“Tell it as it is”:
experiences of cancer
If some of these books are out of print and unable to be
bought in a bookshop, please try your local library, the
Macmillan Cancer Information Centre in the foyer of Nobles
Hospital or bookshops on the internet like Amazon.
People often find that reading about other people’s
experiences of cancer can be helpful and beneficial;
however, it is important to remember everyone’s
experience of cancer is individual.
Contents
Pages
General
3
Children and Young People
11
Bowel and Colon Cancer
19
Brain Cancer
22
Breast Cancer
26
Cervical Cancer
37
Leukaemia/Lymphoma
38
Neck Cancer
41
Ovarian Cancer
42
Prostate Cancer
44
Skin Cancer
47
Stomach/Pancreatic Cancer
49
Testicular Cancer
51
2
General
Blennerhassett, M.
Nothing personal: disturbing undercurrents in
cancer care
Radcliffe, 2008
978-1-84619-010-0
This is a remarkable book. It is the story of just one person but it is
repeated time and time again by many, all over the world. She has
a complex but potentially curable cancer from the outset - one that
requires a surgical intervention, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to
treat optimally. So Mitzi experiences everything. With a young and
very active family to look after, she has a lot to live for so how she
deals with uncertainty is fascinating. The disruption to her life by
the cancer and its treatment is massive and to add to it all she is
going through a marital breakdown at the same time. 'This is
essential reading for all who deal with cancer patients - health
professionals, politicians, health service developers, carers and, of
course, patients themselves. It clearly gives us a distillation of what
cancer patients want. We need to create a new network of modern
cancer centres where the latest technology in radiotherapy and
chemotherapy is seamlessly delivered in a comfortable, welcoming
environment. Novel information technology can be used to link the
centres so every patient will be monitored to get the best possible
treatment.'
3
Canfield, J., Hansen, M. and Tabatsky, D.
Chicken soup for the soul: the cancer book: 101 stories of
courage, support & love
Chicken Soup for the Soul, 2009
978-1-9350-9630-6
A support group you can hold in your hand, this loving and
inspirational collection of intimate stories, by cancer patients and
their loved ones, medical professionals, clergy and friends, is a
must-read for anyone affected by cancer. Writers share all their
experiences-from the diagnosis, to breaking the news to loved
ones, to discussing the effect on home, school and work, from
securing a medical team to living through an ever changing selfimage, from the embarrassment of losing hair to discovering a new
spirituality. A bonus book, a no-holds-barred memoir by cancer
patient Elizabeth Bayer, is bound into this volume, after the fulllength Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
Carr, K. and Crow, S. (Foreword)
Crazy sexy cancer tips
Globe Pequot Press, 2007
978-1-59921-231-9
"Crazy sexy cancer tips", may be the first girlfriend's guide to living
with cancer - a sign of the times really. More and more people are
living with cancer, and Carr's message is they can live full lives,
they don't have to be "defined" by the c-word."
Carr, K.
Crazy sexy cancer survivor: more rebellion and fire
for your healing journey
Globe Pequot Press, 2008
978-1-59921-370-5
4
Clark, R.
A Long walk home.
Radcliffe, 2002
978-1-85775-906-8
Rachel Clark died after living with cancer for three years and this is
her moving account of her treatment and experiences with health
professionals in Britain and Australia. She was brave to write her
story, and to share it so that others may learn from her
experiences. Her account is a valuable legacy, especially in helping
health professionals learn lessons in communication and care. It
includes an epilogue by her twin sister Naomi Jefferies, and
learning points to provide insights of practical benefit for health
professionals by John Hasler and David Pendleton.
Finegan, W.
Being a cancer patient’s carer: a guide
Radcliffe, 2005
978-1-85775-638-8
If you are reading this, it is likely that you have accepted, or may
be considering responsibility for a relative or friend who has cancer.
This can be a daunting situation, and this guide provides
information and advice to help you deal with the most common
problems faced by carers of cancer patients. It provides answers to
many of the questions you may wish to ask. Dr Finegan is a family
carer, and is determined to use his expertise to provide other carers
with a concise source of specialist knowledge. This guide deals with
pain, physical symptoms, psychological problems, death and
bereavement, and it adopts a unique approach to encourage the
carer to work with the patient, doctors and nurses to achieve
realistic and mutually agreed outcomes. You are encouraged to
learn about day-to-day problems, ask relevant questions and take
an active part in sharing the care of the patient. The book will lead
you towards relevant sources of help and advice, and suggests tried
and tested ideas that have helped other patients.
5
Finegan, W.
Trust me, I’m a cancer patient.
Radcliffe, 2004
978-1-85775-877-1
Dr Wesley C Finegan was diagnosed with cancer in 1994 whilst
working as a consultant in palliative medicine. In this enlightening
work, he offers a unique approach in which patients are
encouraged to work with doctors and nurses. Written from a
personal perspective, it offers practical and accessible advice in
helping cancer patients deal with common issues, including pain
and psychological problems which can occur when suffering from
cancer. The book can be read from cover to cover, or can be
dipped into for quick reference whenever needed. It will be
essential reading for all cancer patients undergoing treatment; and
all doctors, nurses and allied professionals who care for cancer
patients.
Fritz, R.
What’s the next Step? My journey with cancer as a
caregiver and then as a caretaker
iUniverse.com, 2011
9781450296311
In this moving and ultimately life-affirming book,
Bob Fritz shares his experiences as a "caregiver" for
his first wife, who succumbed after battling breast
cancer for thirteen years, and then as a "caretaker,"
a
patient himself, fighting brain cancer. But more than a sharing of
experiences, Bob, an engineer by training, offers a set of "tools"
gleaned from his caregiving and caretaking on how to deal with
many of the difficult challenges that a person approaching life's end
could encounter. These include "Fencing with the Physician," "A
Friend Has Abandoned You in a Time of Need, Now What?" and
"Who's in Charge Here?" The workbook format provides ample
space for the reader to record his or her own insights and feelings.
6
Gearin-Tosh, M.
