loved all of her notes, tidbits, tricks, and words of advice/wisdom. There are so many things that I have taken away from this book that will make me a better support system & advocate.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed the author on social media throughout her cancer treatment and follow up surgeries. I think she’s written a great book that can be a tool to help others. I feel like she’s exceptionally lucky that she got her biopsy so quickly (medicine does not always move that fast). But tbh, I likely had a similarly lucky experience in my own diagnosis of lymphoma.

I also appreciate that she address the weird anxiety and letdown and stress that can happen after treatment is finished. That’s an important (and likely unexpected) part of cancer treatment that needs to be talked about.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to the cover & title at a recent library event, and thought I'd give it a read. I am not very familiar with the author or her Home Edit brand. It was nice to read about her journey and see that we had a lot of the same experiences and related to how our journey isn't over just because there's no longer evidence of disease. It would be a good quick read for someone that has been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

[Sarah GW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clea’s voice comes through strong and authentic and here’s the thing — she takes you all the way through this journey with her. She’s honest and shows us all aspects of living with cancer. Whether you’ve been touched by a life-altering diagnosis or not, this is a riveting and fast read. You will have a deeper appreciation for what many people have endured as well as their caregivers. Read this.

[Jessica Gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Even though I was diagnosed with a different kind of cancer than Clea, I connected and related to her cancer experience so much. Brutally honest. Some chapters hit harder than others as I reflected on my own journey. Thanks for being brave and sharing, Clea! Highly recommend reading if you or someone you know is on a cancer journey. Just prepare yourself.

[The History Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and emotional memoir about Clea's fight with breast cancer. A must-read for anyone recently diagnosed, going through treatment, or just finished with treatment.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Amber G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been following Clea's journey you will really enjoy the details of her cancer journey. What she had shared on IG was just a tiny bit of it.

[Basic B's Guide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shearer has written a book that she wishes she had when diagnosed with BC in 2022. I can 99.9% guarantee we will be getting another book from her shortly as her story continues.

Alternating between her story and TIPS for how to help, this is a good read for anyone that's been newly diagnosed or a friend or family member that wants to know how to help.

What I really hope readers take away is BIG PICTURE stuff and not her personal experience as everyones journey is unique. It is not an example of how everyone reacts to chemo or how everyone feels during.

The author gives great examples of how to show up and consistently. It's the little things.

The journey is NEVER over, even after the hair grows back.

I appreciated her strong reminders to find community to support you during this time and to always advocate for yourself.

[Gemutlichkeit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have avoided cancer memoirs and blogs throughout my entire treatment. This was on the “new” shelf at the library and I thought I’d give it a try as I enter my next phase: radiation. I’ve no doubt this book is sincere, but the privilege (which is acknowledged) just drips off the page. “Oh, I’m too tired to enjoy my invitation to the White House Christmas event.” “Oh, I had to skedaddle from my radiation treatment in order to make it to the ACS gala where I was being honored.” “Oh, we had to charter a plane because I was too afraid of being immunocompromised to fly commercial.” It really ruined the whole book for me. Granted - I am not generally a self help person. And, I did get some helpful guidance to prepare yourself mentally for never being really Done with treatment. But. Do publishing houses not realize that they do NOT have to give contracts to people just because they are famous? That there are other voices out there? Very mid, this one.

[Rebecca]

Thanks to the publisher for an advance e-galley for honest review. RTC closer to publication.

[Laura Scheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancer is Complicated is an authentic recap of Clea Shearer's experience with breast cancer. If you have followed her at all, you will immediately recognize her wit, quirkiness, humor and vulnerability. Two of the best parts (and the worst, but let's go with the best for a second) of this book are Clea's admission that she first ignored her suspicion that she possibly found a lump and her first Dr's (her OBGYN) decline of getting her in quickly - they wanted her to wait something like 2 1/2 months or something nuts like that. Why is this the best (because let's face it - those are both bad scenarios). Because they are honest experiences that are relatable on how things can go so poorly - even for a woman who acknowledges and is grateful for all of the access and connections that she has. And that's the reality - getting cancer is not only horrible, but knowing exactly what to do when there are often obstacles everywhere is complicated and hard. I have not had cancer but have had several call backs that have been terrifying and I have walked the path with several friends and family members through different cancer treatments. I recognized so much in Clea's story and learned quite a bit as well. A highlight from her book - whoever suggested this to her - or if it was her idea, genius - the section in each chapter called One Thing. Here she provides little nuggets that are sometimes brilliant, sometimes relatable - all based on her experience and those in her cancer community. I found myself making notes here to keep or pass on to friends. Since I do follow Clea, I know that she is still experiencing complications specifically tied to her reconstruction and I only wish her the very best. Great job Clea, this book will be invaluable to many.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Cancer is Complicated will be available on 9/23/25.

