#140 Finding the Humanity in Breast Cancer Treatment
A review of Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center by Joseph Alexander
National Cancer Institute
After a career as a diagnostic radiologist specializing in breast imaging, Joseph Alexander DO, has written a highly detailed novel that follows the lives of four breast cancer patients and the medical professionals who care for them. After years of work writing, researching, and refining the volume, a compelling story has emerged.
The four main characters find themselves with a new breast cancer diagnosis at one comprehensive treatment center in the Miami, Florida. The ladies form a quick friendship and much of the novel highlights how these people, from widely different backgrounds, develop strong and supportive bonds with each other. The women come to understand each other’s triumphs and setbacks even better than members of their own families.
The women come from all parts of the world and varied ways of life. They might have never even become acquainted with each other were it not for their chance meeting at the care conference that day. Belkys teaches the readers about the Cuban community and culture thriving in the South Florida area. Manisha’s life story follows the Indian immigrants in America and highlights some of the Hindu religious customs. Sarah Cohen embodies the Ashkenazi Jewish experience and genetics of breast cancer. Marie Dubois represents her Haitian heritage with panache and pride
In one chapter set during a group therapy session at a psychologist’s office, the strain of a breast cancer diagnosis is highlighted by the author who writes,
“…During this stressful time in their lives, these individuals in a group setting developed a sense of community and seemed to heal mentally more quickly than those who suffered alone.” (page 229)
Although a work of fiction, the author teaches the readers about the many types of breast cancers and the various treatment modalities available to the patients at the Breast Center of Miami. We also learn a lot about genetic markers and counseling of patients and their families. The strains on family life run as an underlying theme of the narrative.
The author also pulls in the staff of the medical facility, ranging from the medical director, the staff radiologist, the patient care coordinator, and the charismatic janitor who is at times in the way but always providing encouragement and cheer to the beleaguered patients. Physician readers will identify very strongly with one oncologist facing a diagnosis within their own sphere of practice and another radiologist dealing with all the stressful emotions of a malpractice inquiry.
As with any good novel, we get some jarring surprises and heart-warming realizations along the way. The four main characters grow together and evolve through their individual and shared journeys. One character relates,
“her thoughts wandered back to the first time she met Marie, a woman filled with anger and rage. She witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last few years, where from a life-challenging experience, Marie channeled her negative energy into something positive and constructive.” (page 345)
Embedded in the character-driven narrative is an homage to the author’s chosen home, the Miami area. We learn about the ethnic neighborhoods, the arts, and restaurant scenes. The ladies go out to support each other as they learn some new salsa dance steps at a local club. Through the melting pot of South Florida, the story drives to its hopeful end.
Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center, brings together the patient’s and the physician’s side of breast cancer care in a compelling way. A sensitive subject is treated in a respectful and educational manner by an author who has played both the roles of radiologist and spouse of a survivor along the way. Dr. Alexander’s work could not be further afield from The Undying by Anne Boyer, which I reviewed here.
A contrast to The Undying
Boyer offers the very real and raw perspective of a young cancer patient with limited resources and no support system. She takes a hard look at the deceptions of the pharmaceutical companies and the overtreatment of mammogram abnormalities. With much bitterness and cynicism, Ms. Boyer shreds many of the institutions that Dr. Alexander lauds.
Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center offers a more optimistic view of the bonds shared through the treatment center and the complexities of different breast cancer therapies. There is sadness in this ambitious novel but there moments of fellowship and affection between the characters who find each other through their shared experiences. The author is finding his voice as a writer, and I am intrigued to see how his writing develops in his future novels.