Living proof: a medical mutiny
Simon and Schuster, 2003
978-0-7432-0680-8
Michael Gearin-Tosh discovered that he had bone marrow cancer
when he was 54. This is the story of his quest to manage and
overcome his illness and his determination not to be coerced by
specialists, the NHS and even colleagues into joining programmes
of invasive treatments. The author selected a number of regimes
and devised his own rigorous daily round of juices, vegetables and
coffee enemas. Six years on, his extraordinary survival would be
classified as a "scientific miracle". But this is not a "how-to" book,
rather an account of one man's quest to listen to his own inner
voice of intuition in a world so heavily reliant on the certainty that it
is the doctors that know best.
Hope, L.
Help me live: 20 things people with cancer want
you to know
Celestial Arts, 2005
978-1-58761-212-1
When we hear that someone close to us has been diagnosed with
cancer, we want nothing more than to comfort them with words of
hope, support and love. But often what we say sounds
disingenuous, condescending or insufficient. With sensitive insights
and thoughtful anecdotes, “Help Me Live” provides a personal yet
thoroughly researched account, including the author's own
experiences with cancer, interviews and surveys, with hundreds of
others who have had this disease.
7
Hutton, D.
What can I do to help? 75 practical ideas for
family and friends from cancer’s frontline
Short Books, 2005
1904977391
Deborah Hutton‟s discovery that the niggling cough which had been
troubling her for a couple of months was actually an aggressive
lung cancer that had already invaded her bones and lymphatic
system marked the beginning of a brand-new learning curve – a
personal odyssey that taught her to let go of her super-competent
I-can-handle-it-myself persona and gratefully accept the huge
amount of help offered by friends and family. From her own
experience and out of her conversations with fellow members of the
Cancer Club, comes this anthology of supremely practical examples
of ways in which friends and family can make a real, substantial
difference.
Lance Armstrong Foundation
Livestrong: inspirational stories from cancer
survivors - from diagnosis to treatment and beyond
Hodder and Stoughton, 2007
978-0-340-92212-5
Here for the first time is a collection of the voices and personal
stories of a range of cancer survivors. There is Mike, a male
survivor of breast cancer, who talks about gender stereotypes and
genetic testing. Eric, the father of a five-year old brain tumour
survivor, recalls how friends and strangers helped his family with
financial issues and how the experience brought him and his wife
closer together. From cancer's effect on a marriage, to coping with
grief; from financial and work struggles to insight into how cancer
can change the parent-child relationship irrevocably, this
reassuring, poignant and ultimately uplifting book, sheds light on all
aspects of living with and after cancer.
8
Macmillan Cancer Support
Lost for words: how to talk to someone with cancer
London: Macmillan Cancer Support, 2011
A booklet for people close to someone with cancer. Helps you
understand better what your friend or relative is going through and
the value of providing support by talking and listening to them. Also
considers any communication problems that may be encountered.
Includes a practical check list of ways in which you can help.
(Available free from Macmillan Cancer Support – visit
www.be.macmillan.org.uk/orders or phone 0800 500 800)
Silver, J.
What helped get me through: cancer survivors share
wisdom and hope
American Cancer Society, 2008
978-1-60443-004-2
Hundreds of cancer survivors from all walks of life - including
celebrities like Lance Armstrong, Carly Simon, Scott Hamilton, and
many others - offer their true-life experiences, heartfelt reflections,
encouragement, hope, and solutions for 'getting through' the
cancer journey. Their goal: to give readers the strength, courage,
and knowledge needed to face the tough challenges ahead, to
make their life easier and richer, whether newly diagnosed patient,
survivor, family member, friend, or caregiver.
There are insights aplenty for each of us. Their words are
sometimes frank and often eye-opening, covering every aspect of
the cancer experience - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It
includes topics such as: how to manage fear and uncertainty; how
to navigate through the treatment options; how to talk to children
about cancer and help them cope; how to interact with your
medical team; how to nurture yourself and relieve stress; how
being spiritual helped; how friends and family made a difference;
what would have helped, but was too hard to ask; what would have
helped at diagnosis, if you'd only known.
9
In addition, Dr. Silver organizes the advice of survivors and medical
professionals into many helpful lists, for example, 'Ten Tips to Help
Children and Families' and 'Five Things Your Oncologist Should Tell
You'.
10
Children and Young People with Cancer
Bunt, M.
Chemotherapy, cakes and cancer; an A-Z survival guide for
living with cancer
CLIC Sargent, 2006
About life on a cancer ward, written by 14 year old Megan Blunt.
Suitable for children aged 9-14. Available on line from CLIC Sargent
at http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/
Dempsey, S.
My brain tumour adventures: the story of a little boy coping
with a brain tumour
Jessica Kingsley, 2002
978-1-84310-125-3
An illustrated children‟s story about a little boy with a brain tumour,
designed to help children and adults come to terms with
chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the side effects of their medicines.
The book does use some adult terminology and should be read
accompanied by an adult to help explain these words.
Dryburgh, N.
The Way I see it
Hodder Children‟s Books, 2008
At the age of 11, Nicole Dryburgh was diagnosed with a malignant
tumour on her spine. After an operation to remove the tumour,
followed by an intensive course of radiotherapy, Nicole's life
returned to normal and the doctors were pleased with her progress.
Two years later, aged 13, Nicole suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Desperately ill, blind and unable to move, she was given weeks to
live. Against all odds, she came home. Now aged 18, still blind and
mainly confined to a wheelchair, Nicole is wholehearted and
positive, whether she is studying, fund-raising, horse-riding, playing
with her mischievous dogs or hanging out with her friends.
11
Moving, inspiring, funny, unforgettable - Nicole's account of the last
four years is the triumphant story of a refusal to give up hope.
Grinyer, A.
