Designed for women of all backgrounds, whatever the nature of their diagnosis, After Breast Cancer is a step-by-step support package to coping post-treatment. Guiding you from the final infusion, right through to the five-year check, it features contributions from leading oncologists, heads of cancer services, and clinical consultant psychologists. It’s powerfully underpinned by lived experience and it aims to put the power firmly back into the hands of breast cancer survivors.
Featuring a huge amount of practical information, it contains a full toolkit for navigating the days post-treatment – including breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, journaling, affirmations, and a healthy bedtime routine. So far it’s received support from the likes of Victoria Derbyshire, Dr Anisha Patel, Dr Zoe Williams, and Dr Liz O’Riordan – who commented: “Sara has done it again. This brilliant book shows you how to cope with the physical, mental, and emotional impact of an early breast cancer diagnosis. A must-read for you and your family.” Sara Liyanage is a corporate lawyer and breast cancer survivor, whose first book Ticking Off Breast Cancer was a finalist for 'Best Non-Fiction' for The People's Book Prize. After Breast Cancer, Sheldon Press, is available now.
BelleTurban is a growing fashion brand that specialises in designing and manufacturing turbans and scarves. Their mission is to offer customers a way to identify and maintain their distinctive styles. BelleTurban pride themselves on their expertise and commitment to deliver exclusive, high quality and fashionable products. All products are 100% designed and manufactured in Spain, fulfilling European technical regulations, offering the highest levels of comfort and adjustment creating the perfect fit, while incorporating latest fashion trends in every collection. All fabrics have been carefully selected based on their quality, breathability and anti-allergic properties, choosing natural fibres such as bamboo, viscose or cotton. Customers are the greatest source of inspiration to BelleTurban and they strive on encouraging femininity, elegance and individuality through a varied assortment of customisable models. Their creativity allows them to continuously explore new patterns and designs and further develop a growing palette of products. BelleTurban products highlight your inner radiance and are best worn with a smile! #beautyisonyou
Wear your support: Show your support for the Pink Ribbon Foundation (Reg. Charity No. 1080839) and support those living with breast cancer. This stunning crystal pink ribbon brooch is fully covered with three rows of dazzling crystals in clear (diamond), pale pink and dark pink. Length 3.5cm and width 2cm. 100% profits from the sale of each brooch sold help the Pink Ribbon Foundation to support those living with a breast cancer diagnosis. Available now via our shop
On a cold day in February 2018, Shazia goes from a tennis court in the morning to a hospital in the afternoon where she is diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. As her journey unfolds, humour becomes her crutch, writing becomes her tool and a powerful connection to her South Asian roots becomes her purpose.
This isn’t a tale of cancer and the devastation it undoubtedly brings. It’s the story of a life-altering journey enriched by time. Shazia tells a tale of re-birth swathed in love, humour and pain. She unveils the shame of breast cancer in her birth culture that is killing women before their time. In her birthplace, Pakistan, cancer is casually known as ‘the kiss of death’.
For Shazia, it is quite the opposite. This is life through a different lens and a questioning of the status quo. Her musings provoke debate and challenge existing beliefs, holding up a different mirror to society. These chronicles are written during 18 months of chemotherapy, sepsis, surgery and radiotherapy. They are written with hope and an intermittent smile. Sadly, Shazia lost her battle with breast cancer, but not before making a huge impact on the lives of other women.
From fake boobs to mental health challenges, Jacqui Webb who lost two friends to cancer documents her own journey with the release of a new book. Jacqui’s two friends died of cancer within eight months of each other and now she has written a book about her own cancer journey and the effects it has had on her mental health. Jacqui, from Mackworth, has written a book called ‘Cancer is a T**t’ which documents in an honest and humorous way her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, plus intimate details on how the disease has affected her life and her mental wellbeing.
