The DO Book Club, Jan. 2026: ‘Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center’

After a career as a diagnostic radiologist who specialized in breast imaging, Joseph Alexander, DO, has written a highly detailed novel that follows the lives of four breast cancer patients and the medical professionals who care for them. After years of work writing, researching and refining the volume, a compelling story in the form of “Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center” has emerged.

The four main characters find themselves with new breast cancer diagnoses at a comprehensive treatment center in Miami. The ladies form a quick friendship and much of the novel highlights how these people from widely different backgrounds develop strong and supportive bonds with one another. The women come to understand one another’s triumphs and setbacks even better than the members of their own families.

From all walks of life

The women come from all parts of the world and varied ways of life. They might have never even become acquainted with one another were it not for their chance meeting at the care conference that day. Belkys teaches the readers about the Cuban community and culture thriving in the South Florida area, while Manisha’s life story follows the Indian immigrants in America and highlights some of the Hindu religious customs. Sarah shares the Ashkenazi Jewish experience and details about the genetics of breast cancer, and Marie represents her Haitian heritage with panache and pride.

In one chapter set during a group therapy session at a psychologist’s office, the strain of breast cancer diagnoses is highlighted by the author, who writes, “… During this stressful time in their lives, these individuals in a group setting developed a sense of community and seemed to heal mentally more quickly than those who suffered alone.” (p. 229)

Although a work of fiction, the author teaches the readers about the many types of breast cancers and the various treatment modalities available to the patients at the Breast Center of Miami. We also learn a lot about genetic markers and counseling of patients and their families. The strains on family life run as an underlying theme of the narrative.

Relatable struggles

The author also pulls in the staff of the medical facility, including the medical director, the staff radiologist, the patient care coordinator and the charismatic janitor, who is at times in the way but always provides encouragement and cheer to the beleaguered patients. Physician readers will identify very strongly with one oncologist facing a diagnosis within their own sphere of practice and another radiologist dealing with all the stressful emotions that come with a malpractice inquiry.

As with any good novel, we get some jarring surprises and heart-warming realizations along the way. The four main characters grow together and evolve throughout their individual and shared journeys. One character relates, “her thoughts wandered back to the first time she met Marie; a woman filled with anger and rage. She witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last few years, where from a life-challenging experience, Marie channeled her negative energy into something positive and constructive.” (p. 345)

Embedded in the character-driven narrative is an homage to the author’s home, the Miami area. We learn about the ethnic neighborhoods, the art scene and the great restaurants. The ladies go out to support one another and learn some new salsa dance steps at a local club. Through the melting pot of South Florida, the story drives to its hopeful end.

Patient and physician perspectives

“Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center” brings together the patient’s and physician’s sides of breast cancer care in a compelling way. A sensitive subject is treated in a respectful and educational manner by an author who has played both the roles of radiologist and spouse of a survivor. Dr. Alexander’s work could not be further afield from “The Undying” by Anne Boyer, which I reviewed here.

Boyer offers the very real and raw perspective of a young cancer patient with limited resources and no support system. She takes a hard look at the deceptions of the pharmaceutical companies and the overtreatment of mammogram abnormalities. With much bitterness and cynicism, Boyer shreds many of the institutions that Dr. Alexander lauds.

“Adversity and Courage: The Breast Center” offers a more optimistic view of the bonds shared through the treatment center and the complexities of different breast cancer therapies. There is sadness in this ambitious novel, but there are also moments of fellowship and affection between the characters, who find each other through their shared experiences. The author is finding his voice as a writer, and I am intrigued to see how his writing develops in his future novels.

Related reading:

The DO Book Club, Nov. 2025: ‘Recitatif’

The DO Book Club, Oct. 2025: ‘Mindful Beauty’ and ‘Doctor Goldman’s Guide to Effective Patient Communication’