Cancer in young adults: through parents' eyes
Open University Press, 2002
978-0-335-21230-9
The original inspiration for this book was George who died from
osteosarcoma at the age of 23. During his illness his parents tried
without success to access information on the life-stage issues that
make life-threatening illness during young adulthood particularly
difficult to manage. They could find no literature relating specifically
to this problem and struggled throughout George's 4 years of living
with cancer to cope with the additional problems faced by families
in this situation. After his death they set up a research project to
help other families facing these issues. This book is the outcome of
that research.
It is heavily based on the use of narrative material written by
parents whose young adult children have been diagnosed with
cancer. The book addresses issues such as sexuality and fertility,
independence, the need for normality, the effect on siblings, the
ownership of medical information, financial issues, the impact on
the parents' partnership and the emotional consequences of the
illness. It is designed to be of practical assistance both to parents
and to health professionals involved with the care of young adults
with cancer.
12
Grant, S.
Standing on his own two feet: a diary of dying
Jessica Kingsley, 2005
978-1-84310-368-4
Alexander had just begun his studies at university when he was
diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. In this honest account, Alex's
mother traces the impact of the diagnosis on the whole family and
outlines the issues that arose during diagnosis, treatment and
terminal stages of her son's illness. “Standing on his own Two Feet”
offers an insight into how health care systems serve the terminally
ill, the choices faced by families, and ways of providing the best
possible care at home and maintaining the patient's dignity until the
end. In particular, Sue Grant deals sensitively with the care needs
of young adults. Portraying a family of admirable resilience and
strength, this inspiring and moving book offers support and
practical tips for anybody encountering terminal illness and presents
valuable discussion points for all nursing, health and social care
professionals.
Grinyer, A.
Life after cancer in adolescence and young
adulthood
Taylor and Francis, 2009
978-0-415-47703-1
Adolescence and young adulthood is often a difficult enough time
without serious illness. However, research has shown that cancer,
and surviving cancer at this age, presents distinctive problems
medically, socially and psychologically. This important work offers a
glimpse into a previously under-researched area and contributes to
a better understanding of the needs of young adults post cancer.
Focusing not only on the physical effects, but also the social,
cognitive, emotional and physiological consequences of surviving
cancer in young adulthood, Anne Grinyer draws directly upon data
collected from young adults who have been treated for cancer.
13
The book is structured around themes they raised such as fertility;
life plans; identity; psychological effects; and, physical effects. This
book presents the voices of those who have lived through the
experience of cancer in young adulthood, and links them to the
theoretical and analytical literature.
Higgins, C.
32c that’s me
Hatchette Children‟s Books, 2006
978-0-340-91727-5
Jess seems to have it all, OK her parents are boring teachers - her
dad even teaches at her school - but she has a gorgeous boyfriend,
Muggs, landed the lead in the school play and her best friend Ali
will always stick by her. She even gets on well with her older sister!
Then her mum is diagnosed with breast cancer and Jess's world is
turned upside down and no one seems to understand what she's
going through. Muggs is too busy with the play, her dad is never
around to talk to and all of a sudden Ali is avoiding her. Jess soon
starts to realise that maybe having it all isn't what really matters
and maybe the people you thought you could depend on aren't the
ones to trust. A fantastic and touching debut from Chris Higgins,
undoubtedly a new talent, who identifies exactly where teenagers
are coming from.
Housden, M.
Hannah's gift:
HarperCollins, 2003
978-0-00-715567-5
lessons from a life fully lived
During the last year of her short life, Hannah was fearless in the
way she faced death - and irrepressibly joyful in the way she
approached living. The little girl who wore her favourite red shoes
into the operating theatre changed the life of everyone who came
in contact with her. Now, in a book that preserves Hannah's
indomitable spirit, Maria Housden offers the gift of her daughter's
last year to all of us.
14
Hubbard, D.
Jack’s diary
Leukaemia Research Fund, 2002
The real life story of a boy receiving treatment for Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) that includes real life pictures and
cartoons. Available as an online version at
www.justgiving.com/Design/6/diary.pdf
Jones, K. and Jones, K.
Hannah’s Choice: a daughter’s love for life. The
mother who let her make the hardest decision of
all
HarperCollins, 2010
9780007346844
Hannah Jones loves Zac Efron, playing on her Nintendo DS and
anything pink. She is like any other fourteen-year-old girl except
that she has already faced not one but two life-threatening
illnesses: diagnosed first with leukaemia aged four, the drugs given
to treat her cancer caused a rare side effect and damaged her
heart. Because of the risks involved, Hannah initially refused a
heart transplant but two years later changed her mind as she
prepared to celebrate a birthday doctors had never thought she'd
see. In August 2009, Hannah was successfully given a new heart at
Great Ormond Street Hospital and has since returned home to be
with her family.
Krisher, T.
Kathy’s hats: a story of hope.
Albert Whitman, 1992
978-0-8075-4116-6
A book about 9 year old Kathy who has chemotherapy for cancer.
Her hair falls out and she has to wear hats. Well illustrated and
supportive story.
15
Pattison, J.
A Love affair with cancer
AuthorHouse, 2006
978-1-4259-1212-3
John W.Pattison presents a unique and fascinating insight into the
trials and tribulations of a cancer patient and the permanent
psychological legacy they must accept. The book is a scintillating
exploration of the mind of a young, immature adolescent who is
gripped by the deathly hold of cancer and its mind numbing
consequences. A true, yet poignant and tearful story, but also
funny and inspirational.
Everyone needs inspiration in life and John was no different.
Throughout his journey, his was music and a band called Hawkwind
who remained a constant driving force during his troubled cancer
journey. His fate was woven into the tapestry of life. On more than
one occasion, he was forced to confront his own mortality, yet he
made something of an unexpected recovery, but only eight years
after that recovery he is devastated by the news that all parents
fear, his daughter has terminal leukaemia, leaving him once again
to walk the long lonely road of emotional turbulence. However,
despite the opinion of the medical experts, Donna goes into a
spontaneous remission to become an international swimmer.
Sexton, N.