Jacqui, whose beloved dog, Sonny, also died of cancer just two months after her diagnosis, will donate £1 from the sale of each book to Derbyshire based Treetops Hospice. The Risley end-of-life charity supported the families of friends Emma Allen and Julia Mason following their recent deaths, aged just 37 and 36. In the e-book, which is available to buy on Shopify, Jacqui also explains how wearing the ‘fake boob’ which belonged to mum-of-one, Emma, makes her feel close to her friend – and how after completing mental health first aid training she has ambitions of becoming a counsellor. Jacqui says that documenting her cancer journey in a book has been therapeutic and hopes that it will helps others in a similar position.
Steph is a cancer exercise specialist and breast cancer survivor, offering exercise, health and wellbeing coaching for cancer patients. Take back control, rebuild your confidence and turn your cancer journey into a positive.
When Steph was diagnosed with breast cancer, in December 2021, she was a busy mum of twins, who were just 3 at the time - she didn’t have time to be ill! Naively she thought it would all be over in a few months and she would be able to forget all about it. Little did she realise that she would be in for 18 months of active treatment and would then have to learn to manage the ongoing side effects of hormone therapy.
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence of many common cancers, for some cancers by up to 40%. Read that again. If you exercise regularly, your cancer is less likely to come back. Exercise reduces the side effects of cancer treatment and reduces your recovery time from surgery and helps chemotherapy work better. Being fit helps you bounce back to a better version of you when it’s all over.
Wherever you are in your travels through cancer, NOW is the time to unleash the power of movement. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing, terrifying and lonely. It might not be the first thing to spring to mind, but having cancer is also the time to make lasting, positive changes to your fitness and lifestyle. Why? Because you deserve to be the healthiest, strongest and most confident version of you.
Get in touch for a free first session - email Steph at [email protected]
As well as her own private practice, Claire is a counsellor for Macmillan and the Princess Alice Hospice where she sees the effects of Cancer and COVID19 first hand. Although Claire has been told she works very differently from others she will offer you a person-centred approach which is client lead and believes the client is the expert. She understands how cancer affects you mentally, emotionally and physically. Claire has a willingness to hear another's self-identification, she will create a confidential space and here is where a trusting therapeutic relationship is built between herself and her client. Claire is a warm emphatic counsellor who offers you a non-judgemental approach, will support and hold you throughout your therapy so you do not feel alone. With her diverse knowledge and understanding of real life she offers a wide variety of therapies in many areas and offers your first Consultation is FREE
‘I can’t bear not to be with these three most important people in my life. I can’t bear not to be there alongside Mark as my children grow up. My bright, funny, affectionate boys who are never embarrassed to say, “love you mummy”, and say it ten times day.’
Renowned as a much-loved and highly respected BBC journalist, Victoria Derbyshire has spent 20 years finding the human story behind the headlines. In 2015 she found herself at the heart of the news, with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. With honesty and openness, she decided to live out her treatment and recovery in the spotlight in a series of video diaries that encouraged thousands to seek diagnosis and help.
Victoria has kept a diary since she was nine years old and in DEAR CANCER she shares her day to day experiences of life following her diagnosis and coming to terms with a future that wasn’t planned. From the moment she woke up to find her right breast had collapsed, to telling her partner and children, through to mastectomy and chemotherapy. From wearing a wig to work and hiding it from her colleagues, to the relief and joy of finishing treatment before immediately flying to Glasgow to present a debate on the European Referendum.
By sharing her story, she became the person that mums, daughters, sisters, husbands, boyfriends and family members contacted to thank as they tried to find ways to cope with their own and their loved ones’ prognosis and needed to know that they were not alone.
Victoria’s story is an affecting and at times heart-breaking one, but it is so often laugh-out-loud too. Moving, wonderfully heart-warming and ultimately uplifting, this is a powerful account of a brave struggle told with honesty, courage and emotion that gives strength to anyone touched by cancer.
Devon Duvets is a family run business that has been handcrafting award-winning British wool filled duvets, mattress toppers and pillows for over 12 years, in their Devon workshops. Each product is designed to help achieve a better night’s sleep and therefore a sense of wellbeing.
