S.L. Wisenberg, known for writing that is “seriously funny,” proves in this acerbic chronicle that a cancer diary can be at once hilarious, rageful, and feminist.

She passes through the expected rites of breast cancer—diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy—but her responses are less expected: she throws a farewell party for her left breast, and rejects a “cranial prosthesis” in favor of using her bare scalp as a canvas for political messages. She insightfully criticizes the ad campaigns of cancer charities, the inept medical staff, and the inequities in the U.S. health care system she encounters as she navigates daily life with cancer and chemo. (There is much she disapproves of, from Brazilian waxes to books that blame patients for their own diseases.) Drawing on a wealth of personal, literary, and historical sources, The Adventures of Cancer Bitch creates an indelible image of a politically engaged, self-aware woman facing a daunting disease while examining her soul and society. (And riding the subway and teaching one-breasted.) It’s a thought-provoking memoir from a woman who questions everything and everyone, including herself.

This revised and expanded second edition features new observations and reflections from the author.

"The re-issuing of S.L. Wisenberg's groundbreaking should-be-classic, The Adventures of Cancer Bitch, is cause for much dark-humored, intelligent celebration among dark-humored, intelligent people everywhere whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Into a sea of earnestness, battle metaphors, and euphemisms came Wisenberg's straight talking, artfully constructed memoir, contributing to a changing landscape of how we talk about bodies. Many of us who have traveled the breast cancer path after Wisenberg, pens in hand, owe her a debt." — Gina Frangello, author of Blow Your House Down: A Memoir of Family, Feminism, and Treason

“Wisenberg brings her serious writing chops to bear in unflinching observations on breast cancer, cancer research, and teaching.” —Library Journal

“…virtuosic...poignant…” — Salon

“The Adventures of Cancer Bitch is funny, touching, sad, uplifting and informative—all at the same time.” — Chicago Tribune

“Best book for someone who likes the idea of the Oprah Book Club but thinks they're too cool” — Time Out Chicago

“…deeply personal, often darkly funny…” — Kirkus Reviews

"Dealing with cancer is a bitch—and the complexity of writing about it in a way that reflects on the very process of writing is really, really hard. Sandi Wisenberg’s account of her diagnosis, treatment, and lives, before and after, forces her and us into our collective history. Having written well about the Holocaust, as she has admirably done, suddenly places her account of her illness into a new re-reading of the past, the present, and the future. Brilliant written; extraordinarily moving." — Sander L. Gilman, author of Difference and Pathology

“(An) incredible book.... Wisenberg is acerbic, unsettling, truthful, and often hilarious.” — Rain Taxi

“A frank, funny and insightful account of one woman's battle with breast cancer. Wisenberg reveals the realities of life with cancer and how smarts, style and a self-deprecating sense of humor help her fight back against disease.” — Self magazine Cancer Resource