Media Mix

Nordie’s at Noon: the personal stories of 4 women “too young” for breast cancer
By Patti Balwanz, Kim Carlos, Jennifer Johnson, Jana Peters 

Nordie’s at Noon is a collection of stories from four women who share not only friendship, but a common diagnosis of breast cancer. The group started with two friends, Patti and Jana, who met during their visits to the same oncologist for chemotherapy treatment. Jana’s friend Jennifer is the third to join the group. The foursome is completed with the addition of Kim – Patti’s college friend. The group meets monthly at Nordstrom’s café to share their stories.

What may come as a surprise to some readers is the young age of each of these women at the time of their diagnoses. Patti, Jennifer and Jana were diagnosed with breast cancer in their twenties, and Kim was only 30 years old. All four women found a lump in their breast during routine self exams; Jennifer was pregnant when she made the discovery.

Patti, Jana, Jennifer and Kim share their personal experiences; They discuss everything from the discovery and treatment of their cancer as well as other milestones in life such as marriage and children. When Jana began chemotherapy, she calculated that she would be married just one month after her final treatment. Jennifer’s son was born just following her last chemotherapy session. She remembers losing all of her hair during her treatment, but her son arrives with a full head of hair – a welcome sign that he had not been affected by the medication.

Nordie’s at Noon is a heartwarming collection of personal stories from four women. Their accounts celebrate life but also educate readers on the importance of breast self exams. The book also contains a glossary and list of breast cancer resources as a guide to learn more. Part of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes to various non-profit breast cancer organizations. For more information, visit http://www.nordiesatnoon.com/.