Cancer Vixen: A True Story

This graphic novel was in my surgeon's waiting room. But she was usually on time so I just had to buy it for myself. I was hooked with the cover. It stepped me through one woman's journey through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. But it was snappy, not sappy. She had the sly sense of humor of a young woman and a very outspoken response to the stages of denial, "I do it myself," I feel terrible, I have no insurance to pay for this, the timing is most inconvenient, to I can lean on friends and loved ones to get through it. I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer and identified with many of her dramatic moments. I learned more from this book than I did from many of the booklets and web searches recommended by the doctors. My husband was eager to read the book also. It was just what the doctor casually set out for us in her waiting room. And, of course, the art work was perfect!

This book contains no useful information for cancer patients. Further, the author does nothing but whine about her situation through the entire book. Plus, from what I could tell, she did nothing to help her situation as far as nutrition goes. There are so many other books written to help cancer patients deal with their diagnosis and also that give valuable information on the value of nutrition and cancer treatments.

LOVE this, and the writer's generosity in sharing her story through her magnificent cartoon narrative. One of the top three most helpful resources for this (s)mother of a Cancer Vixen: include Andrea Hutton's "Bald is Better with Earrings: A Survivor's Guide to Getting Through Breast Cancer," and Brooke Purdy's movie, "Quality Problems," billed as "a comedy ... about cancer."Marisa Acocella Marchetto, herself a superior cartoonist for The New Yorker Magazine, takes us right along on her scary ride, revealing all kinds of fears, love, and dedicated care.Thank you so much for this book. I learned a lot.

When my dear friend got diagnosed with breast cancer and then BLESSEDLY found this book---everything changed. As her BFF, we'd been struggling with shock/anger/uncertainties/fear/sadness/...and then, we DEVOURED Marissa's full of heart--truthful--soulful account of her experience...and everything changed. Magically we had a reference/role model -- another experience that turned out AOK, that's become our beacon along the way. I would highly recommend this book to not only those with breast cancer, but everybody in their world--get on Marissa's Fabulous Page!

I liked it well enough, and I wouldn't want to have missed it if I were studying a set of texts that takes on the topic. I can also imagine the book buoying the spirits of someone going through chemo --- to the extent that is possible. Marisa Marchetto is funny and sassy throughout, and she gives an engaging inside view of Carrie Bradshaw-style New York City. Perhaps the greatest contribution she makes to the visual language of comics is her handling of how loved ones (and doctors) manage their faces when delivering bad news. Marchetto gets it exactly right, so much so that I can't believe others hadn't already adopted it. (Possibly someone else has done it, but I haven't seen it, and I'm well versed in the medium.) Oh, and I adore the way she depicts the male lead.

I checked this book out from the Library at Luke AFB. I had just learned my mother had breast cancer and I felt numb :( . I cried, I was confused and I was so sad for her. Reading this book helped me a lot. Cancer Vixen tells her story. The illustration are funny and I'm glad it brought some humor when all I wanted was to cry, cry. I had no idea what a portal was, I was clueless to what to expect when my mom felt nauseous, when she was in pain and when she lost her hair. I loved this book so much I looked it up on Amazon and bought immediately! Shipping was quick and the price better. I highly recommend this book if you or someone you love or care for is going through breast cancer. :)

This book was given to me as a gift when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was the only book that made me truly happy; it made me laugh and feel better about myself. A wonderful book to give as a gift to someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's a graphic novel--a story told in cartoons, so sort of like a formal comic book with a hard cover. An easy read and also easy to pick up the thread if you don't have time to finish it in one sitting. It is the true story of the author's experience with breast cancer but it includes her love life and her relationship with her mother so it is gripping and hilarious (not just technical). It's the kind of book that makes you feel good about yourself as a gutsy brave person who can tackle breast cancer (as the author has done). I'd tell someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer to buy this book first. I couldn't bear all those scientific books people give you when they hear you have breast cancer: I just wanted something to make me laugh and feel strong. This book does both!

I found the whole party-girl-diagnosed-with-cancer thing tiresome, but there were some good messages. Content is a bit dated.

Marissa's the sort of woman I'd normally go out of my way to avoid, but how can you not warm to her after reading this? Cancer, it seems, can make human beings out of even the most self-absorbed people (and it doesn't always do so, so credit to the author for clearly having an abundance of self-deprecating humour and insight to begin with). I don't know what other work she's done, but this book will surely be a fine and lasting testament no matter what else survives. Beautifully drawn and movingly told, this is the exact opposite of miserable. By the end, you'll want to hug her, buy her glass of wine and tell her how wrong first impressions can be.Make sure you don't buy the Italian version by mistake (unless you speak Italian, of course). Otherwise, just enjoy this marvellous book.

A totally unique book. Everyone's experience of cancer is different, but I think anyone going through breast cancer would get something very positive and uplifting from it. By turns bright and funny, and heart-stoppingly emotional... I just hope the forthcoming movie can do it justice.

I am a 17 year old girl, aspiring to go into medicine at university. I read about how this book helped a doctor communicate with cancer patients, so decided it could be an interesting read. Being part way through a different, traditional hard-read book, this felt like such an easier read with the comic strip layout which I really enjoyed. I liked the honest way she described the process and treatment, and included all the other little bits about her life. Have recommended to my friends and family and my mum also really enjoyed it and found it really relatable. Definitely recommend!!

funny, sad, horrifying.... and I mean when women blatentley try and chat the authors husband up... in front of her.a true story of a woman's fight and win over cancer. worth reading if you have been there or not. the images are lovely to look at and mixed with the words this is a great read

Arrived on time and exactly as described. Thank you.