Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction

by Kim Harms

1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, but this is not just another cancer book. Breast cancer survivor Kim Harms combines her own experience with extensive research and walks readers through the process of mastectomy and breast reconstruction, weighing the pros and cons, detailing the physical and emotional costs, and laying out the questions cancer fighters need to ask to be their own best advocate. With a foreword by the medical director of Katzmann Breast Center and chapters on everything from the vulnerable feeling of exposing your breasts to “everyone” to the distinctions between reconstruction and augmentation (trust us, it’s not a boob job!), Life Reconstructed is the compassionate, honest roadmap every breast cancer fighter needs on her journey to recovery.

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Kim Harms is the author of Carried Through Cancer: 70 Days of Spiritual Strength from Cancer Fighters, Survivors and Caregivers (B&H Fall 2025) and Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction (Familius 2021, Credo 2024). Kim has a B.A. in English from Iowa State University. In addition to authoring two books, she has written for a wide variety of publications, she speaks to community groups and women’s groups in the Midwest and she currently works part-time in the loveliest workplace in the world; the local library.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Kim’s initial cancer diagnosis in 2016 was a springboard for her first book. Her second manuscript was completed not long after completing active treatment for her second cancer diagnosis. She considers it a joy and an honor to encourage other women who are facing the hard and often lonely road of cancer, and her website is filled with cancer resources.

When she’s not writing books, reading books, repairing books or shelving books in the library stacks, she loves to watch Iowa State Cyclone sports and Minnesota Vikings football with her husband, Corey, and their three sons. She also loves to travel, and she lets her dog take her for a walk twice a day, rain or shine.


Website: kimharms.net
Instagram: @kimharmsauthor
Facebook: kimharmsauthor

Reviews

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book having little personal experience with mastectomies and reconstruction. Did I know women who had gone through this? Yes, but not at the intimate level where I discussed the personal details with them. So, with that being said, even as an "outsider" this book was resourceful and engaging. I can only imagine how beneficial it would be to an "insider".

Kim writes pragmatically, with candid humor, and just the right amount of anecdotes from her personal experience and those of other survivors/previvors. I found the research to be well-documented in the footnotes and I found the appendices to be enlightening.

The clarity with which Kim look back on her reconstruction process is commendable - it has allowed her to share her experiences and knowledge with those who are currently hurting and seeking a resource for their own surgery/recovery decisions. I can see God at work through her.

[Kim Harms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure there’s an unwritten rule against authors reviewing their own books, but I don’t care about rules nearly as much as I used to so here goes. . .

4 Things I Like About This Book –

1. The author: I’ve spent my whole life with her. Sometimes she drives me crazy and she’s not a very good cook, but when I read the words of this book, I am reminded that she is capable of persevering through hard things.

2. The cover: People say not to judge a book by its cover, but I totally do that all the time. Right or wrong, if the cover art on a book stinks, I’m probably not going to read it. Lucky for me, this cover is amazing. The simple artwork speaks volumes.

3. The women represented: Seriously, some of the awesomest women on the planet share their experiences in this book. A few of them even evolved from random willing participants in this project to dear friends.

4. The voice: When you start out as a newbie writer, at every conference you attend you are encouraged to “find your voice.” For a few years, I didn’t know what that even meant, until one magazine so heavily edited one of my articles that it felt like I didn’t even write it. And I was like, “I don’t know what my voice is, but now I know what it isn’t.” But I can open up any chapter of Life Reconstructed, read the words on the page and hear my voice. It’s me on those pages, and it makes my heart happy that the words of writer Kim sound like the words of regular Kim.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Write hard and clear about what hurts." -Ernest Hemingway

Excellent journalism often confronts the hard, uncomfortable truths about life. "Life Reconstructed" was everything I wanted to know about breast cancer but was afraid to ask. We need more vulnerability for hard topics like this, especially from brave, faithful women like Kim. "Life Reconstructed" was a perfect blend of science and anecdotes, hard truths and humor, well-researched and well-written. I highly recommend this book for anyone going through breast cancer, supporting someone in the process, or simply looking to gain a perspective on what a tough life journey is like for others. Anyone who reads this book will, in Kim's words, "come out on the other side with a beautiful perspective of the precious value of life. A perspective that is impossible to achieve without walking through hard things."

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to share with friends and family facing breast cancer. Kim Harms is the girlfriend you want by your side after a breast cancer diagnosis. The next best thing would be her book in your hands. With a warmth that touches the reader and an honesty that can be heartrending at times, 'Life Reconstructed' is THE handbook for a woman beginning her own journey through breast cancer and for those who love her. The author's willingness to share her own story brings a much-needed authenticity to a sensitive topic, and the vast array of research the author did is evident. This is an excellent resource for the patient, family, and medical professionals.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book might be great...if you're a Christian, white, cis gendered, heterosexual, married woman. If you're anything else, prepare to feel left out. From the table of contents, it looks like it covers all the things that one needs to consider when trying to figure out what kind of "new" chest to pick - reconstructed (and how) or aesthetic flat closure. But not so much or maybe I was just too annoyed and/or traumatized that I couldn't see it. All I saw was the author's personal opinion of what everyone should do (whatever it is your husband wants) and how God will guide you to it. Totally disappointed that I spent the time here but there aren't a lot of options on choosing what to do in terms of moving forward physically after all surgery, chemo and radiation are complete. I wish there was better.