Recovering from breast cancer surgery can be an emotional journey and the Devon Duvets Comfort Cushion was developed with the help of one of the Devon Duvets team who experienced breast cancer surgery herself, and found a comfort cushion an invaluable part of her recovery. Individually shaped and handcrafted to cushion your armpit and the side of your breast or chest wall, each Comfort Cushion is made with hand-fluffed, 100% British wool, inside a high-quality cotton casing. Breathable, temperature regulating and moisture wicking, it will feel supportive, comforting and comfy next to tender, sore skin and can be used to provide support if you have to sleep more upright, or just whilst up and about.
Natural, sustainable, and chemical free, each Comfort Cushion costs £20 including delivery. Devon Duvet do not make any profit from this item and a donation of 50p from each purchase is given to support the work of the Pink Ribbon Foundation (a further 50p is given to a local charity).
Eloise provides pretty lingerie, sophisticated swimwear and natural feel breast forms to women who have had various forms of breast surgery. They offer free of charge telephone advice on choosing the right bra for your needs, as well as one to one fitting appointments at their specialist fitting suite in Milton Keynes. You can make an appointment by calling 01908 340 094 during normal business hours and speak with one of their experienced post-surgical bra fitters. Products can also be purchased online at www.eloise.co.uk if you already know what you need.
The Pink Ribbon Foundation is the perfect partner for Eloise because we both share a keen desire to support those who are affected by breast cancer! Eloise feels that the Pink Ribbon Foundation’s approach to helping charities of all sizes across the UK is particularly important. Throughout the year, beginning 1st October 2022, Eloise has promised to match all customer donations made through the Eloise checkout page to the Pink Ribbon Foundation as a way of giving back to the community they serve.
PRACTICAL EMPOWERMENT
NAVIGATE CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY
This book offers approaches from professionals working with the mind-body connection to reduce stress and anxiety, build motivation and enable individuals to understand and respond to their needs.
You will discover the impact of three pillars of health and wellness: Awareness, Information and Learning. This provides you with the framework to deepen your professional knowledge, skills and the confidence to support others in times of uncertainty and crisis.
The methods and content outline the experiences that continually come from supporting cancer patients, carers and their families at the Fountain Centre, a UK charity working with the National Health Service (www.fountaincentre.org).
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: Gavin Andrews, Victoria Hamilton, Enrico Illuminati, Aga Kehinde, Ann Lewis, Silvia Mirandola, Fiona Stimson, Chris Ullman and Amanda White.
Help me Angela are on a mission to help everyone feel safer by providing them with a 24/7 Guardian Angel in the palm of their hand.
We have all had times when we have felt unsafe or afraid, help me Angela’s personal safety app is designed to help you feel safer as you go about your everyday life. From access at the push of a button to highly trained Personal Safety Specialists 24/7 - to the follow me, silent urgent messaging and get me out of here features - they’ve got you. The help me Angela app also has an education and safety awareness platform giving you tips and advice to help you feel safer.
"We believe that feeling safe isn't a privilege, it's your right".
Let help me Angela turn your phone into a mobile safety device and give you the reassurance of knowing that you have a Guardian Angel by your side 24/7 365.
Annabel lies awake in the early hours after a night partying. She’s not worrying about how to get rid of an unsuitable man in her bed, but what to do about the hard lump she’s found on her left breast. An absorbing story of what happens when life swerves in unimaginable directions. At the age of thirty-one – a successful architect and a single Londoner – Annabel is diagnosed with breast cancer. Overnight, her quest for love turns into a fight for life, and more. Plunged into a world of treatment, which she keeps hidden from all but those closest to her, she learns a new way of living in London, a city whose moods and seasons reflect her own. Hidden is a memoir of great courage and determination, told with wry humour and an architect’s eye. The story of how Annabel rebuilds her future will bring hope to anyone who has been forced to radically change direction in life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Annabel Chown was born in London and read Architecture at Cambridge University. She has worked as an architect in Berlin and London, and currently teaches yoga in London. Her writing about breast cancer has been published in The Daily Telegraph and Red magazine.
