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Nordie's at Noon: The Personal Stories of Four Women "Too Young" for Breast Cancer
Like any group of young women, Patti, Kim, Jennifer, and Jana talked about their latest career moves, the men in their lives, and their dreams for family each month when they met for lunch at the café at their local Nordstrom department store. But unlike other women their age, their conversations also turned to more serious issues, issues their “non-breast cancer” friends couldn’t have imagined or understood.Their breast cancer diagnoses came at very different phases of their young lives. Patti was 24, single, and forging her way in the corporate world. Jana was planning her wedding at age 27, and bravely walked down the aisle wearing a wig and breast prosthesis. Jennifer, also 27, was five months pregnant when she was diagnosed, and endured surgery and chemotherapy during the pregnancy. Kim found her lump at age 30 while planning her son’s second birthday party, and faced the issues of raising a toddler while she underwent treatment.Nordie’s at Noon shares the personal stories of each of these extraordinary women. A source of humor, strength, inspiration, and education, the book will speak to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer or faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. A celebration of friendship and of living life to the fullest, Nordie’s at Noon is also a book that will encourage women everywhere to be proactive with their health-and realize that no one is “too young” for breast cancer.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 17, 2012
I really liked the idea of this book, that it was the true story of four young women diagnosed with breast cancer very young. I was diagnosed at 31 and currently undergoing treatment and was so excited and reached out to read other´s similar stories. It was a great idea and I applaud the authors for putting this book together.
And perhaps it is just me, but it felt surface-level. I would have liked to have read more ¨deep¨on their emotions because cancer is quite a toll on one´s emotions and more than just reconstruction options and getting excited about telling one´s husband that the hair is gone ¨everywhere.¨ What did they do when they were sad? Did they contemplate the meaning of life as they were very seriously facing a possible death? Did they really feel like survivors? How did their life change? Any revelations?
Additionally, these women seemed to be all pretty well-off. No mention of financial struggles, debt, bankruptcy, I think all had good health insurance and jobs that were understanding of their treatment needs. This is a bit unusual, no, especially in the U.S.?
Also, this might be a ////spoiler alert(((( but two of the authors did not survive. A lot of attention was focused on the youngest one, and the other I felt like I barely knew. I would have liked to have read more on her, even if it were more from the other women´s perspectives.
Again, a great idea for a book. It just felt a bit sorority girlish or superficial. But I know it is hard to share one´s real emotions to the whole world, and again, I really applaud them for putting this book together. At least I hope it gets more young women doing more self-exams and keeping a lookout for breast cancer.
And perhaps it is just me, but it felt surface-level. I would have liked to have read more ¨deep¨on their emotions because cancer is quite a toll on one´s emotions and more than just reconstruction options and getting excited about telling one´s husband that the hair is gone ¨everywhere.¨ What did they do when they were sad? Did they contemplate the meaning of life as they were very seriously facing a possible death? Did they really feel like survivors? How did their life change? Any revelations?
Additionally, these women seemed to be all pretty well-off. No mention of financial struggles, debt, bankruptcy, I think all had good health insurance and jobs that were understanding of their treatment needs. This is a bit unusual, no, especially in the U.S.?
Also, this might be a ////spoiler alert(((( but two of the authors did not survive. A lot of attention was focused on the youngest one, and the other I felt like I barely knew. I would have liked to have read more on her, even if it were more from the other women´s perspectives.
Again, a great idea for a book. It just felt a bit sorority girlish or superficial. But I know it is hard to share one´s real emotions to the whole world, and again, I really applaud them for putting this book together. At least I hope it gets more young women doing more self-exams and keeping a lookout for breast cancer.
May 6, 2021
You do not have to have cancer or be a Survivor to read about these brave young women & their strength and wonderful friendship. It is an amazing book!
I met Jennifer at Baker Univ when she came back in early 2000's for a talk with our students. I had read the book and it really resonated with me, as at that time, both my Mother & sister had fought breast cancer. Jennifer & I had a wonderful talk, about life, kids & the importance of self-care (especially self breast exams).