Craig: the boy who lives
Gill and Macmillan, 2011
9780717148622
This is the true life story of how the love and loss of a child
forever transformed and shaped the lives of those around
him. When Craig Sexton died in 2006, only four months after
being diagnosed with an inoperable and terminal brain
tumour, he was just six years of age. Written by his father, Craig's
story is a moving and inspiring tale of a young boy's life, his death,
and his family's belief that he still lives on.
16
Small, D.
Stitches: a memoir
WW Norton, 2010
978 0 39333 896 6
One day Small awoke from a supposedly harmless operation to
discover that he had been transformed into a virtual mute. A vocal
cord removed, his throat slashed and stitched together like a bloody
boot, the fourteen-year-old boy had not been told that
he
had throat cancer and was expected to die. Small recreates a life story that might have been imagined by
Kafka. Readers will be riveted by his journey from
speechless victim, subjected to X-rays by his
radiologist father and scolded by his withholding and
tormented mother, to his decision to flee his home at sixteen with
nothing more than dreams of becoming an artist.
Sutherland, A.
The Summer of the bees
Pan Macmillan South Africa, 2008
978-1-77010-081-7
In November 2005 two young parents took their ten month old
baby to a paediatrician. He had been crying incessantly, his mood
had changed and his eye had become slightly squint. The
paediatrician's diagnosis wasn't good. This is the true story of a
young child undergoing treatment for a rare brain tumour. The
story is told by Michael's father, with alternating passages written in
Michael's voice. It is an honest and extremely personal account of
the confusion, fear and sadness felt by the parents and Michael
himself. Amidst the despair, Andy describes the many moments of
happiness, with self-deprecating humor and charm. Despite
Michael's illness the family experiences many of the joys and
adventures of being new parents. Andy Sutherland writes from the
heart, without pretence or ego, and lets readers into the most
private spaces of his family, his relationship and his own thoughts.
17
He addresses universal issues of family, faith and friendship, and
forces readers to consider the balance between love and suffering,
and the importance of letting go. Michael will make you laugh and
cry in the same breath, and will leave you profoundly moved.
Venables, S.
Ollie: the inspiring story of a special child
Hutchinson, 2005
978-0-09-180025-3
“Like the swallows, Ollie came in the spring and left in the autumn.
Dancing, singing, swooping - there was something birdlike about
his energy, joy and laughter - but also the fleeting, transitory,
enigmatic quality of his life. At the age of two he lost the ability to
speak, when autism turned his life - and ours - into a baffling
challenge. Then at four, he almost died from leukaemia.
Chemotherapy worked its magic, but at six he had a relapse in the
central nervous system. He fought hard and made a full recovery.
Then, just six months from the official all clear, a brain tumour was
discovered. The surgeons warned that residual tentacles of cancer
would almost certainly soon resume their insidious worming
through his brain. After a brave struggle, he died very suddenly. His
body had gone into meltdown. He was twelve."
This is not a story of passive suffering or failure. Ollie had
extraordinary courage. Time after time he bounced back,
determined to enjoy life. He had astonishing endurance. He was
obstinate, mischievous, playful, flirtatious, quixotic, funny. He
generated - and continues to generate - huge amounts of laughter.
And he was very beautiful. He was the sort of person who would
always dominate a room and affect everyone around him. We
always felt that if autism had not unravelled the wiring of his neural
pathways, he would have achieved extraordinary things.
18
Bowel and Colon Cancer
Livingston, E.
Living with colon cancer
Prometheus Books, 2005
978-1-59102-347-0
In this helpful and inspiring book, Eliza Wood Livingston provides a
wealth of practical information about colon cancer while telling of
her own heroic battle against this challenging disease and her
survival after a bleak diagnosis. Designed to provide both vital
information and emotional support, Livingston's story will help
anyone faced with the difficult ordeals of surgery, chemotherapy,
colostomy, and the emotional roller coaster that patients often
experience. At every stage of facing these challenging hurdles, she
describes to readers what they can expect, guides them to be their
own advocates and ask the right questions of medical personnel,
and effectively conveys the comforting message that they need
never feel alone.
A very reader-friendly text, with many useful sidebars highlighting
important points, makes this accessible book easy to follow for
average readers. Livingston points out that while society seems
more willing to recognise and openly discuss other life-threatening
illnesses, a sense of shame and secrecy persists regarding
colorectal cancer. Her personal story of courage and complete
candidness about her condition go a long way toward dispelling the
fear and embarrassment often associated with colon cancer. Most
important, she gives fellow patients and their families hope that
they too can triumph over this serious disease.
19
Priddy, G.
And I Will Trust in You Alone
AuthorHouse, 2010
978144073350
At the outset of my cancer treatment, whilst at Spring Harvest
2008, I gave my cancer to God to use for His good, whilst wanting
to be healed. Being a project manager by profession, I decided to
bring this under control by writing a regular update which would
also enable people to focus their prayers on the real issues at that
time, rather than just generally praying for me. The book is a
gathering of my regular prayer updates and which, linked together,
became my diary and a replication of 'my book of encouragement'
where I copied down scripture verses, songs and words that people
sent me to encourage me on my journey. This book was originally
intended to cover my year's battle against cancer, but as you will
read, God had other plans for my life and so has covered a longer
period which in many ways has tested my faith further, but I will
leave you to draw your own conclusions as you read into the
second year.
Rollason, H.
Life's too short: my autobiography
Hodder and Stoughton, 2000
978-0-340-76772-6
In August 1997, Helen Rollason was diagnosed with colon and liver
cancer and given until the end of the year to live. For nearly two
years she fought the disease until finally dying in August 1999.
Here she recounts her life since the diagnosis.
20
Watts, A.
How does it feel?: reflections on a year in the
life of one woman, following a diagnosis of
bowel cancer
AuthorHouse, 2009
978-1-4343-8471-3
Stewart, A.
