Immediately, the conventional image surrounding breast cancer is broken down. In the beginning chapter, it is mentioned that cancer, or more specifically, breast cancer has become oversaturated in society. The image presented to society is that of the “survivor.” This leaves out the complete experience of cancer. It also leaves out those who do not survive. I never really thought about it like that. I always thought the “survivor” image was cancer patients taking back their narrative, so that it no longer was just one of sickness and death. This is not to say that this was not true, but that it becomes a question of who’s right is it to change that narrative? Because by doing so, all cancer patients are pushed into having that narrative thrust upon themselves. That must be so frustrating. Boyer immediately calls this out, so that expectations of a “positive”, “smile-only” experience is not expected from this memoir. Instead, the narrative of breast cancer is changed by her recounting of the indescribable, hard parts of fighting it. For example, she tackles the detachment that comes from having machines invade and measure your body constantly. Being asked “How are you feeling?” or “Rate your pain on a scale of 1-10” made her realize that there is no descriptive measurement for how you are feeling. Mikey mentions this desensitization and the brutal honesty of her medical experience when he writes how she doesn’t describe drugs administered as “miracles,” but rather as “poison.” Rarely, does she feel better, and when she does, it’s at what cost? These sections were particularly hard to read, especially if one is coming in with the “survivor-experience” mindset.

The breast cancer commercials make it seem as though there is so much support, but the story of individuals is different. For example, Boyer talks about losing friends who couldn’t handle having a friend with cancer. She also mentions the positive effects of this: their image of her as healthy remains intact. She also mentions the feeling of having to pay back society if she survives. Is she expected to become like the people in the commercials: telling her story to anyone who would listen? Bragging about the new treatments and care received at the hospitals she attended? Does she then lose control of her narrative? Addressing all of these things is her way of tearing down the traditional narrative around breast cancer.