Non Fiction - Memoir - Self Help - Breast
Cancer
Date Published: August
2013
Readers can delve into the breast cancer journey and beyond
in Losing the Girls, a unique memoir differentiated by the author’s
cutting-edge nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM)—a little-known breast cancer
surgery technique that leaves the breast completely whole. Shirley
Alarie shares her story to boost awareness of this specialized procedure, which
is only offered at select hospitals. She believes that women facing
mastectomies deserve to know all of their options.
Shirley found that the biggest challenge of her life began
with a convoluted breast cancer diagnosis; and then there was the overwhelming
array of surgery options. Mastectomy or lumpectomy? Single
mastectomy or double? Reconstruction or no reconstruction?
She worried about making the right choice and how her decision would affect her
both in the short and long term. How would it affect her marriage? W
as it crazy to choose a hospital three hours from home?
After the surgery, Shirley’s determination to beat the
cancer triggered a lifestyle transformation that resulted in a stronger, more
empowered woman. Her deep faith in God and her peace with the
afterlife helped shape her response to this life-changing ordeal with
cancer—and the love and support of an amazing posse of family and friends,
along with a liberal dose of humor and hope, pulled her through the darkness
and back into the warm, sunny light.
Losing the Girls is a powerful and uplifting book for every
woman—and the people who love them—to read.
What others have
said:
As I read 'Losing the Girls- My Journey Through Nipple
Sparring Mastectomy and Beyond', I was touched by Ms. Alarie's honesty, humor
and spirit that shone through her written words. I cried, laughed and at times
held my breath as she took the necessary steps to face her fears and come out
the other side of the journey, strong and healthy. Ms. Alarie faced the gut
wrenching reality of hearing - you have breast cancer, and now she is a
survivor sharing her story with the world. A must read. Lucinda
Race
What a fantastic read! From the very first pages Shirley
opens up and gives honest glimpses of her life to her readers. Knowing she has
a family history does little to take the sting out of her diagnosis. The way
she deals with her tests, results, doctor visits and eventual surgery is truly
an inspiration for any woman dealing with this disease. Along with writing
about her emotional journey, Shirley shares with her readers all the
information she has gained from researching breast cancer and what she has
learned through her support system of Drs., nurses and the like. Great knowledge
for anyone who many deal with breast cancer themselves or have a family member
go through it. I found her reliance on God through her ordeal comforting and
inspiring. Any reader will feel that they've gained a friend by the end.
P Walker
Non Fiction - Memoir - Self Help - Breast Cancer
Date Published: July
2014
Lovey’s nightmare has begun. She’s been thrust into a
terrifying and confusing journey, joining the nearly 250,000 women who will be
diagnosed with breast cancer this year. If Lovey is fortunate, she has an
excellent support team, also known as Angels. The Road Paved in Pink: A
Practical and Personal Guide for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones
offers Lovey and her Angels the comprehensive guidance needed to withstand the
challenges ahead.
Readers will be empowered by the love and support of the
many others who have already traveled the same bumpy road.
The Road Paved in Pink is offered with a unique “Pay it
Forward” program designed to reach as many people in need as possible. By
request via her website, Shirley Alarie will provide a free book to people
recently affected by breast cancer, with the stipulation that they forward it
to someone else in need when they are finished with it, and so on.
If someone agrees to take a booklet from the Pay it Forward
program, they will be asked to sign in to the website and log their first name
and location, so we can watch the books travel around the country - and
hopefully, the world!
Request a copy of The Road Paved in Pink - Pay it Forward
Program at the following link:
http://shirleyalarie.com/2014/08/road-paved-pink-pay-forward-program/
What others have
said:
This is a very worthwhile read. The author does an excellent
job of giving useful information that is very understandable, which doesn't
always happen in the medical field. She is able to tell her story as well as
provide the reader with an understanding of the many choices available for
their own journey. Also a great guide for families and friends to help them be
helpful in what can be a truly difficult time. P
Walker
A moving and to the point awesome guide. If you don't know
someone with breast cancer odds are in your lifetime you will. Have this book
on hand, everyone involved will need it, as will you. Twenty seven years ago my
mother had her first breast removed only to have the other one worked on seven
years later. I was there, so wish I had this guide. I have it now and have
already highlighted my "talking points", when I'm faced with being an
angel for someone. Marion Brenan
About the Author
I spent the first twenty years of my career in an industrial
manufacturing environment, running around the hamster wheel as fast as my legs
would carry me. My breast cancer diagnosis jammed on the brakes and forced me
to put life in perspective. My journey since breast cancer has been focused on
making a positive difference in the world. Stepping off the hamster wheel has
brought greater harmony to me and my home. My husband and furry baby appreciate
that the "Crazy Lady" of the house is gone and a more "Mellow
Mama" has taken her place.
My writing adventure began with Losing the Girls: My Journey
Through Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Beyond, my memoir, written with the
intention to entertain as well as spread awareness of nipple-sparing mastectomy
(NSM). My website identifies some of the hospitals that perform this surgery,
through the “What is NSM?” and “Where is NSM?” links.
My follow-up, The Road Paved in Pink: A Practical and
Personal Guide for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones serves to
heighten awareness of reconstruction options, among other key topics specific
to a breast cancer challenge. I am thrilled to offer the “Pay it Forward”
program in conjunction with this book promotion.
Another tool I’ve created to help further the awareness of
breast cancer surgery options is a free 11-minute video that describes and
shows the various options. Since studies have shown women undergoing treatment
for breast cancer aren’t always informed of all of their options, I’m striving
to ensure women facing this challenge are able to make fully informed choices.
I invite all women to become educated on this topic, as this information might
make a huge difference for someone they love. The video can be found on my
website: http://shirleyalarie.com/2014/08/breast-cancer-surgery-options-video/
I’d love to have you join me in my journey to making a
positive difference in the world!
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