My Journey with Farrah
HarperCollins, 2010
9780061960598
Alana Stewart and Farrah Fawcett were inseparable
since they first met in the 1970s. Over the course of 30
years, they supported each other through the trials of
Hollywood life, raised their families together, and
remained as close as two friends could be. But in fall
2006, their relationship was tested as never before when Farrah
was diagnosed with aggressive rectal cancer. Given six months to
live, the beautiful actress vowed to beat the disease; Alana vowed
to help her. Relentless in their pursuit of a cure, they travelled
around the country and the world, seeking out alternative and
experimental therapies. During that quest, Alana kept a diary of
their experience fighting the disease and recorded cherished
memories of their years together. Now, to honor her friend's grace
and courage in the face of death, and to celebrate their enduring
bond, Alana shares these intimate and personal diaries with us all.
21
Brain Cancer
Arthur, L. and Arthur, T.
Shadow in tiger country.
Harper Collins, 2000
978-0-00-653242-2
Louise Arthur was diagnosed in February 1999 as terminally ill with
a malignant brain tumour. It was inoperable. She was then 28, had
been married to Tim for 5 years: and they have a 4 year old
daughter. After reading Ruth Picardie's book, Louise decided to
write her diary - named "Shadow Diary" - on the web. She started
in April, and Tim also contributed - occasionally - and showed what
life was like for him, for their love together. By June 1999, the
"hits" to the web site were running at 1000 a day: she started a
column in the "Daily Mail", and Channel 4 decided to do a
documentary on her. On January 11, 2000, Louise Arthur died. This
text contains selections from both Louise's and Tim's contributions
to the "Shadow Diary", but has also been written by Tim since her
death, and includes samples of both Louise's earlier writing and her
photographs.
Mee, B.
We Bought A Zoo
Weinstein books, 2011
9781602861572
When Benjamin Mee decided to uproot his family and move
them to an unlikely new home - a dilapidated zoo where more than
200 exotic animals would be their new neighbours - his friends and
colleagues thought he was crazy. Mee's dream was to refurbish the
zoo and run it as a family business. The grand reopening was
scheduled for spring, but there was much work to be done and
none of it easy for the novice zookeepers. Tigers broke loose,
money was tight, the staff grew skeptical, and family tensions
reached a boiling point.
22
Then tragedy struck. Katherine, Ben's wife, had a recurrence of a
brain tumor, forcing Benjamin and his two young children to face
the heartbreak of illness and the devastating loss of a wife and
mother. But inspired by the memory of Katherine and the healing
power of the incredible family of animals they had grown to love;
Benjamin and his kids resolved to move forward, and today the zoo
is a thriving success.
Noble, I.
Like a hole in the head: living with a brain tumour
Hodder and Stoughton, 2005
978-0-340-86428-9
Faced with a desperately hard battle against cancer, Ivan decided
he would like to share his experiences with readers of the BBC
News website. He hoped it could help demystify a disease that
touches so many lives, and would allow people across the world to
discuss the disease and share their experiences. From then, Ivan
wrote a regular, deeply moving diary outlining his battle against the
tumour.
He endured two major brain operations, chemotherapy and various
experimental treatments in his extraordinary fight for survival. He
also married his German born girlfriend and they celebrated the
birth of their second child. Throughout the two years, the diary
received thousands of e-mails from people around the world. Many
of them are published in this book. It is impossible to read them
without being deeply moved - messages of support to Ivan,
people's experiences, stories of hope. One of the most remarkable
aspects of the regular diary has been this amazing coming together
of so many people around the world.
23
O‟Brien, C.
Never say die
Harper Collins, 2008
978-0732288099
In November 2006, Chris O'Brien was diagnosed with glioblastoma
multi-forme, a malignant and extremely aggressive form of cancer.
As one of the country's most eminent cancer specialists, O'Brien
knows that the chances of beating the brain tumour are tiny; even
with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation few sufferers survive
past 12 months. Nevertheless, he is determined to beat the odds.
With the support of his close family and an international network of
surgeons, friends and well-wishers, O'Brien took the option of
radical brain surgery under the supervision of his friend Dr Charlie
Teo. His level of fitness, optimistic outlook and relative youth (he
was 55 when diagnosed) give him a shot at survival. Currently he is
in remission. Funny, charming and fearless, O'Brien has said he is
not afraid to die - but he doesn't plan to just yet.
Here, in his inspiring memoir, he takes a look back over his life and
the forces which shaped him - from his modest beginnings as part
of a typical Australian-Irish family, to his early years as a doctor
and football player, to life, "living on the smell of an oily rag" as a
young doctor with a family in London and the US, through to the
shocking news which literally changed his life.
24
Ward, W.
Traveling light: walking the cancer path
Floris Books, 2008
978-1-58420-061-1
This courageous and wise book offers a selfless glimpse into one
man's journey with cancer, from the initial shock to inner rebirth,
and the gradual discovery of light in the darkness. Diagnosed with a
brain tumour, William Ward describes the procession of hospitals,
surgeons, pain and powerful drugs without a trace of self-pity or
sentimentalism. At the same time, he invites the reader to follow
his inner path of fear, self-examination, regrets and ultimately,
hope.
25
Breast Cancer
Bohan, B.
The Choice
Newleaf, 2011
9780717150151
In 1988 Bernadette Bohan won a battle against cancer. But when
she became pregnant seven years later, a doctor told her that it
was likely to trigger a return of the disease. She didn't hesitate and
gave birth to the child she had longed for. However, her fight
wasn't over. Five years later the cancer attacked her body again.
Bernadette made another choice. In desperation, she decided that
her best chance of survival was not simply to be a passive patient
and follow blindly her doctor's advice, but to create her own
alternative prescription. When news of Bernadette's triumph over
cancer brought others flocking to her door seeking help, this
ordinary Irish wife and mother found her life transformed. And she
realised that her illness was a gift after all.
Carr, K.
It's not like that, actually: a memoir of surviving
cancer and beyond
Ebury Press, 2004
978-0-09-189480-1
It is impossible to go back to the old life after a cancer diagnosis;
the reality of surviving is complex. Kate Carr was diagnosed with
breast cancer at the age of 39, underwent extensive harrowing
treatment, and in 1998 was told that she'd reached a significant
milestone - the five-year mark. Reaching this point without the
cancer returning is a strong indication that the treatment has been
successful. The sad truth, however, is that, like all cancer sufferers
who have reached this stage, she had to live every day with the
knowledge that it can come back at any time.