This book really hit home for me due to my family history, but especially so in 2019 when I was diagnosed & had to have a double mastectomy. It is even more personal to me now than ever. I am done with all of my treatments, but not surgeries (radiation did me dirty, so I'm looking at 4 more surgeries), but I am alive & the cancer is gone. The strength that these 4 women showed while going thru diagnosis, treatments and then sadly, the loss of their friend is inspiring.
I met Jennifer at Baker Univ when she came back in early 2000's for a talk with our students. I had read the book and it really resonated with me, as at that time, both my Mother & sister had fought breast cancer. Jennifer & I had a wonderful talk, about life, kids & the importance of self-care (especially self breast exams).
This book really hit home for me due to my family history, but especially so in 2019 when I was diagnosed & had to have a double mastectomy. It is even more personal to me now than ever. I am done with all of my treatments, but not surgeries (radiation did me dirty, so I'm looking at 4 more surgeries), but I am alive & the cancer is gone. The strength that these 4 women showed while going thru diagnosis, treatments and then sadly, the loss of their friend is inspiring.
June 3, 2024
This is a true story of four young women who are going through breast cancer. I myself, was recently diagnosed with stage one invasive ductal carcinoma. I realized that this was written 20 years ago and the treatments today are so much more advanced and I thank my lucky stars that I caught mine early. Although the road is tough and long my chances for survival are much higher. I am also much older than these girls were. This book was an insight to what breast cancer is and that self checking and mammograms and sonograms are very important to everyone. I thought this would never happen to me. Mine was not found in a mammogram...that came back perfect. If not for a sonogram I would never have known.
April 13, 2022
One of my dearest friends, sorority sister and amazing person Jana Peters was one of the authors of this book. Although Jana is not here anymore and I miss her, I send this book to friends who are going through breast cancer as an encouragement and a wonderful journey filled with friendship and love.
January 11, 2023
This was a good book. I started this during my recovery from breast cancer and it was a bit too much at the time. I had to put it down. However, what I read was good. I think it’s good for woman to understand their bodies and the possibilities.
December 20, 2022
Very uplifting with much, much strength.
July 10, 2026
If you or someone you know has cancer, this is a fast, good read!
March 30, 2011
An ultimately unhelpful book for the majority of women struggling with breast cancer. These four friends had similar resources, good health insurance, steady jobs, and almost the exact same personality. Even the separation of sections with tags denoting that particular author didn't help the confusion much.
They all got cancer at a young age. They all had their sorority, jobs, insurance, churches to support them.
Cancer ravages indiscriminately. This book has no use as a resource for most women (especially if those women are non-Christians, or don't have health insurance). It's main value is as a guide for well-to-do young women stricken by cancer. It will help a select few. It will piss off others who read it, especially if they too are suffering from cancer.
According to the women in this book, the only way to put up a fight with cancer is:
- to have great health insurance
- to have even better insurance which allows you to visit all kinds of specialists and get second, third and fourth opinions
- to have a job where the staff and supervisors are understanding and supportive of recovery
- to join a church
- to start tithing to your church
- to strengthen a your relationship with the Christian god
- to have a HUGE social circle that you can then trim down to just the ones who will help you through this
Even with all the money in the world, cancer cannot always be overcome, this is true and shared in the book. But all the authors encourage fighting cancer as though everyone can even go to a doctor regularly enough to be diagnosed in time to even do anything.
The one star I gave this was for the editing job done and even though it has nothing to do with the writing, for the work these women have done for charity and funding cancer research. The writing itself was riddled with cliches and each woman's story seemed to melt into the others until at the end it basically turned into Chicken Soup for the Christian Cancer Survivor's Soul. If this undergoes re-writes, I hope it provides resources to those young women who are not as lucky and as privileged as these ladies are. Even the title, "Nordie's at Noon" shows that these women could meet in the middle of the work day to eat at a relatively expensive cafe. Or at least, too expensive for your average twenty-something woman.
They all got cancer at a young age. They all had their sorority, jobs, insurance, churches to support them.
Cancer ravages indiscriminately. This book has no use as a resource for most women (especially if those women are non-Christians, or don't have health insurance). It's main value is as a guide for well-to-do young women stricken by cancer. It will help a select few. It will piss off others who read it, especially if they too are suffering from cancer.