[Merry Johnson Muhsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is something I highly recommend to anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or know someone with cancer. Kim doesn't sugar-coat any of the topics she covers in here. It's raw, it's honest, it's hopeful. She balances personal experience and medical research to give readers a book that covers every aspect of reconstruction in a real way. She covers the medical terms in a way that's easy to understand.

She covers the tough stuff, too. Whether it's navigating personal responses to surgeries, doctor visits and the after-effects to family dynamics, relationships with spouses and adjusting to the new normal, Kim gives you an intimate look at her life reconstructed. But she doesn't stop there, she gives personal snippets from other survivors, because everyone's story is a bit different. This book is emotional, raw and honest. It's like having a good friend to walk with you through your journey.

[Jane DeShaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book for those diagnosed with breast cancer or anyone you know who has been diagnosed. It is also a must-read for family members and friends to understand better what their loved one is going through because this diagnosis affects and touches all those around them. As someone who has made this trek, I found that the author covered all bases. Her story is poignant, informative, and she has clearly done her research. She lays everything on the table, no holds barred, which takes tremendous courage when discussing something so personal. What struck me, too, her sense of humor is evident, which is much needed while navigating the breast cancer/treatment/reconstruction (or not) path. I so wish I had had this book in my hands eight years ago.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid and personal walk through the author’s breast cancer, surgery, reconstruction and healing. She shares openly her own story and also the stories of others who have had breast cancer. This book opened my eyes and will allow me to have more empathy for friends and family who face this diagnosis. There is a lot of practical information too. Readers will find applicable ideas as well as an intimate connection through the author’s story and faith.

[Cathy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's transparency is both startling (in a good way) and inspiring. She takes you by the hand, walking you through every step -- the first exams, surgery, reconstruction, recovering at home, etc. She also shares a husband's perspective, a beneficial addition. The author shares her personal steps through the process, but also includes other survivor's stories, making it a treasure trove for those on the same journey, regardless if they recently heard the words every woman (or man) dreads: "You have breast cancer," or if they're currently making life-altering decisions. Either way, this book is a gift of truth wrapped in comfort to those battling breast cancer.

[Marci · Rating 1 out of 5]

So. Much. Jesus.
Could not finish.

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad that Kim Harms’ book Life Reconstructed is now available. What an important handbook for women going through mastectomy and breast reconstruction! I’ve been walking that road this year with my daughter who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January at age 37. Even though she’s already made her decisions and is now recovering from her second surgery, much can still be found in these pages that will be beneficial for her. After all, there is so much to face after surgery too.

In this book, Kim Harms opens her life and cancer journey up in the most vulnerable ways so that other women (and their mates) will be helped and encouraged. She also includes valuable helps like lists, sidebars of extra info, an extensive glossary of terms, etc. I can see how this book will be a lifeline to many as they wade through the trauma of breast cancer. And what a great gesture of love and support to gift a copy of this important book to someone who finds herself blindsided by this dreaded diagnosis and the decisions that follow. Highly recommend.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone facing a medical challenge in their life or supporting someone navigating that journey. Kim’s book is a beautiful and transparent sharing of her personal experience with breast cancer and is filled with messages of hope, faith, and humor, along with a vulnerable sharing of the heartache and pain. Her words make you feel like you are sitting next to her hearing her share her story. The inclusion of other women’s perspectives, along with concrete suggestions, makes her book an incredibly valuable resource as well. A beautiful memoir of a courageous and faithful woman that is sure to be an inspiration and source of support to many.

[Virginia Pillars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book to give to a young woman facing a bilateral mastectomy. I also wanted to understand the emotions she might experience so I read it first. I made the right choice to pick up this book. It gave me an insight into the world of mastectomies. I learned about different options to choose for surgery, treatment, and reconstruction after surgery. Kim Harms interviewed many people from different perspectives, which I found enlightening. This is a great book. Thank you, Kim Harms, for writing it and Familius for publishing it.

[Susan Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific resource for anyone facing a mastectomy or supporting someone who is. Kim Harms writes from personal experience with honesty, detailed information, and even humor. She shares not only her experience, but also the experiences of others. And her suggestions and tips at the chapter ends are excellent.

[Tyler Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much, I really like the narrative style of balancing personal narrative with a deeper scientific explanations. I would compared the narrative style to Michael Lewis's "Boomer-Rang" and highly recommend this inspiring book.

[Summer Vespestad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and informative in addition to being extremely encouraging! I highly recommend!

[Phyllis Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book. I am 9 weeks from my double mastectomy surgery. It was comforting, informative, and reassuring.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not helpful if you are looking for actual information. Very religious.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my endorsement of the book: "Women undergoing mastectomies and breast reconstruction need a shoulder to lean on and trustworthy guidance. Cancer survivor Kim Harms delivers that—and so much more. Life Reconstructed provides vital information, vulnerable stories, and perhaps most importantly, an abundance of compassion." If you have survived breast cancer and gone through (or are going through) reconstruction surgery, I highly recommend this book.