A review by slferg
Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole by Jerri Nielsen

5.0

Amazing book! Dr. Nielsen's choice to go to Antarctica to the south pole Scott-Amundsen Station and the insights it brought and the friendships formed. Unhappy with corporate medicine and procedures (she was an ER doctor), she saw an ad for a doctor for the south pole station. She applied and was accepted. She went in 1998 to winterover with the base staff. Since a new station was being constructed nearby, this was about the last winter for residence at this one. There was also a consstruction crew for the winterover for the first time. She was the only doctor/nurse for 41 people over the arctic winter, dealing with construction injuries, problems with the physiological altitude - many people suffered from altitude sickness, lack of humidity, dental problems, etc. for the six months of polar night when it got coler than minus 100 F and the sun never shone. Six months into this, and 2 months into the polar winter, she discovered a lump in her breast one night. Then, it grew. With the help of some of her closest friends, she managed to do a biopsy on a live feed with a specialist and have it examined via satellite feed. It was affirmed as cancer. Then, the NSF decided to do an airdrop with chemotherapy drugs and stuff that was needed for treatment, etc. They decided to drop 6 crates with supplies - the essential stuff was all duplicated in case a crate was damaged. They also packed other goodies and treats - the favorite "freshies" (fresh fruits and vegetables which had run out).
The experience of these people thrown together for the polar winter who developed a tribal attitude - the lasting friendships formed - all is a wonderful exploration of life at the south pole in the closed community, as well as the absorbing story of her illness.