According to the women in this book, the only way to put up a fight with cancer is:
- to have great health insurance
- to have even better insurance which allows you to visit all kinds of specialists and get second, third and fourth opinions
- to have a job where the staff and supervisors are understanding and supportive of recovery
- to join a church
- to start tithing to your church
- to strengthen a your relationship with the Christian god
- to have a HUGE social circle that you can then trim down to just the ones who will help you through this
Even with all the money in the world, cancer cannot always be overcome, this is true and shared in the book. But all the authors encourage fighting cancer as though everyone can even go to a doctor regularly enough to be diagnosed in time to even do anything.
The one star I gave this was for the editing job done and even though it has nothing to do with the writing, for the work these women have done for charity and funding cancer research. The writing itself was riddled with cliches and each woman's story seemed to melt into the others until at the end it basically turned into Chicken Soup for the Christian Cancer Survivor's Soul. If this undergoes re-writes, I hope it provides resources to those young women who are not as lucky and as privileged as these ladies are. Even the title, "Nordie's at Noon" shows that these women could meet in the middle of the work day to eat at a relatively expensive cafe. Or at least, too expensive for your average twenty-something woman.
February 17, 2008
I can't recall where I first heard of this book, Nordie's at Noon, but I got the chills when I read the subtitle: The Personal Stories of Four Women "Too Young" for Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer kills approximately forty thousand women each year.
These are the true stories of the emotional ups and downs that four women faced during their mid twenties and early thirties after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Like any group of young women, they talked about their careers, their relationships, their dreams and more serious issues that brought them together once a month at a local Nordstrom department store: cancer.
Jen (diagnosed at 27): I decided to focus on living and taking chances. I would have no regrets whether I lived to a hundred or to thirty. I was sent here for a purpose: to raise my little boy and help other women who may follow in my footsteps. That's what I would do. (p. 149)
I am thankful that I can appreciate my parents now while they are still living, and I look forward to the day when my children have their own children and can begin to understand how very much I love them. (p. 173) Two life-changing experiences had happened to me at the same time. I brought a child into this world and faced my own mortality. Either one would have been a challenge on its own; facing both at the same time was pretty overwhelming. (p. 190)
Patti (diagnosed at 24): You don't realize that hormones are such an integral part of you until they're taken away. Most women lose their hormones gradually. Mine were gone in an instant. (p. 187)
A true celebration of friendship and living to the fullest, Nordie's at Noon is also a book that will encourage women everywhere to be proactive with their health - and to realize that no one is "too young" for breast cancer.
Breast cancer kills approximately forty thousand women each year.
These are the true stories of the emotional ups and downs that four women faced during their mid twenties and early thirties after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Like any group of young women, they talked about their careers, their relationships, their dreams and more serious issues that brought them together once a month at a local Nordstrom department store: cancer.
Jen (diagnosed at 27): I decided to focus on living and taking chances. I would have no regrets whether I lived to a hundred or to thirty. I was sent here for a purpose: to raise my little boy and help other women who may follow in my footsteps. That's what I would do. (p. 149)
I am thankful that I can appreciate my parents now while they are still living, and I look forward to the day when my children have their own children and can begin to understand how very much I love them. (p. 173) Two life-changing experiences had happened to me at the same time. I brought a child into this world and faced my own mortality. Either one would have been a challenge on its own; facing both at the same time was pretty overwhelming. (p. 190)
Patti (diagnosed at 24): You don't realize that hormones are such an integral part of you until they're taken away. Most women lose their hormones gradually. Mine were gone in an instant. (p. 187)
A true celebration of friendship and living to the fullest, Nordie's at Noon is also a book that will encourage women everywhere to be proactive with their health - and to realize that no one is "too young" for breast cancer.
