Happy Birthday to “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time”
May 23, 2024, marks the one-year birthday of ” A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time.” How is it possible that it has already been a year? I’m not sure, but I couldn’t let this important date pass by without acknowledging it!
Happy One Year Book Birthday!!!
Understanding the Impact- Beyond the Numbers
Beginning to write this book was a very private and solitary process. No one knew I was writing it until I was close to finishing the first draft. Writing may be a solitary activity, but editing, publishing, and marketing require a team.
Pivoting from the art of producing the work and marketing it has been a challenge. Sometimes, I would look at book sales numbers and wonder if the effort was worth it- especially since I knew how many newly diagnosed patients there are every year.
And then, I’d open up my Instagram DMs and read a message from a fellow DCIS patient who was so grateful to have found my book.
To be transparent, it has taken some time and perspective to understand the personal and professional impact of publishing.
Connecting with the Community
In March 2024, I attended a breast cancer conference as a patient partner with MOLLI Surgical. They brought copies of my book, and I had the honor of signing them for attendees. As I talked about my DCIS challenges and why I wrote the book, I felt a deep connection with the breast cancer community.
Later this spring, I attended the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life with my local breast cancer support group. I brought some copies of my book and spent the morning connecting and building relationships with fellow survivors.
These times filled my soul and reminded me why I wrote the book and continue to engage in patient groups and social media. We can encourage each other if we dare to tell our story.
Our stories, plus up-to-date research and innovation, may make it a little easier for the newly diagnosed.
As I reflect back on this year, I’m grateful for the work completed and for the path ahead. It has been an honor to be able to help others during their breast cancer journeys through my writing.
Thank You's Are In Order!
To my readers: Thank you! I hope you have found encouragement inside the book! Thank you for welcoming me into this challenging journey.
To my publishing team at Bold Story Press: Thank you for helping me craft this book into the beautiful and encouraging resource it is.
To my family and friends: thank you for supporting and encouraging me during and after the publishing process! I couldn’t have done it without you!
To my book champions: Thank you for sharing, reposting, commenting, and messaging me! I appreciate your support!!
To the MOLLI Surgical team: Thank you for our ongoing partnership, the opportunity to host Breast Practices, and for sharing my book widely with the community.
To the breast cancer community (online and in-person): Thank you for supporting and encouraging me. You understand what it is like to have that suspicious imaging and have to go in for a biopsy. I appreciate you!
What’s Next?
So, it’s been a year. I’m back to writing regularly on the blog and continuing to forge new partnerships.
Will I write another book? I plan to, and have begun the ideation phase. Stay tuned…
In the meantime, please join me in wishing “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time” a very happy birthday!!
Oh, and if you haven’t already- please consider writing a review— it’ll help out future readers!!
Jennifer Douglas
Jennifer is the author of "A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time," breast cancer survivor, and patient advocate. Her book, published in 2023 by Bold Story Press, is an encouraging guide for breast cancer patients. It contains first-hand information, organized by topics, to help readers navigate the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. Her writing emphasizes emotional, mental, and physical well-being along with empowered decision-making.
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