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Description
The author describes her experience working as a doctor in Antarctica in 1999, during which time she discovered she had breast cancer and had to treat herself with the aid of her patients and doctors via the Internet. The coauthor is Maryanne Vollers.
Quick Summary
Jerri Nielsen's memoir of her year as the only doctor at the South Pole in 1999 reads like a real-life adventure that pulls you into the frozen world and makes you feel the cold, the isolation, and the ingenuity required to survive. When Nielsen discovers a lump in her breast, she has to become both patient and doctor, performing a biopsy on herself and coordinating treatment via sketchy satellite links while her teammates act as nurses and support staff. The story balances tense medical drama with plenty of humor and camaraderie think late-night pizza deliveries on a glacier and the absurdity of trying to stay warm while dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Anyone who loves survival stories, strong female leads, or a behind-the-scenes look at scientific research stations will find it hard to put down; it's especially appealing to teens who like the grit of *The Martian* but want a true account. Parents should note that the narrative includes frank discussion of cancer, a self-performed biopsy, and the emotional highs and lows that come with being isolated in one of the planet's harshest environments. By the end, you'll come away with a new appreciation for human resilience, teamwork, and the power of a good joke to keep morale alive in the most extreme circumstances.