ILU Fitwear creates Adaptive Friendly designs as part of their collection of beautiful activewear, because they believe that Beautiful Activewear Includes Adaptive. Designs made to be easier to get on/off, now including the needs of women undergoing cancer treatment. Keep Shining Bright. The Starlight Sweat is ILU Fitwear's latest Adaptive Friendly piece. A sumptuous and luxe sweat, the deep front zip allows chest port access, and the two-way full arm zips open up for vein and picc line access. Shop 3 colourways, each accented with fun pastel details to lift your style and your spirits. Made in Portugal from 100% repurposed cotton.
Julia Clancey is a self-taught designer from the UK who currently lives between Los Angeles and London. The essence of the brand is luxury and timeless glamour, whilst striving for change and understanding the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment. They are transitioning the brand into a fully vegan one and operate at 100% zero waste policy, donating fabric to local schools and charities for art projects.
A love of vintage and attention to detail has led to the creation of a bespoke accessories collection. Swarovski endorsed the line, and as a brand partner they use the highest quality of all materials. The collection is all hand embroidered and made to order. The pieces are made to be cherished and passed down to generations as a timeless statement adornment.
Julia understands the importance of the softness of fabric and has just launched fully organic cotton jersey turbans perfect for sensitive scalps and those going through treatment for breast cancer. All her turbans are reversible in smooth satins and comfy plush velour. For the last 2 years, Julia has offered a 20% discount via word of mouth, to those affected by cancer and now she is delighted to formalise a partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation. As a small gesture of support to all the beautiful survivors out there, Julia continues to offer 20% off with discount code PinkRibbon20 plus a 5% donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.
Keeping Abreast of the Situation by Ruth Roche is her own account of her journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer after a standard mammogram appointment. Ruth hopes her book will help readers on how to deal with emotions, see how normal life can be affected before, during and after a cancer diagnosis.
"You are a fortunate person when you wake up in the morning, count your blessings and can look forward to the day ahead. You work for a good company, earn a decent salary, have a job you enjoy and have work colleagues that are friends.
Your home life is just as good. You finish work for the day. Your partner has cleaned the house. You go to the pub for tea and meet friends, return home and snuggle up in front of the TV before bed. Tomorrow is another day. The question is: what happens when one appointment takes the cork out of that bottle?"
Every year approximately 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, making it the most common cancer. The team at littlelifts is on a mission to support them by offering a littlelifts box at the beginning of their chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment.
They do this by working directly with hospitals in East Anglia, where boxes are given out to patients during treatment planning or review meetings with their Oncology/Radiology Team or Breast Care Team.
Littlelifts understand that every woman’s experience of breast cancer and its treatment is different, but each littlelifts box is hand-packed with love and is full of carefully selected items all chosen to provide practical and emotional support for the journey through treatment.
Recently, they have launched an online shop so that individuals can purchase a box for a loved one who is not receiving treatment at one of their partner hospitals.
“My mission is to change the way the world views cancer and cancer fighters everywhere, to create a new way of living with cancer and talking about cancer.”
Diagnosed at 39, with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer, whilst working in a high-profile stressful role at Nike, Emma was the healthiest person she knew .... a bit stressed, juggling corporate life with two young daughters, but healthy and fit nonetheless.
No one is ever truly prepared for a cancer diagnosis. The moment you hear the dreaded 'C' word, everything changes. The ground falls away from under you, and you are left breathless with shock, confused by all the questions that suddenly spring to mind. How do you break the news to loved ones? What does the diagnosis actually mean? What is the treatment plan? What is my prognosis? What can I do to support myself through the cancer journey ahead?
'Live Brave - Conquer Cancer, Claim Your Power' is designed to provide practical, tactical solutions to those questions and a coping strategy that puts anyone dealing with the unthinkable back in the driving seat to manage their diagnosis with the grace and fortitude required to triumph.
For more about Emma go to - www.livebrave.com
LoveRose is a brand of luxurious, post-surgery lingerie designed by and for women who have been through breast surgery. Their luxury, wire free bras are engineered with clever hidden support and are made with recycled stretch lace and finished with silk.
