Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient

by Renee A. Exelbert

Dr. Renee Exelbert was working as a psychologist in a pediatric cancer center in Long Island, New York, before being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The news came as a devastating shock to her and her family. She found herself on a path she had explored many times before as a doctor, only this time, she was the patient. Dr. Exelbert reflects upon her experience when confronting her own cancer diagnosis in Chemo Muscles. With deep candor, she shares her intimate struggles with identity and vulnerability; the interactions she had with healthcare professionals throughout her journey; and, what it was like to regain a sense of control over her own body by becoming a student of diet and exercise, ultimately becoming a bodybuilding figure competitor and certified personal trainer. Pairing her own illuminating story with psychological theory, Dr. Exelbert offers researched coping skills to help both individuals and their families take on cancer, as well as guidance to aid healthcare professionals treat their patients with greater understanding, dignity, and respect.

Genres: Medicine, Nonfiction

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2020

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a loved one who is diagnosed with Breast Cancer, or you personally find yourself on that journey, this is the book to help guide you through. I know this, because my dearest friend wrote this book – because it is the book she wished she had when she was going through this. Written with feeling, relatability, personal experience, and professional expertise, survivor and psychologist Renee Exelbert delivers a book that helps speak to the varying difficult experiences, and how to understand them with psychological underpinnings, and leads you with laughter, warmth, hope, and resilience.

Healthcare professionals and patients alike should all have this heartfelt and helpful memoir on hand and available as a unique and beautiful resource. It’s like having a best friend on the journey with you, and I can speak with full knowledge and confidence, there is no better friend and guide to have than Renee Exelbert, for any situation in life. You might check out her website and blog as well, to hear her compelling and profound words for yourself. Recently she wrote an article comparing and contrasting the Breast Cancer journey with the Covid journey, bringing light to what women in this situation go through. This is a book that should find its way to the people that need it, at just the right time, and just the right way. I trust this review is going to land for someone who needs it – and they will find it a gift. Pass the gift on, and women – support one another in every and all ways. We are beautiful and strong. I am reminded of that every day, from my dear friend Renee. Who if you need a friend on this journey, will become your very best.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! The author recounts her experiences in a way that makes them real to the reader. She is open and honest about what she went through and her thoughts and emotions at different points in her journey. The book is touching, engaging and eye-opening. You realize how the words, actions and body language of healthcare providers can have unintended impacts on their patients. You learn things that friends and family do that are unintentionally hurtful and also things that are helpful and supportive. Throughout the book, the author's strength and positivity come through. I appreciate her willingness to share her experiences and perspective related to this very personal situation and think this book can help a lot of people.

[Pet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very personal book. Very personal.
I had breast cancer 5 years ago and can relate to some of the author's experiences and feelings, although I had another type, triple negative breast cancer, for what there is no other therapy as chemo. This defined my journey - there were no struggles or options, it was diagnosis, surgery port and chemo within 3 weeks, and ten days later the hair fell out - all before the brain really had time to adjust what had happened.
The author's words made me aware again how different each of us women are handling a breast cancer diagnosis.
So or so, it's always a very personal story, and I applaud to the author for her honesty! And I wish her the best of luck!

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply personal journey of a doctor turned patient after a breast cancer diagnosis.

The author's very candidly defines that every woman diagnosed has a personal experience that is uniquely their own and she very honestly details her emotional and physical journey as she has battled this disease. She also shares the coping mechanisms she found personally helpful and those she has recommended as a doctor. Very moving story as she describes how she dealt with diagnosis, treatment and her life moving forward.

I received this book from NetGalley and Mascot Books for an honest review.

[Leslie Moskowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for all medical professionals who want to learn better ways to interact with
their patients from an emotional and psychological standpoint. It's also a great resource for anyone coping with cancer or other traumatic life events to learn coping strategies from someone who has been through it all. The story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

[Cassandra Warshowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super! Just what so many of need to hear. Read it