In Her Shoes is a celebration of life. Yes, it is a cancer journey, but it is also a tribute to courage, tenacity and to the team of so many who come alongside the one with cancer, even if just to celebrate with scarves!

With riveting, engaging, real talk, Joanie Shawhan shares the account of her walk with ovarian cancer, and will wrap you in the wonder of illness and of our God who is bigger than any diagnosis. She uses her experiences to encourage others and to train medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program.

I’ve walked through chemo with three friends, yet found I had no clue as to what they really experienced. Joanie shares the reality of prognosis and the emotional rollercoaster of treatment. Included are the stories of other women, facing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, ovarian and breast cancer, Leukemia and one with a brain tumor. Their stories are heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming, in their struggle for survival.

A registered nurse, Joanie also includes helpful hints for prevention of blood clots, care of the bald head, dealing with chemo day, fatigue, hair loss, wigs, managing constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea and nutrition. Her attention to the care of the whole person is even evident in the “12 Steps to Spiritual Wellness.”

I found in Joanie a sister with a heart for missions and the gift of encouragement. She adds verses that perfectly illustrate God’s faithfulness and prayers that voice heartfelt cries. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone going through cancer or caring for a loved one in the middle of their storm. Whether coping with brain fog or going through clinical trials, there’s reassurance in knowing you’re not alone!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of In Her Shoes from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.