I Don't Wanna Be Pink: How a single, 39-year-old woman refused to let breast cancer and its fervent culture define her

by Dena Taylor

A month before she was to celebrate her fortieth birthday in Italy, Dena Taylor was diagnosed with breast cancer. In seconds, she was transformed from enthusiastic traveler to frightened patient. Told with grace, candor, and inimitable wit, I Don't Wanna Be Pink is the story of a single, independent woman and the tumor that threatens to change her life. With support from a colorful cast of loved ones and her own determination, Taylor contends with painful procedures and upsetting encounters with callous insurance reps, well-meaning strangers, and potential lovers. In her darkest moments, she doubts her strength and worthiness of love. Ultimately, she grapples with whether she must join the pink, public march of advocacy or give herself permission to live life undefined by disease.

308 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2019

Reviews

[Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancer sucks. Cancer is not funny. But when Dena Taylor takes you along on her personal journey of dealing with cancer and the aftermath – getting the news (at 39), considering options, going through surgery (double mastectomy), chemo, follow-on medication and testing, moving forward with uncertainty – you will probably find yourself laughing, again and again, maybe even out loud. The telling is not a dry medical analysis but what if feels like for her to go through the process. She shares the shock, the fear, the anxiety, the anger, the doubt, the frustration, but also determination, hope, and love and support of family and friends, all while trying to carry on with the rest of her life as this life-threatening crisis strikes, and coming to grips with permanent changes to her body and her sense of self as well as the changes in how she might be seen by others. Shining through it all is Dena’s irrepressible and remarkable sense of humor.

You might be fortunate enough to avoid getting cancer. But odds are highly likely you will be close to someone who isn’t so lucky – a family member, a friend, a colleague. This book provides a refreshing perspective on many different aspects of dealing with the ordeal of cancer and life afterwards. Dena’s account is sincere, it is intimate, and it is compelling.

[Cheryl Espinosa-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to write about a cancer diagnosis honestly, in depth AND humorously! I loved this book!!! Dena Taylor insists on being her whole self- including applying her wit and talent to the experience of cancer. I run support groups for women with cancer and this is my new most recommended book!

[Beth Krasemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing memoir, that Emma gifted me for xmas. I won't be defined by breast cancer!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everyone's experience with breast cancer will lead you to marches with pink ribbons. Some people just want it behind them. Dena Taylor shares her journey with an authenticity, vulnerability, and humor that we all can relate to. Some days suck, some days you just want to feel normal, and some days, you need your tribe to pick you up and get you dreaming of Paris. For her, good friends and good family made all the difference, but sometimes, it's also nice to forge ahead independently. As a single woman, Dena shares some her most intimate fears and insecurities about moving forward with a new body and a new mindset. She has a razor sharp wit and tells a personal story of getting on with it - with a full heart and a full bra. Highly recommend!

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to me when I needed it and gave me more support than I expected. There is an overwhelming selection of books about breast cancer and how to survive it. I almost gave up looking then saw this cover and thought, “this could be the one!” I also had to cancel a fabulous vacation due to a cancer diagnosis.

This book is funny, relatable, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hopeful. An easy, breezy read that makes the commonplace struggle of having cancer feel manageable.
It’s inspired me to be so vulnerable as to admit I have breast cancer on a public forum. This book has shown me that there are many more fabulous vacations to look forward to and that living my best bikini life after cancer is totally possible.

[Klindt Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written with wit and good humor. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed the honest point of view about a tough subject. Each chapter left me wanting to know more about the Dena's next challenge or adventure. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing Dena's funny antidotes with who ever was in the room with me. Not just for survivors, I highly recommend this book!

[Leslie Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book is heartwarming, heartbreaking AND hilarious all at the same time.
Taylor is truly a gifted writer and humorist. Everyone who has ever known anyone with a serious illness, cancer, etc, (which is everyone you know) will love and appreciate reading this book.
And will learn a lot as well.

[Alice Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invested from the first chapter. Dena could be your best friend, your sister, yourself - she’s finding her way through an unexpected experience no one puts on their list of things to try, and she does it with honesty, humor and grace.