A Trauma Psychologist Journeys Through Breast Cancer
Personal message from the author:
“A bolt from the blue! That is how I would describe my totally unexpected discovery and diagnosis of Stage III A breast cancer. Life was good. I had a wonderful and interesting job as a trauma psychologist, mothered seven kids, several of whom were well launched, many grandchildren, a wonderful marriage partner of more than 35 years, and two living parents. All in all, I was living a blessed life. And then came cancer. From that moment, every waking moment was filled with consciousness of the dreaded cancer with a capital “C.”
Treatment included surgery, chemo, more surgery, and 33 radiation treatments. It sounds quick and simple when summarized in a sentence. Too bad it wasn’t like that. What helped me through? I marshalled every resource I had ever encountered including acupuncture, shiatsu, yoga, guided imagery, herbs, diet, prayer, blessings from kabbalistic rabbis, exercise, homeopathy, journaling, and most important of all the love and support from my family and friends. Taking care of me had become a full time job.
Concluding my intensive treatment almost nine months to the day from diagnosis, my walking partner asked me what I had given birth to during this period of gestation. I thought for just a moment, and answered, “a book.” And thus my book entitled, “Life Unexpected: A Trauma Psychologist Journeys through Breast Cancer,” was born. In this book I combine both personal experience and my professional perspective, that of a seasoned trauma psychologist. Sharing this intimate story with the world has been both empowering and a bit scary, but so far reviews have been great.
My message to others with cancer: do everything you can to take back control of your life and to live every moment to the fullest. I didn’t choose cancer, but I sure can choose what I do now that I have had it.”
— Naomi L. Baum
“You have breast cancer!” A bolt from the blue shook Naomi L. Baum’s well-ordered world in 2011. Three years later, healthy and strong, internationally recognized trauma/resilience expert, Dr. Baum shares her journey and the practical wisdom gained through difficult personal experience, beginning with diagnosis and moving through surgery, chemo and radiation. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with breast cancer, learn what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones as you travel together along this life-changing road.
Free between March 19-20. on Amazon