Life Reconstructed Book
“Kim’s journalist skills and story-telling ability to share her own personal struggles with breast cancer make this book exceptional. I learned so much from her experience and the experiences of the women she interviewed from diagnosis to cancer-free recovery. Her book has made me a better and more holistic breast surgeon, and I now choose my multidisciplinary physician team to better match the physical and emotional needs of my patients.”
Susan L. Beck, DO, MPH
Breast Surgeon and Medical Director
Katzmann Breast Center
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Free Mastectomy Pillows
The 4 women pictured have made over 2000 mastectomy pillows that have been shipped all over the US (and even overseas) to bless women undergoing mastectomies and breast reconstruction. Know someone who needs a set? Click on the photo to open the request form.
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Me 🙂
My name is Kim, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month to the day after my 40th birthday. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and a five month reconstruction process during which I was forced to make crazy decisions about my body that should be reserved for Twilight Zone episodes. (Maybe you can relate.)
I’m a writer, speaker, editor and librarian. Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction (Familius, 2021) is my first book and I’m so very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with an amazing agent and publisher to get it out into the world.
I love Jesus. I love my man. I love being a boy mom. (And most of the time, I like my crazy dog.)
Whether you are a previvor, a survivor, currently in the midst of treatment, or supporting someone who is, my desire is to be a resource and an encouragement to you.
Life Reconstructed Chapter Titles:
- Introduction: The World Turned Upside Down: When Breast Cancer Came to My House
- Chapter 1: Open to the Front: The Humbling Experience of Sharing Your Breasts with So Many People
- Chapter 2: Breast Reconstruction: To Do It or Not to Do It
- Chapter 3: It’s Not a Boob Job: The Distinct Differences between Reconstruction and Augmentation
- Chapter 4: Be Your Own Advocate: Nobody Knows Your Body Better Than You
- Chapter 5: Vignettes from the Hospital: Women Share Their Post-Mastectomy Stories
- Chapter 6: At-Home Recovery: It’s Not an Easy Road
- Chapter 7: I Feel Ugly: Grieving the Loss of Your Breasts and Discovering a New Normal
- Chapter 8: Sex with New Boobs: Reconstruction Is a Game Changer
- Chapter 9: This Is Hard for Him Too: A Husband’s Perspective
- Chapter 10: Don’t Forget to Include Your Kids: They May Not Ask Questions, but They Have Them
- Chapter 11: Humor in the Hurting: Sometimes Laughter Is the Best Medicine
- Afterword
- Appendix 1: Helpful Items for Recovery
- Appendix 2: The History and the Law: The Development of Breast Reconstruction and the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
Click on the links below for more information or to request mastectomy pillows:
