When Tamara Levine received her breast cancer diagnosis, in a state of shock, she decided to inform her friends and colleagues by writing to them. That letter was the first of thirteen communications she calls her healing journey. As well as sharing the letters, Tamara tells us what she learned maneuvering through the black hole of cancer treatment. Tamara discusses vulnerabilities and fears, the impact of both financial and personal supports, the need to make choices, and the necessity for advocacy. A key addition are the voices of Tamara’s health care providers, including her oncologist, who wade in further, outlining options and critiquing the system. This combines with Tamara's insights and strategies to form a resource that individuals and families struggling with cancer will find invaluable.

Tamara Levine is a long-time adult educator, literacy activist, and feminist. She has worked with unions and employers to pioneer workplace literacy and clear language initiatives across Canada with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress. She retired from her job in 2011 following breast cancer, treatment, and recovery. She lives in Ottawa with her family.

Tamara Levine's profile page