26
“It's Not Like That, Actually” charts Kate's diagnosis and treatment,
while explaining in beautifully written detail the ups and downs the reality - of moving on from there and dealing with the
emotional burden that friends and family find it difficult to
understand. A unique, inspirational, practical book for all cancer
sufferers, and their families.
Clark, B.
The Fight of my life
Hodder, 2007
978-0-340-93810-2
Barbara Clark is a former nurse, foster carer and mother of two
children, one with special needs, and was diagnosed with an
aggressive form of breast cancer in February 2005. During her
treatment, she found that there was a drug existing, Herceptin, that
would double survival chances for her particular form of cancer
from 14%. However, it wasn't available on the NHS and therefore,
for Barbara, unaffordable. In the midst of aggressive
chemotherapy, Barbara, incredibly, found the strength to fight not
just the NHS but the government, and to win the right to be
prescribed the drug on the NHS, not just for herself but for
thousands of other women.
“The Fight of My Life” tells the story behind those headlines. It will
tell how she first found her cancer, and what it was that gave her
the will to battle on and take on, not just the disease but the
authorities who were prepared to let her die for want of a drug.
Barbara's reasons for living are her three children, two of whom she
fosters and who have special needs: their stories and how they
dealt with her cancer will also be central to this an amazing,
uplifting, inspiring book. Herceptin has treated Barbara's cancer,
but it doesn't guarantee a complete cure - rather, it buys her more
time to care for the people who are most precious to her, to help
other women and to pursue what she calls her 'passion for life'.
“The Fight of My Life” is the story of an extraordinary woman and
of great human courage in the face of despair.
27
Davis, S.
A Girl called Dusty
Carlton Books, 2008
978-0-233-00237-8
Dusty Springfield is a pop music legend. Goddess of the sixties,
reluctant recluse of the seventies, enigmatic icon of the eighties
and nineties, she attracted a passionate following that has
remained loyal to this day. She crossed the line into soul music, her
first love, but never turned her back on pop music. A perfectionist
in her work, she was a shy, awkward girl off stage. Misunderstood
and misquoted, that was Miss Springfield. She had a lifestyle to
envy, was the original 'IT' girl and achieved, many believed, the
height of decadence. But who really knew her? Who was the real
lady behind the black mascara and backcombed hair? This is the
story that she never had the chance to tell herself because, nearly
two years after her first battle with breast cancer, the disease
returned to take her life in 1999.
Fisher, A.
B.O.O.B.S.: a bunch of outrageous breast-cancer survivors
tell their stories of courage, hope and healing.
Cumberland House Publishing, 2004
978 1 58182 385 1
A collection of personal stories by ten courageous women about
how they are living with breast cancer, not dying from it. Written
with humour, insight, raw emotion and honesty, each story details
one woman's personal experience - from the shocking diagnosis to
surgery and beyond.
28
Gabriel, E.
Flying Crooked: an inspiring tale of love and loss
Mainstream Digital (e-book), 2011-12-21
978180572062
There are many books about the processes people go through
when they discover they have cancer. What makes “Flying Crooked”
different is the way in which Elizabeth Gabriel accepts the disease
and its consequences. She continues to enjoy life, refuses
radiotherapy and rejects the idea of wearing a prosthesis after one
of her breasts has been removed. The choices she makes are in
sharp contrast to those made by her ex-lover Simon when he,
shortly after her operation, is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Their
different ways of coping form a well-balanced diptych: on her part,
acceptance and the peace that this brings, as opposed to, on his
part, fighting and anger at the cost of precious energy and
enjoyment.
“Flying Crooked” describes the process of a search for balance. The
open, direct and unsentimental manner in which Gabriel describes
her decisions as well as her experiences in hospital and out of it are
deeply refreshing. And yet this autobiographical novel is more than
an account of coping with disease; it is an inspirational story of love
and friendship and faith.
29
Hayward, K.
From oncology nursing to coping with breast
cancer: my journey there and back
Radcliffe, 2008
978-1-84619-273-9
“I have 'journeyed' from nurse to patient when diagnosed with
grade 3-breast cancer. However, being diagnosed with breast
cancer has now changed me from nurse and carer into a vulnerable
ill person with doubts and fears for my future. To restore some
sense of purpose while on sick leave and help me to get through
each treatment stage, I decided to keep a daily journal of my
experience”.
Hunniford, G.
Always with you
Hodder and Stoughton, 2009-08-25
978-0-340-95397-6
On April 13th 2004, Gloria Hunniford's 41 year old daughter, Caron
Keating, died after a secret seven year battle with cancer. The
world that had changed with Caron's diagnosis, now shattered. Life
had been cruelly interrupted, a black hole opened in Gloria's heart,
she was consumed with the unimaginable grief that the loss of a
child brings and she was alone. Or so she felt. Within days of
Caron's death letters started to arrive. People who had lost their
children felt compelled to write. Strangers understood what she
was going through often more than the family and friends standing
next to her. There were many, many dark days but the letters kept
coming and somehow she managed to do the impossible. Wake up
everyday, get out of bed, breathe. The black hole is still there,
sometimes as big as ever, but she has found a way to live with it,
around it.
30
This is the story of how Gloria and her family survived Caron's
death, but it is not only her story. It is written for those who held
her while she raged. It is written for all those people who helped
her through that first terrible year by writing, but mostly it is
written for the many thousands who didn‟t. Grief is lonely, but as
this book shows, you are not alone. Death affects us all at some
point. Gloria will never again be the carefree woman she once was,
the loss of a loved one is always with you, but so are the living.
This is how she found her way back to them.
Hunniford, G.
Next to you: Caron’s courage remembered by
her mother
Penguin, 2006
978-0-14-102377-9
Gloria Hunniford's daughter, TV presenter Caron Keating, was 34
when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, she was
declared in the clear but the cancer came back, despite her
attempts to fight it off with every therapy going. She died aged 41.
