The Silver Lining: An Insightful Guide to the Realities of Breast Cancer

In her pragmatic and empathetic first book—a hybrid memoir and professional guide—Jacobs, a palliative care/hospice nurse and social worker, offers an unabashedly candid account of her experience with breast cancer. Speaking as both patient and experienced healthcare professional, Jacobs, at the time of her diagnosis a “vegan-eating, marathon-running 39-year-old with no family history” of the disease, covers every aspect of diagnosis, treatment, and care, with a spiritually and emotionally uplifting viewpoint that allows her to see the “Silver Linings” in even the most difficult situations. Each chapter—beautifully illustrated with images by Messina—focuses on a particular point in the breast cancer journey and discusses how to handle challenges with a clear head, including: diagnosis; relaying the news to children (toddlers to teens to adults), family members, and other loved ones; surgery; chemotherapy; the isolating nature of the disease; radiation; nutritional and other therapies to ease treatment; discovering the new normal; and redefining your life post-treatment. Every section provides invaluable tips, such as questions to ask your treatment team, what to expect during diagnosis and treatment, and red flags to watch for. If you or someone you know has battled breast cancer, this book will serve as a lifeline for navigating this potentially devastating disease. Full-color photos. (Mar.)