LoveRose is here to support you in more ways than one- born after founder Caroline was recovering from a double mastectomy with reconstruction, they understand the emotional and psychological needs of their ladies. Head over to IGTV and YouTube to watch their LoveRose talks series, where they focus on conversations that help support women in the cancer community.
MuchLoved - your place to remember someone special and fundraise in their memory. MuchLoved is the UK’s leading online tribute charity, where you can remember someone special and fundraise in their memory. This unique online service enables someone bereaved to make a special personalised tribute page for their loved one, where they can share memories and remember them. They can add stories, photos, music, videos and celebrate their life and memory, as well as fundraise for good causes in their honour.
MuchLoved also provide bereavement information and support services, and work in partnership with other bereavement organisations and charities to help support those that have been bereaved. They work with over 5,000 UK charities, partner with over 500 Funeral Directors and have helped over 400,000 people remember their loved ones through a personal online tribute. To date they have helped to raise over £75 million for other good causes through their service.
A must-read book about battling breast cancer one blog at a time.
"Upfront, honest and heartbreaking" - Sir Lenny Henry
"Sara is the Bridget Jones of Breast Cancer" - Pink Ribbon Foundation
"Comedy - you won’t read many other books about Breast Cancer like this one’" - Julia Bradbury
"Sex and the City with chemo" - Sharon Ali, Former Head of BBC Diversity
Sara Harding - music journalist and top telly producer had it all - brilliant boobs, a great job, fabulous friends, caring family, money in the bank, a new boyfriend and was living her best life. But that all changed when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. This debut is a modern mash up of blog/book/diary/advice/memes/socials/testimony and photos making it a must read, whether you’ve had cancer or not.
Sara says, "During my cancer journey, I’ve experienced it all. I’ve gone from fabulous TV producer to foraging in food banks, being sick to Take That in the supermarket, an addiction to Jaffa Cakes, being fat shamed, life saving treatment from Doctor Love, waiting room dramas, operation day disasters, wig woes, tummy troubles, hair loss, hallucinations and being told that my cancer wasn’t ‘on brand’ and crying. Lots and lots of crying".
"Cancer is no laughing matter, but humour is definitely a way to get through this horrific disease. So I’ve created this ‘blook’, which is part diary and part advice. This book is for everyone – for friends, family, colleagues and carers. My mission is to get everyone to check their lumps and bumps, help us all get over the scary bits and laugh at the good times. Written with love for the NHS and the Pink Ribbon Foundation".
Princess Catherine has her copy, Sir Lenny Henry has his, rock stars have theirs. Do you have your copy of this breastseller?
Myogenes are incredibly proud to be supporting the Pink Ribbon Foundation with their Hereditary Cancer genetic test.
We believe there’s no place for guess work in modern medicine. That’s why the experts at Myogenes have spent years formulating this test which offers you or your loved ones a real insight into your probability of developing certain hereditary cancers.
They can help you implement preventative measures if you are more likely to develop certain diseases down the line. And, they can empower you to make specific lifestyle choices to ensure you can lead a healthy lifestyle.
It has been discovered that inherited genetic mutations can increase the chance of developing cancer in the future. So, with all that in mind, the Hereditary Cancer test specifically looks for mutations in genes associated with a number of Hereditary Cancers, including Breast, Ovarian, Prostate, Colon, Stomach, Head and Neck cancers.
Once your saliva sample has been analysed by experts, a detailed report that includes information on the presence, or absence of mutations associated with increased cancer risk will be sent to your doctor within 3 weeks. You’ll then have the chance to go through the results together, and your doctor can explain any findings or next steps if they’re required.
For each test sold, Myogenes will make a 5% donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.
OWise is a free app for people with breast cancer, helping them to regain control of their lives from the first day of diagnosis. OWise has been designed to empower patients with personalised information and self-management tools.