This is Gloria's account of Caron's life. It is outstanding from the
beginning, feels painfully truthful, but is utterly absorbing. It does
make you cry endlessly. It is about the difficult bond between
mothers and daughters, and about what happens to a family when
one of its members gets taken over by a disease.
Konop-Baker, G.
Cancer is a bitch: (or, I'd rather be having a midlife crisis)
Perseus Books, 2008
978-0-7382-1162-6
This is an intimate, brutally honest and often humorous account of
the author's brush with breast cancer and its intersection with
midlife, motherhood and marriage. Gail Konop Baker was a runner,
a yoga practitioner, an organic eater, and a doctor's wife. As her
45th birthday approached, she looked forward to a life where she
could finally focus a bit more on herself, but on Valentine's Day,
31
2006, she heard the words that would forever change her life: "Just
to be safe, I think we should biopsy." It was the beginning of her
year-long battle with breast cancer - a battle that would upstage
any mid-life crisis that she'd worried was in the wings. "Cancer is a
Bitch" is Gail's raw, brutally honest and intimate memoir of fighting
- and surviving - breast cancer. From her diagnosis in early 2006 to
Valentine's Day a year later, her memoir charts all the craziness
that comes with being a full-time mum, a devoted wife, and a
woman battling breast cancer and its fallout. After countless visits
to hospital, worrying over whether she'd be there to see her
children's biggest moments, wondering if her marriage would
survive this challenge, and realizing that when people looked at her
they now saw their own mortality, she finally realized that despite it
all, she needed to get back to the business of living. And she does.
One year later, declared cancer free, she returns to running, even
finishing the New York City marathon.
Love, T.
I Am Not My Hair: a
triumph over breast
iUniverse.com, 2010
9781440191725
young woman’s journey and
cancer
On December 10, 2007, just three months shy of her thirtieth
birthday, Tyesha Love received a phone call that would change her
life forever. After being told she had stage 2 breast cancer,
Tyesha‟s world stopped, the walls closed in, and she fell to the floor
sobbing. This is the story of her compelling journey through breast
cancer from diagnosis to treatment to triumph. As a single parent,
full-time student, and full-time employee, Tyesha, a self-confessed
control freak, already had her entire year planned out when she
received her diagnosis. No stranger to confronting daily challenges,
Tyesha relays how she placed her worries and fears in God‟s hands
and then courageously confronted the tests, surgeries, treatments,
and recovery. Tyesha provides a self-disclosing glimpse into what it
is like to fear the unknown, feel the physical pain after a
mastectomy, and face herself in the mirror after she loses her hair.
32
Tyesha‟s moving story is intended to be a testimony for those
battling breast cancer with the hope that her journey will become
the inspiration to persevere and prevail while believing in faith,
hope, and life.
Marchetto, M.
Cancer vixen
Harper Collins, 2007
978-0-00-725896-3
What happens when a shoe-crazy, lipstick-obsessed, wine-swilling,
pasta-slurping, fashion-fanatic, madly-in-love, single-forever, aboutto-get-married big city girl cartoonist with a fabulous life finds
a lump in her breast!? Marisa Acocella Marchetto - said New York
cartoonist and downtown party girl - answers this question, and
many more, in this touching and often funny comic-strip chronicle
of her 11-month battle with breast cancer. Drawing (literally) on
everything from her first mammogram to radiation treatments, she
tells the story of her illness with honesty, bravery and searing
Manhattanite humour. Unflinching in her observations and
unflagging in spirit, Marchetto confronts the disease head-on,
refusing to become a cancer 'victim'. Instead, she wears designer
shoes to her chemo sessions and marries her long-time love,
Manhattan restaurateur Silvano Marchetto, along the way laughing
and crying with her friends, arguing with her mother (a.k.a.
'smother') and striking up conversations with God. While laughing
in the face of her illness at every available opportunity, Marchetto
never trivialises it.
'Cancer vixen' is courageous, honest, funny and frightening, but
above all, it achieves the almost impossible, in taking a woman's
worst fear and transforming it into something uplifting, inspiring
and life-affirming.
33
Picardie, R.
Before I say goodbye
Penguin Books, 1998
978-0-14-027630-5
When Ruth Picardie died from complications following the
misdiagnosis of breast cancer in September 1997, leaving a young
husband and two-year-old twins, thousands mourned who'd never
met her. Ruth's column in "The Observer" recorded with scalding
honesty the progress of her illness and her feelings about living
with terminal cancer. "Before I say Goodbye" brings together these
pieces, Ruth's e-mail correspondence with friends, selected letters
from readers, and accounts of Ruth's last days by her sister,
Justine, and husband Matt.
Rabinovitch, D
Take off your party dress: when life’s too busy
for breast cancer
Simon and Schuster, 2007
978-1-4165-2788-6
Journalist Dina Rabinovitch had just turned 40 when she was
diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2004. At that point she
didn't know a thing about the disease. By the time of her death in
autumn 2007, she was an expert. Her experience of the condition
and its treatment, from diagnosis through mastectomy to remission
and reoccurrence is recounted in this down-to-earth memoir,
covering everything from trialling the last anti-cancer drugs to what
to wear that's stylish after surgery. Warm, lively, at times
irreverent, Rabinovitch's brave story of juggling a hectic career and
a large, extended family while living - and dying - with cancer is
essential reading.
34
Tomlinson, J.
The Luxury of time
Pocket Books, 2005
978-1-4165-0212-8
Jane Tomlinson, a mother of three from Leeds, was first diagnosed
with breast cancer when she was 26. Despite being given the all
clear, in 2000 she learned that the disease had spread to her lungs
and bones and there was nothing more the doctors could do. Faced
with such devastating news, Jane did not give up. She decided to
fight - the life sentence, the disease, and the expectations of living
with cancer. Battling fierce pain to complete three London
marathons, the Great North Run, and a 2,500 mile bicycle journey
'From Rome to Home', she has raised nearly GBP1million for
charity.
