The second new book on the topic of breast cancer by Miami author/editors Cindy Papale-Hammondtree and Sabrina Hernandez-Cano is now out and will be featured on Saturday, Oct. 6, at a book signing and panel discussion with physicians.
The event will take place at Books & Booksm, 265 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables, at 5 p.m., and Julie Guy of 101.5 Lite FM will be hosting the event as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The new book is titled Experts in Pink.
The duo created their first book, Miami Breast Cancer Experts, in 2014 with the goal of generating greater awareness through the eyes of breast cancer survivors and the expertise of medical and healthcare professionals who comprise the wholesale care of a woman’s journey through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Although many books had been published on the topic, never had experts in the field come together to share their knowledge of their specialty.
Cindy Papale-Hammondtree was motivated by being a cancer survivor and having gone through a double mastectomy herself.
“Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I always felt the need to learn more about the disease that was so life threatening,” Papale-Hammondtree said. “I did a lot of research and was very confused which treatment to do, let alone to be sure it was the right one. It was then I decided to meet individually with each physician and the rest is history.
“Experts in Pink is a book full of hope for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, and that is what I lacked knowing when initially diagnosed. It is all about hope and being proactive,” she said.
The new 384-page book expands upon the topics to include much-needed information on issues related to breast cancer, including cardiac effects after chemotherapy and radiation therapy by Dr. Javier Jimenez; yoga and mindfulness by Tamera Anderson, and even music therapy and its beneficial effect on the immune system by Marilyn Smith Van Houten.
Alejandro Badia, MD, FACS, a world-renowned hand and upper extremity surgeon, founder of the Miami-based Badia Hand to Shoulder Center and the innovative creator of OrthoNOW, a unique orthopedic walk-in center national franchise, contributed a comprehensive chapter on lymphedema and neuropathy effects after treatment.
What was it like working with the doctors and other contributors?
“It was definitely a challenge trying to meet with each physician due to conflicting schedules,” Papale-Hammondtree said. “But once I did, it was magical. I learned a lot about new treatments and protocols that were not available when I was diagnosed. I developed a close bond with each physician, and some I became their patient and friend. Experts in Pink is truly a treasure trove of information, but most of all, it is a book of hope.”
Dr. Alejandro Badia said that he was honored to write the chapter on the manifestations of cancer to the hand and upper limb.
“I think what these two ladies have done is tremendous,” Dr. Badia said. “It’s a second edition with almost all new authors giving new perspectives about a common topic. Some statistics have said that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“A lot of progress has been made. A lot of women now survive breast cancer, thank goodness. But there are a lot of other associated issues for women who have breast cancer, so it’s important to have a book written for a lay person with understandable terms,” Dr. Badia added.