The app provides the user with personalised medical information based on the user’s profile details, as well as a tailored list of suggested questions to help them improve conversations with their clinicians. Patients can also actively monitor their treatment side-effects over time and share their progress with their clinical team and loved ones. Additionally, OWise enables patients to store, enter and visualise all the information about their cancer treatment in one secure place (appointments, treatment plan, notes, photos and audio recordings).
"I used the OWise app to record daily stats throughout my primary diagnosis & treatment. It was invaluable for helping my care team to review any changes in my treatment & effects. It took all my fear away."" - OWise User
PICC Pals are a group of handy volunteers based in the Southend area. They make and provide free PICC line covers for patients in medium and long term treatments. Their aim is predominantly to help patients feel a little less “medical” in their day to day lives, help patients have enough practical and attractive covers to keep lines clear and clean and importantly - let patients know that people are thinking about them when they are going through treatment.
The group raise their own funds through different activities and accept donations on their GOFUNDME page where orders are also placed.
However, a donation is not essential and ANYONE going through treatment can be sent covers FREE of charge. The group make covers for all shapes and sizes – ladies / men’s /kids collections, Christmas specials, summer collections and will even bling up covers for special occasions if required! If you want your line to disappear - these guys can help.
Each cover comes individually sized and packaged and has passed the rigorous infection control requirements of many hospitals across the country.
Fighting my tumour with a dose of humour.
- A memoir - I have cancer! Now what?
Living on the beautiful Caribbean island of Curaçao, at twenty-seven years old, that was the question that Eline had to ask herself. Out of the blue, she was hit with a life-changing diagnosis and as her “normal” life stood still, Eline hopped on the scariest roller coaster of her life. Here, she invites you to join her on this ride and read inside her mind. The mind of an optimist — the glass-half-full-of-sarcasm kind. While the experience was bumpy and lumpy, it was also filled with epiphanies, cancer perks, friendship, family, gratitude, and hope. So, at definite risk of sounding like a Hallmark card, this is not a story of tragedy, instead, it is one of triumph. This is a book about learning the hard life lessons and coming out of them more positive, empowered, and resilient than before. Better and balder through it all.
Breast cancer survivor, Ejiro Ideme bares all in her debut book ‘Scars of Hope’ where she shares her breast cancer story in the hopes that it will be a source of inspiration and faith for other women battling the disease.
Nigerian born London based accountant, Ejiro Ideme was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2012. During a traumatic 14-month battle she felt the Lord tell her to write a book and share her experience – even with the risk of being stigmatised within the Nigerian community, particularly as a single woman. Scars of Hope is a selfless yet self-reflecting book that sees a passionate worship minister’s faith tested in the darkest hours as her world is turned upside-down.
A self-published author, Ejiro wrote the book in the midst of her treatment. She says: “I’m glad to write even from my place of struggle and faith during treatment to encourage you that you can go through Iife strong if you put your mind to it. Dare to be optimistic even in your darkest moments. Make your challenges count by bringing hope to the hopeless.”
Since the release of the book in 2014, Ejiro has been passionate to support women going through breast cancer by sharing her story with others, offering advice and speaking out about her story – something she believes is her mandate for this time.
Lead Trichologist & Hair Health Expert
Sofia Baig is Monpure London's Lead Trichologist and a renowned Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair Loss Specialist.
Her expertise extends beyond mere treatment, encompassing the education of clients on the intricacies of hair and scalp care. Sofia’s commitment lies in addressing various hair loss conditions while empowering individuals with the knowledge to maintain optimal hair health offering results-driven hair restoration services and teaching clients how to take better care of their hair and scalp.
As the Lead Trichologist for Monpure, Sofia creates luxurious and scientifically proven treatments for salons and clinics, offering a unique combination of indulgence and scientific expertise. Guided by a profound understanding of the emotional impact of hair loss and its intimate connection to identity and confidence, Sofia prioritizes scalp and hair health education within her treatment plans. Her approach transforms clients’ lives, not only by restoring their hair but also by uplifting their spirits and confidence.