October 16, 2015
This is a non-fiction book about the experiences of four young women diagnosed with breast cancer. The book is laid out with each woman telling her own experience in each chapter, with a specific topic, beginning with finding a lump, having a mammogram, then further tests which lead to a diagnosis positive for cancer, treatments, surgery, and afterwards. The women meet regularly at the cafe at Nordstum's Department store (Nordie's) to discuss their personal life events as well how they're managing and fighting the cancer. It is a very informative book, giving data about the types of breast cancer, signs to look for, the importance of a monthly self exam, and regular mammograms. There is an bibliography with list of references of breast cancer related agencies. The women tell of their personal stories such that you share with them their emotions, as well as strengths and weaknesses. I think I would have preferred to have the book divided into parts, so each woman's story was told as a whole rather than segemented into topical chapters. This format broke up the continuity and so you really couldn't connect emotionally to the individual person speaking.
October 10, 2008
OH MY GOSH! I absolutely loved this book; actually I don’t think that is accurate for how I loved this book. I cried, laughed, was inspired, and cried some more! I did a breast exam for the first time in six years and am committed to doing them monthly! I always thought breast cancer was for older women not for young thriving young women like Patti, Kim, Jennifer and Jana. And a pregnant woman, who knew? NOT ME! I am amazed at these women! I feel so inspired! Dr. Lousignont poem towards the end of my book is my new “Life motto”. I pray I never have to experience breast cancer but if I do I know I will use the Authors experiences to my advantage. I wish everyone, including myself, could learn to live the way Patti, Kim, Jennifer and Jana learned to live! I would recommend this book to EVERYONE! I will be purchasing this book for my collection!
June 13, 2008
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by breast cancer, the surgeries and treatments that come along with it. I think it's fabulous for friends and family to get an inside look at what women go through and how to help them. While this is written by four women who were young when diagnosed I think the feelings relate to all ages. They do an excellent job at giving a look at how they handled the challenges and the feelings they had with it. While unfortunately I was able to relate to a number of topics in the book, it gave me peace of mind that my feelings and thoughts were normal and shared by others. What inspiring stories of how to rise above and live life to its fullest.
July 30, 2008
In the forward of the book it is recommended to anyone who is touched by breast cancer, whether you have it, have a family member has it, or you are a medical professional who treat women with it. I would back that 100%, I imagine it would be great for them. As for me I don't know anyone who has breast cancer. This book was more about philosophies and ideas these women learned from their breast cancer experience--things I can't relate to and wasn't interested in reading over 200 pages of. One thing I did appreciate about this book was how strongly it urged every women to be proactive with their health, and I am proud to say that I am.
June 23, 2014
I thought this was a good book. I laughed, I cried. The ups and downs of these 4 women with breast cancer was a lot to take in. I found the book on a "recommended" table at the library. Thankfully, I don't really have any personal experience with breast cancer. I think it would be enjoyed much more by someone who has been there or is going through it all. SPOILER ALERT: Three of the four women are survivors, but one is not. I wasn't expecting that and found that heartbreaking and scary.
One plus is that I will definitely be more diligent about my own self-breast exams. All these women were late 20's to very early 30's and all found the lumps themselves.
One plus is that I will definitely be more diligent about my own self-breast exams. All these women were late 20's to very early 30's and all found the lumps themselves.
November 4, 2007
I read this book b/c one of the authors is a friend of my mom's and I cried my way through it. The awful circumstance that brought these women together becomes more a backdrop as they describe how they managed dating, pregnancy, family life, etc. all while facing their own mortality and all of the horrible things that come along with fighting cancer.
The outlook these women had on life and the things they have gone on to accomplish are amazing and it really inspired me to not let life just pass me by.
The outlook these women had on life and the things they have gone on to accomplish are amazing and it really inspired me to not let life just pass me by.
November 6, 2009
I had to choose a book about breast cancer for the fall book challenge (with October being BC awareness month) and I'm so glad I chose this one. It was so eye opening and like the authors originally thought, I didn't think anyone under the age of 40 ever got breast cancer, let alone someone in their twenties.
It was very eyeopening for me and has forced me to take a more proactive look at my health and how I take care of my body.
The "Nordies girls" were amazing and I am so happy for them and mourn for the loss of their good friend Patti.
It was very eyeopening for me and has forced me to take a more proactive look at my health and how I take care of my body.
The "Nordies girls" were amazing and I am so happy for them and mourn for the loss of their good friend Patti.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2008
My friend's sister's friend was one of the authors. Having had a college classmate recently diagnosed with breast cancer, this was a moving story of the 4 women.
