



"We do not risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time have gone before us. The labyrinth is thoroughly known. We have only to follow the thread of the hero path, and where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god. And where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves. Where we had thought to travel outward, we will come to the center of our own existence. And where we had thought to be alone, we will be with all the world." Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Chicken soup for the breast cancer survivor's soul: stories to inspire, support and heal. Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Mary Olsen Kelly. Health Communications, 2006. One of the newest Chicken Soup books, these short stories can comfort, heal, and give a laugh when needed.
Delinsky, Barbara.
Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. Washington Square Press, 2006. A one-of-a-kind collection of anecdotes and advice, told in the words of everyday women of all ages. One of my favorites, a true gift to receive while going through treatment.
Love, Dr. Susan.
Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. Da Capo Press, 2005. The standard reference for women's health. Covers all aspects of women's breast health. Always look for the most recent edition as she continues to include the newest research and test discoveries. The New York Times calls it "The bible for women with breast cancer."
The American Cancer Society.
www.cancer.org. 24-hour telephone assistance available at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345). Information, support, discussion boards for all types of cancer. You can also locate local ACS groups in your area.
Cancer Survivors Online.
www.cancersurvivors.org. Support and information on many types of cancer by 3 women in a "cancer cluster" family. This site includes links to other helpful sites and many survivor's stories, as well as an opportunity to share your own story.
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Art, Rage, Us: Art & Writing by Women with Breast Cancer. Chronicle Books, 1998. A stunningly powerful and inspiring collection of work by writers, painters, photographers, breast cancer survivors, searching for healing through their art.
Marchetto, Marisa Acocella.
Cancer vixen : a true story. Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Marissa tells her story in graphic novel form. A successful cartoonist living the high life in New York city diagnosed with breast cancer just before her wedding. This is her account of how she fights back with the help of her fashionista friends, super-cool fiancé, and her high heels.
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Bettelheim, Bruno.
The uses of enchantment : the meaning and importance of fairy tales. Vintage Books, 1989, c1976. A moving revelation of the enormous and irreplaceable value of fairy tales. Directed to children's lives, but useful for all ages.
Chinen, Allan B.
In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life. Chiron Publications, 1989. Another psychological examination of folk tales, this one examines stories with applications to adults and our later years. What happens after after?
Estes, Clarissa Pinkola.
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype. Random House, 2003. Unfolds rich intercultural myths, fairy tales, folk tales, and stories, many from her own traditions, in order to help women reconnect with the fierce, healthy, visionary attributes of their female soul.
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Asti, Judy.
A Spiritual Journey through Breast Cancer. Northfield Publishing, 2002. Primarily Judy's journey through breast cancer, but each chapter ends with a small ‘Journey Survival Guide' which includes words to reflect, and perhaps journal on, and a bible passage.
Bray, Sharon, Ed. D.
A Healing Journey: Writing Together through Breast Cancer. Amherst Writers & Artist Press, 2004. The story of a writing group led by Sharon, a breast cancer survivor, for breast cancer patients, this is an inspiring story of the power of writing to heal the wounded spirit.
Cameron, Julia.
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Penguin Group Inc., 2002. The seminal book on the subject of creativity. This was the book I used to begin writing when I finished cancer treatments and surgeries. I recommend working through this book with at least one other person.
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