Beyond the conventional, she incorporates her passion for holistic well-being, infusing Reiki into her bespoke treatments for hair loss. This holistic perspective underscores Sofia’s dedication to addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of hair restoration.
A notable aspect of Sofia’s practice is her ability to seamlessly blend luxury with scientific precision. Through scientifically proven treatments, she offers a unique combination of indulgence and trichological expertise. Sofia’s creations deliver not only results but also a luxurious experience, making each trichology session a comprehensive journey towards renewed confidence and vibrant hair health.
Happily ticking off her ‘forty things at forty’ bucket list in 2019 Emma, wife and mother to two young children, hadn’t included a breast cancer diagnosis. Rather inconveniently a summer of fun was replaced with hospital appointments, scans and the commencement of ‘The Poisoning’ (chemotherapy).
Using her slightly sweary and dark humour Emma takes you on a ‘Bridget Jones diary’ style chronological journey in her quest to kill ‘Lumpy’. From sensible practical tips and advice to her weekly mini blogs to manage her ‘Cancer comms’, ‘chemo sitter’ rotas for friends to entertain her on treatment days and Uncle Fester at Halloween she shows you the highs, the lows and everything in-between.
She also shares the real time conversations and words of loved ones. One thing’s for sure - Cancer could take her hair but she was damned if it was taking her humour. £2 from every paperback sold will be donated to FORCE cancer charity.
You can also purchase a 'special edition' book directly from Emma, which includes colour photos (same RRP as Amazon but you don't get the photos with the Amazon printed books). To grab one of these, please send an email to [email protected] and you'll be given the information to purchase directly from the author.
Surviving cancer is as much about catching it early and being positive about the outcome, as it is about the treatment. Carolann Bruce is a breast cancer survivor, but only because she refused to take no for an answer. When you hear the news, ‘You don’t have cancer. Go home and live your life,’ you’d think the relief would be overwhelming, but not for Carolann. She had had a dream that foretold of breast cancer, and it depicted two endings - she wanted survival. Carolann had been having scary dreams for a while, but this particular dream plainly and graphically showed her as a cancer patient. It was so real that she checked herself when she woke up, and found a lump! She’d had a negative mammogram, and a consultant said the lump was nothing to worry about, but she insisted on further tests. The consultant assured Carolann that all was fine, but she refused to budge. She believed her dream. Thankfully, Carolann stuck to her guns, because the doctor was wrong! She had cancer. Most people would have accepted the diagnosis and gone away, only to find out the truth much later when it may be too late, but Carolann is stubborn, she knew her body, and knew that her dream was true.” So began the start of a long and gruelling journey. Carolann is a qualified nurse, but even she didn’t fully know what to expect and, the treatment took her to hell and back. She wrote her book to try to support and inspire other women facing the same diagnosis. It’s a candid insight with more than a smattering of humour because let’s face it, you have to laugh to get through it. The book lays bare what a cancer diagnosis brings, but it’s also laugh out loud funny at times, too. The book's main message is that, as much as we trust and admire our doctors and nurses, you must also listen to your body. Don’t take everything as gospel. Question your diagnosis and treatment, and discuss everything with your consultant as well as your family. Never forget - it is your life and your body. As graphic as it is in places, ‘The Dream That Saved My Life' is a book that every woman should read.
“Ticking Off Breast Cancer is a candid, thoughtful account of the way Sara dealt with a breast cancer diagnosis. She is one impressive woman.” – Victoria Derbyshire
Previously an expert multi-tasker in her capacity as a busy, married, forty-two-year-old mother of two, and part time lawyer commuting into London, Sara managed her life by to-do list after to-do list. However, when breast cancer appeared on her list, Sara’s life was thrown upside down and she had to make a few changes.
With the combination of medical appointments, scans, and harsh treatment, Sara’s dignity, grace and composure all flew out the window, but she did retain the ability to get herself organised and make a few lists to help her through the treatment. Armed with a multitude of shopping lists, to-do lists and checklists, she made it through eighteen months of gruelling cancer treatment to the other side, where, for the past couple of years, she’s been basking in the glow of hair regrowth, new eyebrows and a renewed love for life.
