In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

“You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush.

And then there’s Ann Fonfa, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 1999. On Sept. 12, 2001, she learned she had no evidence of disease, as smoke billowed from the World Trade Center blocks away. Today she continues to be clear of cancer and leads the Annie Appleseed Foundation, a respected online clearing house for information on complimentary cancer therapies.

The book includes a list of common attributes these survivors share, thought-provoking questions for discussion and support groups and insights on survivorship from best-selling author Bernie Siegel, MD, and Doug Ulman, CEO and president of LIVESTRONG.

This book is not just for cancer survivors, but for anyone who wants inspiration for overcoming life’s challenges. As Bernie Siegel says in his introduction, “From Incurable to Incredible as ‘a book everyone should read.’”

Chicken Soup for the Cancer Survivor’s Soul: 101 Healing Stories about Those Who Have Survived Cancer by Beverly Kirkhart and more

With several authors including Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, this book carries the touching tales of over 100 survivors, all with incredible stories to tell. The brief description below tells all you need to know.

“More than 100 cancer survivors share their personal stories in this touching new collection of Chicken Soup. These heartwarming accounts of courageous people who found the power to battle cancer in their endless hope, unwavering faith and steadfast determination will inspire you to adopt a positive attitude, discover your faith and cherish every moment. Just what the doctor ordered for healing your body, mind and soul.”

A Survivor’s Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Ass by Dena Mendes

Dena Mendes is a yoga instructor, healer, and chef. She is also a cancer survivor. Her book tells it like it is with heart. You’ll see when you read about her below.

“It’s a ballsy move to look in the face of cancer and say, “I’m gonna kick your ass!” Yet Dena Mendes did just that, and now she’ll tell you how to do the same thing! This book is a crash course in learning how to be your own advocate. Empower yourself by using your intuition and newfound knowledge, and you’ll come through this difficult yet amazing health-awakening opportunity with flying colors. With this step-by-step guide at your side, your journey will turn into a beautiful dance. As Dena promises, “You’ll get to turn yourself inside out and become someone new. I guarantee that this is the best trip you’ll ever take!” This guide is a life preserver that has been created to support you on your journey back to perfect health. . . .”

What are your favorite books by and about cancer survivors? Tell us about them!  

In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

“You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush. 

For many of our patients, reading the stories of others who have fought cancer and won has given them the edge they needed to continue their fight. We thought a list of these books would be a good reference for anyone curious about or in a struggle with this horrible disease.

We titled this blog “Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors” because we truly believe that your mindset is vital for beating cancer, and we are positive that anyone who reads even one of these books will dramatically increase her odds of surviving cancer.

While browsing for books that inspire, we found this video message from Stand Up to Cancer. We hope you find it as touching as we did. On the same page, we found a reading list put together for the September 5 Stand Up to Cancer Event. Please read on for our first blog of inspirational stories of cancer survivors, and please stay tuned for part two.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr

Actress Kris Carr fought liver cancer with gusto and grace. Here is an excerpt from the overview on Barnes and Noble:

“She (Carr) entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, “Cancer needed a makeover, and I was just the gal to do it!” She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative “quacks,” blind dates, and other women with cancer—sadly a growing group…

CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS gathers the lessons learned and advice offered from Carr’s own journey, as well as the experiences of her cancer posse… Chapters cover your changing social life, dating, sex, and appearance; essential health tips on how to boost your immune system; recipes; medical and holistic resources; and information on young survivor support groups.”

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr

We’ve included the sequel because Kris Carr is a survivor, and we knew her second book had to be as uplifting as the first. Another excerpt from Barnes and Noble:

“On the heels of Kris Carr’s acclaimed Learning Channel documentary and best-selling survival guidebook Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips comes this survivor’s companion. With this beautifully illustrated, go-anywhere resource, Kris redefines what it means to be a survivor. She invites all the Cancer Cowgirls (and dudes) out there to slide into the driver’s seat, turn on their own internal GPS, and become empowered participants in their own healing journey. Pairing her signature sass and smart, soulful, real advice with thoughtful exercises, new contributors, and space for writing and reflecting, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor reaffirms that it is possible to live a real, fun, crazy, sexy life with cancer—that healing is about truly living.”

From the Heart by Robin Roberts

We’ve all watched Robin’s fight against cancer, and we were thrilled to hear she had written a book. We loved it and highly recommend it because the advice in it resonates with all of us and should be required reading for everyone. We couldn’t agree more with Ann Burns’ review, so we’ve included it here.

“Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and former anchor of ESPN’s Sports Center, has written a compelling book revealing the secret to her success. She reflects on Hurricane Katrina, recounting her ordeal on the Gulf Coast; her 15 years at ESPN; growing up in Pass Christian, MS; her faith; and much more. As a young woman, tennis was her first true passion, but she didn’t realize her dream of becoming a professional. Roberts’s rules include ‘Position yourself to take the shot; never play the race, gender, or any other card; venture outside your comfort zone; and keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart.’ She concludes by advising her listeners to break her rules and write their own: ‘live your life, let it happen, enjoy the ride.’ With musical interludes and the author’s lively presentation, this moving program is highly recommended for most libraries.”

—Ann Burns

Do you have a favorite inspirational book? Please include it below.