I loved this book. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I can relate to everything she is saying. It is also so hilarious! I gave this book to my mom and my best friend to help them understand my world. It really helped.

I had to have a bi-laterial mastectomy last year and this book was recommended to me by my oncologist. I found it very inspirational and have decided to pass it on to anyone that I know that has battled breast cancer. It was funny at times and sad at times, just like my own experience with this devastating disease that affects so many women.

I agree wholeheartedly with most of the positive reviews here. This lady faced her dark hours with a sense of humor about herself as well as those around her who couldn't know what it exactly felt like to be in her shoes. The path of cancer or any serious condition is fraught with faux pas of medical staff as well as loved ones and acquaintances. There is no set script for anyone to follow. The author meets these issues and her illness with a fighting spirit. Well-written,funny and a stark view of cancer victim reality with a empowering edge.

please see, "Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas" THis is a photographic story about more than one person with cancer... read about their bravery and courage and fear.

Geralyn Lucas was 27 years old when doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer. Her career was in high gear. Her marriage to a young physician was solid. Her hopes of one day having a baby were ever-present. The last thing she expected to hear was that she had a diagnosis that she equated with only older women--breast cancer.

The 27 year old was a graduate from Columbia University School of Journalism and had secured a position as the editorial producer for ABC News' popular 20/20 show. She hadn't bargained for breast cancer to threaten her career, her hopes of becoming a mother, or her life. But that is exactly what happened.

In her poignant and refreshingly honest book, Lucas shares her emotional rollercoaster, her physical ups and downs and her walk through the treatment phases of her disease. Complete with the issues of chemotherapy side effects, reconstructive surgery, and marital strains, this book is gut-wrenchingly honest in its portrayal of a life turned upside down and inside out at the pronouncement of a life-threatening disease. It is also a totally life-affirming reflection on how one woman faced down the monster that is called breast cancer.

From 'victim' to 'survivor' to 'advocate' Geralyn Lucas walks us through the maze of a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. While her focus is on the younger population with this diagnosis, this book is a healthy and honest glimpse into the real world of any woman who is dealing with the disease--and for anyone who is helping her deal with it--at any stage. Newly diagnosed women will be inspired, those going through treatment will nod in agreement, those who are disease free will applaud her work with survivors' groups, and family members will thank her for allowing them to peek into what might be going on inside their own loved one's head during the whole process. Geralyn voices for all women what most women do not dare to admit--their own fear, their vulnerability, their ambivilence.

Readers will cheer when she defiantly yet confidently swipes her lips with lipstick as she prepares to enter the operating room. They will continue to cheer as she returns time and time again to her source of feminine power and courage--her lipstick--to remind her of the hope and promise she carries deep within.

This is a must read for anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. Having read many books on the topic, I can honestly say that this is by far, one of the most candid and uplifting. Geralyn has become my heroine for she is a champion of the feminine powers in all of us!

After seven years as the editorial producer for 20/20, Geralyn became the director of original programming for Lifetime Television. She is a member of Lifetime's Stop Breast Cancer for Life initiative. She, her husband Tyler and daughter Skye (born after her cancer treatments) live in New York City. She is said to never leave home without her lipstick.

As if the wonderfully inspiring story is not reason enough to go out and purchase the book for yourself or someone you love, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to the Young Survival Coalition.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I had seen the movie of "Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy" and wanted the book. You see, I had just had a mastectomy that year. I ordered the right item but was sent the wrong book because they said they no longer had the item that I wanted. No, I did not send it back because it would have cost more to send back than what I paid. I didn't complain because I thought why? So, no I was not happy with what I got but it was because I did not get this book.

I had seen the movie of "Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy" and wanted the book. You see, I had just had a mastectomy that year. I ordered the right item but was sent the wrong book because they said they no longer had the item that I wanted. No, I did not send it back because it would have cost more to send back than what I paid. I didn't complain because I thought why? So, no I was not happy with what I got but it was because I did not get this book.

Fantastic book! Fantastic author, too. Met her once and she is wonderful! I wish I had had the courage she had when I had MY mastectomy!

Being a young breast cancer survivor myself, I found I was able to relate well to this book. It is an excellent choice for anyone going through treatment, as it is humorous and uplifting.

To put it simply, I couldn't put this book down. I don't think I've ever read anything that could have me crying 1/3 of the way down the page, and then laughing at the bottom. A few minor nitpicks, e.g. explaining terms or situations in later chapters that had already been explained earlier on, as if the reader may have forgotten, but otherwise a very good read.

If you have already seen the Lifetime movie based off of this book, the book is not spoiled for you and you will still enjoy it; I saw the movie first myself. If you have not seen the movie, I recommend watching it before or after you read the book, as it brings a new dimension to Geralyn's story.

I first saw the movie - while I was going through breast cancer myself at 32. Months later - I bought the book. I loved it! I was able to understand what other people went through. It was easy to read with lots of charm. I feel like I really know her and want to read more about how her life is today. I have shared this book with others so they can also understand what it is like to have breast cancer. It should be read by anyone with a loved one - breast cancer can happen to anyone.

I cannot even describe how much I LOVED this book and the movie on Lifetime that went with it. I actually had seen the movie before I read the book and I loved it so much that I had to get the book. I think every woman should read this book b/c everybody will at one time or another know someone with breast cancer. This book was funny, sad and just an amazing story. I think Geralyn Lucas is the poster girl for breast cancer and just for women in general. I cried my heart out, laughed hysterically and thought about this for weeks after I read it. It will touch your heart and so will she.