Ticking Off Breast Cancer is a chronological narrative of Sara’s life from the day of her diagnosis and throughout her treatment. It follows Sara as she deals with the physical, emotional and mental challenges thrown at her by cancer and provides an honest insight into the treatment given to a breast cancer patient together with the impact that this has on someone’s life.
By sharing many of her to-do lists in the form of checklists at the end of each chapter, Ticking Off Breast Cancer provides thoughtful, helpful advice for every step of the way. Whether read as a companion for someone going through cancer treatment themselves, or as a guide for someone with a loved one or friend going through cancer treatment, Ticking Off Breast Cancer provides support and encouragement throughout.
The book accompanies Sara’s website of the same name, which provides practical help and support for those going through breast cancer treatment.
Created in partnership with those we love recovering from breast cancer, Transform Method yoga classes or one-to-one sessions are offered online, and focus on bringing peace on the journey to reclaiming mind, body and self-connection. Gentle yoga is tailored to the pace and specific needs of clients, without ever over-reaching; the result aims to be a progressive journey for clients towards self-reclamation both physically and emotionally. To achieve this, the method incorporates luxuriant stretches and breathing based on powerfully inclusive Kundalini. Global yoga, designed to support the release of hormones responsible for reducing anxiety, moving the body into the parasympathetic system, our ‘rest and restore’ system, combined with gentle yet expansive movements.
Valiant Lingerie specialises in beautiful, contemporary lingerie for women who have had treatment for breast cancer.
Valiant Lingerie are passionate about creating the lingerie that you deserve. Their mission is to create beautiful lingerie to help you to feel confident and empowered again after treatment. It's time to say goodbye to boring, uncomfortable underwear! Comfort is an important factor – they want their designs to feel as good as they look. Each bra has been thoughtfully and sensitively designed with post-surgery bodies in mind, and all of their bra's feature:
To learn more, visit their website and enter code PINKRIBBON at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Vicky Martin has over 11 years of medical tattooing experience and has been creating ultra-realistic Areola tattooing to help a breast cancer survivors feel as complete as possible after lifesaving surgery. She is the creator of the VMM® Method and has tattooed hundreds of women.
Vicky has created a new platform called the WORLD MECIDAL ARTISTS which is a world map highlighting where trained medical tattoo artists are based around the world. For an artist to be on the WMA map they must be of a certain standard and must be able to donate a certain amount of free time to clients, if funds are an issue.
WMA’s Purpose
Women and men often wait for so long to have their tattooing completed in hospitals and nurses really do not have the time to create incredible realistic artwork. There’s no doubt that nipple tattoos are the 'Medals from the War', and it’s so important for a woman or man to look as complete as possible every time they look in the mirror. In order for breast cancer patients to feel complete after breast cancer, it’s so vital that they know that there are amazing nipple tattoo artists around the world who are ready to create them. If this is something of interest to you or a loved one, please check out our world map at www.worldmedicalartists.org or visit Vicky's page www.vickymartinmethod.com Please reach out, as there are so many incredible artists just waiting to help you feel more complete.
When Mummy Had Cancer is a touching and hopeful story that explores a family’s journey through a challenging time, told from the perspective of a young child. Life is full of joy, especially when the family dances together in the kitchen—but everything changes when Mummy discovers she has cancer.
Through tender moments of fear, sadness, and bravery, the family learns to face the illness together. With gentle honesty, this beautifully illustrated picture book helps children understand complex emotions, offering comfort and reassurance.
It encourages them to talk about their feelings, ask questions, and find strength in the love and support of their family. With engaging questions woven into the story, When Mummy Had Cancer invites young readers to reflect on their own emotions and reminds them that even in hard times, there’s always room for hope, healing, and maybe even a little dancing.
Whether newly diagnosed with breast cancer or post treatment, we want to share with you the products and services which some women have found to be helpful. We would love to hear from companies who offer something which may be beneficial or from ladies who have recommendations, please CONTACT LISA ALLEN: [email protected]