Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped - by Diane M Simard (Paperback)

About the Book

When the active phase for cancer treatment ends, does life magically return to normal?

How is one supposed to feel besides exhausted? Grateful? Rational?

What does routine even mean anymore?

"Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped" is the long-anticipated sequel to "The Unlikely Gift of Breast Cancer," named one of the best breast cancer books of all time by BookAuthority.

Award-winning author Diane M. Simard presents an unapologetic dive into the aftereffects of her experience with Stage IIIc breast cancer, including the struggles she encountered as she attempted to rebuild her identity. Moments of triumph, tragedy, transformation, and humor are recounted with inspirational hope and raw, no-holds-barred interpretation. Through her defining memoir writing style, Diane covers everything post-cancer, ranging from why she now despises ginger to her first cavity in third grade to lymphedema to Nebraska football. There's even a story about cockroaches.

Toward the end of chemotherapy, Diane became so frustrated with the lack of focus paid to the psychological and emotional impacts of her cancer experience that she founded a psychosocial oncology specialty at the University of Denver to train future licensed clinical psychologists how to work with those impacted by cancer. She continues to advocate for educational opportunities and resources to assist in addressing the trauma that often accompanies such a distressing diagnosis. Since the intersection of mental health and cancer is a focal point in her narrative, several mental health therapists provide their perspectives on why the effects of cancer-related trauma--including anxiety, stress, and depression--are so challenging.

The account of Diane's quest to find herself again and redefine her life after cancer is filled with intense grace, resilience, wisdom, and a powerful zeal to embrace a purpose-driven existence. Her authentic voice is witty and relatable, reminiscent of a chat with a cherished friend.

Book Synopsis

When the active phase for cancer treatment ends, does life magically return to normal?

How is one supposed to feel besides exhausted? Grateful? Rational?

What does routine even mean anymore?

"Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped" is the long-anticipated sequel to "The Unlikely Gift of Breast Cancer," named one of the best breast cancer books of all time by BookAuthority.

Award-winning author Diane M. Simard presents an unapologetic dive into the aftereffects of her experience with Stage IIIc breast cancer, including the struggles she encountered as she attempted to rebuild her identity. Moments of triumph, tragedy, transformation, and humor are recounted with inspirational hope and raw, no-holds-barred interpretation. Through her defining memoir writing style, Diane covers everything post-cancer, ranging from why she now despises ginger to her first cavity in third grade to lymphedema to Nebraska football. There's even a story about cockroaches.

Toward the end of her five months of chemotherapy, Diane became so frustrated with the lack of focus paid to the psychological and emotional impacts of her cancer experience that she founded a psychosocial oncology specialty at the University of Denver to train future licensed clinical psychologists how to work with those impacted by cancer. She continues to advocate for educational opportunities and resources to assist in addressing the trauma that often accompanies such a distressing diagnosis. Since the intersection of mental health and cancer is a focal point in her narrative, several mental health therapists provide their perspectives on why the effects of cancer-related trauma--including anxiety, stress, and depression--are so challenging.

The account of Diane's quest to find herself again and re-define her life after cancer is filled with intense grace, resilience, wisdom, and a powerful zeal to embrace a purpose-driven existence. Her authentic voice is witty and relatable, reminiscent of a chat with a cherished friend.

About the Author

Diane M. Simard is a life commentator determined to turn chaos into clarity. Named an inaugural National Top 100 Women in Business to Watch by BizWomen.com, she helps business executives define and achieve their leadership legacies, plus she is the multi-award-winning author of three books, the first of which was named one of the best breast cancer books of all time by Readers' Favorite.

A results-oriented advocate to bring more education and resources to the intersection of cancer and behavioral health, Diane seed-funded and founded a specialty at the University of Denver called the Center for Oncology Psychology Excellence (COPE). She continues to champion efforts as a frequent podcast guest and keynote speaker to offer accessible educational opportunities to those who seek to understand the importance of mental and behavioral health on the human body's physical ability to heal itself.

When she's not advocating to bring more attention to mental health and cancer, Diane--who was diagnosed with Stage IIIc breast cancer in 2015--walks on the treadmill as she catches up on 30 years of landmark television shows she missed while spinning in the vortex of corporate America as a senior executive, board member, and angel investor. Her areas of business industry expertise include aerospace, financial services, and information technology.

Diane was selected to attend the prestigious Dept of Defense Joint Civilian Orientation Conference and Air Force National Security Forum (Air War College). Her other accolades include Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business (Colorado Women's Chamber), Outstanding Woman in Business - Tech & Telecom (Denver Business Journal), Top Women in Energy (Denver Business Journal), Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation honoree, University of Nebraska-Kearney Distinguished Alumna, Woman of the Year (Aurora, Colorado Chamber) and Woman of Distinction (Mile High Girl Scouts).