I cannot even describe how much I LOVED this book and the movie on Lifetime that went with it. I actually had seen the movie before I read the book and I loved it so much that I had to get the book. I think every woman should read this book b/c everybody will at one time or another know someone with breast cancer. This book was funny, sad and just an amazing story. I think Geralyn Lucas is the poster girl for breast cancer and just for women in general. I cried my heart out, laughed hysterically and thought about this for weeks after I read it. It will touch your heart and so will she.

I found the way she dealt with her situation admirable. However, something about the last 2 chapters derailed the book.

I really enjoyed the book. I also saw the movie which was really good. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2006 but I am doing great. I would recommend this book.

I just saw this movie on Lifetime yesterday, and I really enjoyed it. I felt so bad for Geralyn. I mean, I couldn't imagine finding out this news and only being 27 years old. I really felt terrible for her. I cannot wait to read this book, and I hope that this movie is going to be released on DVD.

I just saw this movie on Lifetime yesterday, and I really enjoyed it. I felt so bad for Geralyn. I mean, I couldn't imagine finding out this news and only being 27 years old. I really felt terrible for her. I cannot wait to read this book, and I hope that this movie is going to be released on DVD.

Once I remembered where I was emotionally at 27, I could then get into this woman's ballsy approach to facing breast cancer. I used to live in NY, which adds to her in-your-face view of the world. I loved the story about the taxi driver! I loved the tattoo! I love how she eventually overcame it all even though it was not a pretty journey. How honest.

I devoured the book in two days. Anyone facing breast cancer will benefit from Geralyn's book. It gives me strength.

Every young woman's experience with cancer is different so this account is useful from that perspective. But as a young survivor I found it very ego-centric and not at all relateable. Is it tragic that she got breast cancer - yes. Is it more tragic that she got breast cancer AND she's "pretty" and married to a doctor and knows people whose names we recognize - no. While I acknowledge that body image and issues of sexuality and attractiveness seem to be more acute the younger a woman is - this book never develops beyond the surface. Being someone that is not interested in "It" girls (or guys) to begin with - her "it" experience with breast cancer is also lack-luster for me.

I have just finished reading this book. Anyone who has wanted to help a friend with breast cancer needs to read this book! She is so candid, honest and open about what is it like to have breast cancer... You are with her every step of the way from the chemo cocktails to the high school reunion.

For those who were critical of her being the "it" girl, thank God for this "it" girl coming out with breast cancer. The reality is that breast cancer is an epidemic and we need to get it out of the closet. This book is a god-send. I am giving this book to my next friend diagnosed with breast cancer!

Geralyn Lucas writes a thought provoking and candid account of her Cancer experience. She addresses topics that are not addressed in most other accounts - beauty, sexuality, familial tensions. I found the book to be fresh and exciting. Good for her, she wrote what a lot of young cancer patients need to hear.

There is nothing Hollywood about this book. It seems that the two negative comments are from people who resent the love and life Geralyn has. Is it her fault she has friends and family?

Geralyn has the perfect life because she workes hard, studies hard and gives the best of herself to everyone she meets. Dont blame her for how society thinks and acts. Dont blame her for the cards life has dealt her. Look at the bigger picture.... Maybe God wanted people to see that even those with what some view as a perfect life get knocked down and its how you get up that shows character.

I would hope that if you got cancer, people would cry for you too.

Hate the game dont hate the player!

I picked up my wife's book, not knowing what it was about. With the title and photo I assumed it to be about dating. As I began reading it became clear to me that this lady was in big trouble.

My mother was in her late forties when she discovered a lump in her left breast. A general practitioner told her she had cancer and must immediately have the breast removed. This was in the sixties. He hacked off her breast and sewed it up in a most crude manner, leaving a hideous scar. I knew what she went through was no picnic, but until reading "Why I wore Lipstick," I had no idea the depths of her despair and suffering.

In the eighties my sister was found to have cancer, and both breasts were removed and then reconstructed. Again, no idea of what she was going through.

Last year my mother again developed cancer, this time in her right breast. She was 85 years old and suffering from dementia.
With the help of my loving wife and hospice we nursed her in my home until her death.

Geralyn's story took me into the physical and psychological depths of her experience. She shared her feelings in a way that I never could have imagined. Her story also gave me insight into the media world. I always assume that those who make it to the top tend to lack compassion and kindness. I am grateful for her helping me to become more sensitive to the afflicted, and for helping dispel my prejudice toward those in high places.

Humility, humor, openness. What an experience!

Geralyn Lucas shares a very personal and honest account of her first years dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. The voice in this book is distinct, strong, honest, heartfelt and holds deep lessons for all of us. Geralyn, who felt intense fears when diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, wrote the book with one intention: To take as much fear away for other women as possible. Just being there for others is what this author wants to instill in all of us.
Frankly, this disease and any trauma is hard to truly learn from -- but Geralyn's story can help all of us see how we can turn an awful experience into something positive for us and others around us.
In full disclosure -- Geralyn Lucas is my best friend. You may think that is why this review is so positive. But, as a breast cancer survivor myself, I have never had a clear thought about my experience -- a thought that could help me make something good come out of this disease -- until I read the Lucas book. Being there for others. Why not? And why not read this book that will certainly change your heart and life.