Note: This is an updated and expanded version of the book Why I'm Glad I Had Breast Cancer, published in 2005 by Wildside Press. That book is now out of print. A few copies are still available from the author for $15 (price includes postage and handling). Click on the e-mail link at the top of the page to order.
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"Leonore Dvorkin’s book Another
Chance at Life is one that I would like to recommend as a gift for
anyone newly diagnosed. Leonore’s easy style, humor and genuine honesty
made me feel that she was sitting next to me and talking to me as best
friends might. Certainly a comforting book at a difficult time."
-
Eileen Mitchard, Voices, April 27, 2010 (Voicesbc.org)
Patricia Wellingham-Jones reviewed the book for the April 2010 edition of the quarterly magazine Recovering The Self.
A portion of the review is reproduced here with permission of the editor.
"Synopsis: A memoir full of practical truths and healing suggestions.
"I admit that I picked up this 138-page book with a bit of reluctance. A breast cancer survivor myself, I've read many, many books on the subject and am weary of it all. What a pleasant surprise was in store. Leonore Dvorkin...writes with refreshing simplicity and lack of woe. The book reads like a novel, so engaging is her style. Her stated goal is to show readers that, with luck and hard work, they can come out on the other side of the horrific experience of cancer both healthier and happier than before...I know from my own situation that this is true.
"She takes us from discovery through biopsy and surgery (mastectomy), the relief of not needing chemotherapy or radiation, the wonders of mastectomy bras, and building her life afterwards. Along the way, she learns that cancer (or any truly traumatic event) teaches us to cherish every day, every moment of our lives...
"She ends her story with a gentle, reflective chapter of great wisdom called Aging, Accepting, and Appreciating...The final 38 pages are appendices of resources for information on breast cancer, risk factors, foods and vitamins plus three other diseases, finding mastectomy products and free publications...
"The reader gets to know Leonore Dvorkin and her loving husband, David, and I admire the active life she continues to lead as tutor of Spanish and German, translator, proofreader, and weight training instructor. This book is the epitome of healing after trauma."
"In 1998, at the age of 52, author Leonore Dvorkin was diagnosed
with
breast cancer. This book takes you on her journey from stunned surprise
to acceptance and then, finally, to emotional and physical victory.
Dvorkin's descriptions of the steps along the journey are refreshingly
frank. ... Her emotions and the medical procedures are described
eloquently, honestly, and with humor. ... Dvorkin is proof that much is
to be gained by accepting the inevitable, then moving forward with
courage and strength. ... For any woman facing the possibility or
reality of breast cancer, Dvorkin's book is a must-read. ... However,
[her] varied and far-reaching messages can help virtually anyone - male
or female, young or old - who is dealing with a physical or other
crisis."
- D. E. Stein, Community News,
Denver
"A reflective and ultimately optimistic memoir." - Midwest Book Review
"[Dvorkin's] account of life before and after mastectomy is
remarkably unaffected and straightforward. ... Why I'm Glad I Had Breast Cancer is
the gift of her wisdom and fortitude not to be missed by any woman."
- Ernest Dempsey, http://bookreviewpot.blogspot.com/
"Beautiful, moving, informative, uplifting. With an abundance of
both style and substance, Leonore Dvorkin delivers a powerful, positive
message that all women - and their partners - need to hear. I only wish
there had been a book like this back when I had cancer."
- Lee Christopher, author of Jaded Love, a CD of poetry set to
jazz, ISBN 1-887625-03-8
"A terrific read - well-written, frank, and honest. This book's many
hard-won truths make it truly special and inspiring. I only wish it had
been longer."
- Nina Romberg (a.k.a. Jane Archer), author of Shadow Walkers
and The Spirit Stalker
"An amazing and beautiful story."
- Louniece SanFilippo, actress
"I read Why I'm Glad I Had Breast Cancer with great
interest, having gone down the same road myself. Leonore writes of
first accepting what is happening to you, and then of having the
courage to move forward. I thoroughly recommend this book to all women
who want to be informed, not only of the medical facts, but of how a
brave and intelligent woman faced this challenging chapter of her life."
- Elaine Greer, Pelican Waters, Queensland, Australia
"An uplifting and powerful story, with a very attractive message.
The author's positive attitude shines through clearly."
- Vivian Manning, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
"Leonore Dvorkin's book Why I'm Glad I Had Breast Cancer is
a wonderful compilation of honest and straightforward information about
breast cancer, told from a very positive and uplifting perspective. I
recommend this book not only to people suffering from any
life-threatening disease, but to everyone. It reminds us of what's
truly meaningful in life, helping us to better cope with the many
challenges that are thrown our way every day."
- Giselle Rogers Hurley, artist
"An unusual and important perspective on the experience of having
breast cancer."
- Melanie Tem, cancer survivor and author of The Deceiver
"This book is a straightforward account of living through and beyond
breast cancer. It addresses the fears of women everywhere, yet gives
hope for an even better life because of the experience. It could be
read more than once, as it offers insights into the various stages of
dealing with and living with breast cancer no matter what the woman's
age or stage in life."
- Werner Baumgartner MD, Lakewood, Colorado
Leonore was the subject of an online interview with the writer/reviewer Andrea S. Campbell. To read the interview in the Jan. 1, 2006 edition of Campbell's bi-monthly newsletter, "Soup's On," go to http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=1791&id=7360.
Almost immediately after the operation, I became aware that there were unexpected benefits to be reaped from this experience, benefits which ended up changing my life and many of my attitudes.
Eventually I decided to write a book detailing those many benefits (some of which I list below) and my thoughts on a variety of topics related to health, health care, self-image, and the value of courage and optimism in the face of adversity.
Hardcover: $21.95
Trade paperback: $9.95
Ebook: $3.99
If you're in the Denver metro area, you can buy Another Chance
at Life at
The Bookery Nook
4280 Tennyson Street
Denver, CO 80212
(303) 433-3439
You can order Another Chance at Life from various
online bookstores. Use these links:
Ideas so far include:
International inquiries are also welcome.
I've also written a literary novel, Apart from You (CreateSpace, 2010, ISBN 978-1449976279).
Click here for photos of me, my husband, and our son. Click here for details about my husband's 17 published books, which are in the genres of science fiction, horror, mystery, and satire.