[Amy Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Clea Shearer’s book made me marvel at all that we breast cancer survivors have in common and yet how very unique each of our treatments and responses to those procedures/medications can be. A lot of what she observed resonated. I completely agree with her sense that cancer is not a competition, every person’s experience is challenging in a myriad of ways. I have had friends say about some medical experience they are having, “it’s nothing like you had to go through.” I always think and sometimes say, that their experience is no less valid or sadly miserable. It’s just different. Not better or worse. I recall when I was first diagnosed, I attended a writing retreat in California. It was in the stage of do I tell people or not for me. I recall telling one woman and she immediately brushed my cancer aside as “completely curable” and went on to talk about a cancer she had experienced that was in her mind far worse. In trying to assure me, she and others often minimized my experience as not bad as it won’t kill me. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy they were right about that, but I wanted to ask, which breast they would like to have surgically removed from their bodies?! DG, it was curable, but still required in my thinking some understanding that as my doctor said of my treatment plan “this won’t be the best year of your life.” No truer words were ever spoken!! Note: One thing I learned is that people often said words that may not have comforted me, but I knew they were intending them to be comforting. Doesn’t mean they didn’t still sting, but I could let those feeling go more easily. One colleague was pushing the positive outlook strongly (almost to the point of toxic positivity). When I tried to balance that, she told me that she must be a more positive person than me. Again, she wasn’t trying to be rude. She really was trying to help in her ham-handed way.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the author invites readers to look beyond her Instagram-perfect images and into the messy, frightening, and deeply human reality of her breast cancer diagnosis. Written with honesty and flashes of humor, the memoir details her journey from the shock of discovering a lump to enduring treatment, surgeries, and the endless waiting that cancer imposes.

Clea shares her experiences from the initial shock of her diagnosis to navigating the complexities of surgeries and treatments, all while coping with the emotional aftermath. She takes purpose in documenting her journey to help others facing similar challenges. Additionally, she highlights the pivotal roles her mother and husband played in her care, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the mix of fear, resilience, humor, and unexpected moments of joy that accompanied her battle. This memoir is not just a medical account; it also explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and learning to relinquish control in an unpredictable world.

I found it inspiring that the author doesn’t shy away from discussing her fears and frustrations surrounding cancer, yet she also makes room for the crazy and joyful moments, using irreverent humor to do so. This book is a raw, funny, and uplifting story that will resonate not only with those affected by cancer but also with anyone who has faced a life turned upside down.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author is very privileged so this book may feel a bit disconnected to others who have cancer/illness but don't have accessibility to resources. It is not an easy journey to go through cancer and the surgery/chemo/radiation treatments and the mental and emotional toil would have been tough on her. However, she is able to fly a private aircraft to return home instead of taking commercial airline which speaks volumes about her privilege. A big part of having cancer/illnesses is that many face poorer outcomes because they were not able to receive medical treatment in time due to insurance constraints, doctor's dismissing symptoms, biases etc.

I won't say this is a bad book but it wasn't for me. It reads like a memoir on how she coped with her diagnosis and her treatment was done in a very timely manner. She had direct access to healthcare providers who gave her the best care and treated her well. (A far cry from my own experiences with the healthcare system where I faced biases, dismissal and medical gaslighting). I guess our realities are just too different for me to enjoy the book properly.

[Christine Jolley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 years since my own surgery, 2 years since finishing treatment for BC. Would suggest this book for someone just starting.

A lot I could relate to, a lot I could not with her story. Especially as someone who is well off and in the public eye I do think she was slightly privileged. However I do know this privilege didn’t prevent her heartache and what she went through. I do think it was good she wrote the book as I think many survivors need to share their stories.

Her writing was a bit annoying to be honest and although she did talk about the hard stuff I do think some of it got masked with a bit too much positivity.

I was hoping that the writing would have gotten a bit more deeper but it never did. It’s a very generic retelling of her story but maybe this was quite deep and vulnerable in her eyes—I don’t know. 🤷 also thought it was on the short side and only took me a day to finish.

Anyway—do think this would be helpful for anyone going through BC as we need to hear as much as we can what others have gone through

I wish her well for her continued healing ❤️‍🩹

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not had breast cancer. But, I know too many women who have. While everyone’s resources and story are different, a book like this is in great need. Whether you are facing the disease or know someone who is, this is a great resource. As Clea points out, so much of what we think we know about cancer comes from the past and the TV shows we watched growing up. A lot has changed in both treatment and side effect management. I particularly liked the “One More Thing” bits of practical advice between chapters. These nuggets are useful for all. Kudos to Clea for sharing her story, as well as her family and friends who helped her along the journey. I think this is an essential for all women. Pick up a copy when you get your first mammogram!

I received this Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.

[Amanda G]

Cancer fucking sucks. I have been obsessed with all things The Home Edit since it’s debut on Netflix in 2021. I’ve used their systems of organizing, I’ve spent waaaaaay too many hours and too much money at The Container Store purchasing bins and all the things. I have also purchased two of the books that the owners of The Home Edit, Clea and Joanna, wrote. So when Clea announced on Instagram that she had cancer, my heart broke for someone that I do not know personally, but I feel like is a friend. Cancer is Complicated is a book that shares what Clea went through from diagnosis, to treatment to the after. Along with sharing tips and tricks that others in her situation like hers can do to make the journey a little bit more manageable. I think it’s amazing that Clea is using her platform to help others.