Not amazingly gripping in writing style, its truth was moving and the information was valuable as I tried to understand what my friend is going through.
A worthwhile read, as many of us are likely affected by breast cancer in some way.
Not amazingly gripping in writing style, its truth was moving and the information was valuable as I tried to understand what my friend is going through.
A worthwhile read, as many of us are likely affected by breast cancer in some way.
May 1, 2010
I just finished reading Nordie's at Noon by Patti Balwanz, Kim Carlos, Jennifer Johnson and Jana Peters. It was a very humbling and eye opening book. These four women persevered in the face of breast cancer. It was very interesting to read their stories. And, it makes you realize that even though you might not be facing a life threatening disease, you should still be living life to it's fullest. And, I can definitely see this book as being very helpful for someone struggling with illness.
August 5, 2014
This book shared the stories of four young women grappling with a diagnosis of breast cancer, who become friends and bond over their regular lunch meetings at Nordie's. Each young woman has their own unique circumstances: single, diagnosed while pregnant, career on the rise, etc. And each young woman shares her story and perspective. It is a lovely, touching book that truly highlights the uniqueness of breast cancer in young women.
March 6, 2008
This was an interesting perspective on breast cancer in young women. I admire how these four women dealt with their difficult illnesses. Although no one in my family has had breast cancer, my mother in law has, so now it is part of my daughters' family history. I'm glad I have read this book so I can be more vigilant with my own self exams and understand the importance of early detection.
July 5, 2008
This was a good read about 4 young (under 30) women who get breast cancer. (memoirs) Each chapter addresses a question, and all four women respond. This was an inspiring book and very informative about breast cancer. It really made me think about what I would do if it happened to me. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with breast cancer.
October 3, 2008
Saw this on the new book shelf as well and thought it'd be interesting... I'll probably cry the whole way through....
I was right- I cried from chapter 1. But this was worth every tear. What an amazing story. It definitely made me rethink some things and I will be taking better care of myself. There's even a Breast Cancer Awareness walk tonight- I'm going just on a whim!
I was right- I cried from chapter 1. But this was worth every tear. What an amazing story. It definitely made me rethink some things and I will be taking better care of myself. There's even a Breast Cancer Awareness walk tonight- I'm going just on a whim!
January 17, 2009
welcome to the world of breast cancer – this book is told in one of my favorite ways, perspectives – it’s about the cancer discovery and battle of 4 very young women – each chapter is about a different facet of the disease and the way each individual experienced it – hopeful, inspiring, sad, heartbreaking – not only good for those diagnosed but for those who know someone diagnosed
February 17, 2009
This is an easy read with exception of the topic, of course. I did have trouble differentiating between characters at times. I honestly did not read it in it's entirety because it just did not hold my attention. I think the book would be be more "enjoyed" by women and those close to them who are dealing with breast cancer. I do have a great deal of respect for these ladies.
March 10, 2009
Putting the poor editing aside, this is an informative and touching account of 4 women's journey/ battle with breast cancer. Tough because it puts breast cancer reality right in your face but good at the same time for helping people understand how common it is and what people that have it go through.
August 2, 2011
This book is well worth it, but you really need to be in the mood for it. It is a good blend of the clinical, emotional, and practical. It also a true story, written by the women who lived it, so that makes it all the more powerful. I felt a strong connection to the characters since we are the same age. This story will put things in perspective, if nothing else will.
August 22, 2007
These four young women were very brave to share their stories. It's an inspiration to those with breast cancer, as well as good insight into what a person goes through at such a young age with this disease. -BD
February 20, 2008
This is a tear jerker, but not one that leaves you feeling sad. Each of these women's stories is inspirational and triumphant. It's a great read and was very educational, being in terms I could understand.
March 8, 2008
The most moving memoir I've ever read, on breast cancer or not. Be sure to read the paperback version, as I was utterly floored by the update at the end. One of the only books to truly ever bring me to tears. Amazing.
May 15, 2008
Very informative book about 4 women in their 20's and 30's that all have breast cancer. The book is best taken in small doses as it can be depressing. I made sure to read no more than two chapters at a time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews