Tugnette doesn’t gloss over any aspect of her trial, with its physical, emotional, and psychological side effects. She openly discusses her struggle with depression following her diagnosis, her fears about the effect her altered body would have on her marriage, and her misgivings about breast reconstruction. She voices her unexpected sensitivity to seeing models in fashion magazines, watching love scenes in movies, even walking past a lingerie store. Faced with the stark reminder of her mortality, Tugnette reflects upon the unconditional love of her husband and children, the friendships formed in her breast-cancer support group, and her renewed respect for life.

By sharing the intimate details of this painful experience, Lisa Tugnette offers inspiration to other women, particularly those under the age of forty-five, struggling with a disease that wreaks havoc on body and soul. She acknowledges that, although breasts don’t define a woman, they do play an integral role in femininity and sexuality. Reflections of a Woman is a celebration of that femininity, of its complexity, its value, and its fortitude.

(A portion of the proceeds from Reflections of a Woman will be donated to Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada and Breast Cancer Action Kingston.)