The Luxury of Time is Jane's story, told with her husband Mike. It is
the story of a marriage, of two ordinary people made extraordinary
by the courage with which they face their greatest challenge. They
tell, in alternating chapters, what life has been like since 1990 when
Jane was first diagnosed, how they coped separately and together,
how they told their children, how they deal with the physical and
emotional pain. With searing honesty and surprising humour, they
write about their fears, hopes and ambitions for an uncertain
future.
35
Watson, W.
I’m Still Standing: my fight against hereditary breast
cancer
Simon and Schuster, 2011
9780857208460
At the age of 37, Wendy was
the first woman in Britain to
have a pre-emptive double
mastectomy to avoid the
breast cancer that had stalked her family. Now, thirteen years later,
at 24, her daughter Becky has made the same choice. In 1996,
Wendy set up the Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline to offer
support to women 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The following
year she successfully spearheaded a campaign against the
patenting of two genes linked to breast cancer, all the time
challenging the bureaucracy of many Primary Care Trusts in the UK
and the European Parliament. Written by Wendy, this is the
inspiring and courageous story of her family's personal struggle
with the disease and her efforts to help thousands of other women
understand and cope with this aggressive cancer.
Whitehead, L.
Juggling manure: living with cancer
Troubador Publishing, 2007
978-1-905886-49-4
A young woman at her peak - two young children, a loving husband
and a demanding career - is suddenly diagnosed with breast
cancer. Through the good times and the bad, this journal tells it all
from the viewpoint of a fighter. Cutting through the debris of a life,
it deals with some hard issues in an uncompromising way, with
honesty and integrity.
36
Cervical Cancer
Goody, J.
Forever in my heart: the story of my battle against
cancer
HarperCollins, 2009
978-0-00-723718-0
Jade's heart-breaking diary of her fight against terminal cancer and
her final precious months with her beloved family. In August 2008
Jade Goody received the shattering news that she had cervical
cancer. She was only 27 years old. But with her usual strength of
character, Jade was determined to beat the disease and carry on
with life as normal with her two little boys Bobby and Freddy.
Neither the chemotherapy, which left her weak and bald, or the
hysterectomy that crushed her dreams of having a little girl, could
break Jade's sunny personality or her fierce refusal to be a victim.
But in February 2009, Jade received the tragic news that any
mother dreads to hear: she was going to be torn from her beloved
sons. The cancer had spread and was untreatable.
“Forever in my Heart” is Jade's final 'love letter' to her two little
boys. Covering her initial diagnosis while appearing on Celebrity Big
Brother in India, their emotional last Christmas as a family, her
magical wedding to her partner Jack Tweed and her dying wish to
be christened with her boys, Jade's heart-breaking diary of her final
months is set against a backdrop of flashbacks to her difficult early
years, her rise to fame in the Big Brother house and those moments
of joy and laughter as the nation's darling.
It is the powerful story of a young mother's brave fight against a
terminal disease, her unique humour, her determination to provide
for her sons and her fierce desire to leave a legacy which might
prevent other young women being torn from their families in the
prime of life. A percentage of profits from the book will be donated
to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
37
Leukaemia/Lymphoma
Downham, J.
Before I die
Black Swan, 2007
978-0-552-77462-8
Tessa has just a few months to live. Fighting back against hospital
visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa
compiles a list. It's her “Ten Things To Do Before I Die” list. And
Number One is sex. Released from the constraints of 'normal' life,
Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her
failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa's feelings, her relationships
with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend,
her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallized in the precious
weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out. "Before I Die" is a
brilliantly-crafted novel, heartbreaking yet astonishingly lifeaffirming.
Hallock, D.
Six months to live: learning from a young man with
cancer
Plough Publishing, 2001
978-0-87486-903-3
A stirring account of a 22-year-old's struggle against the ravages of
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It explores the harsh reality of having to
face one's own mortality - and with it the twin demons of
uncertainty and fear. "Six Months to Live" is about facing death,
rather than trying to ease our way around it with the least pain.
Matt and his wife, parents, and doctor grappled with the anguish of
his impending death, but they never really came to terms with it.
Rather, they met it head on, and let it transform them.
38
Kay, J.
Staring at ceilings: a young man’s war against
cancer
Troubadour, 2007
978-1-904744-89-4
Imagine a quiet Sunday afternoon sitting on the sofa watching your
favourite soap. The only interruption is a phone call, a phone call
destined to change your life. Jonathan (aged 20) has back ache,
can you collect him from university? Drive him home? He needs to
see a doctor. Forty-eight hours later, Jonathan is told that he has
leukaemia (cancer of the blood) - over 90% of the cells are
cancerous. The outlook is not good - treatment must begin
immediately. The turbulent rise on the roller coaster of emotions
begins.
McLean, G.
Facing death: conversations with cancer patients
Churchill Livingstone, 1993
0443046670
Explores the lived experience of illness through actual patient
accounts. Eight patients tell their own stories of their experiences
as sufferers from acute leukaemia, but the accounts offer insight
into all other forms of disease.
39
Maddox, B.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: a woman’s journey through
surviving with cancer
iUniverse, 2010
978-1450218689
Barbara Maddox was living a fairly normal and happy
existence. Newly married, she was reaching the pinnacle
of success as a regional sales manager at a large corporation and
enjoying a fun social life with family and friends. And then her body
started to betray her with what she thought were work-related,
stress-induced health problems. After several months of worsening
symptoms and a frustrating search for answers, she found herself
in the emergency room one Sunday afternoon, completely
exhausted and missing half of her blood. Within two hours of
testing and prodding, she learned her fate: Cancer had spread
throughout her lymph nodes.
“Mashed Potatoes and Gravy” is Barb's brave and poignant
accounting of how she managed through months of aggressive
chemotherapy, three hospital stays, two serious blood infections,
and acute mental depression. Along the way she discovers the
importance of love, family, and friends as her spiritual world
expands and she asks some deep, penetrating questions about life
and our very existence. Written with raw emotion, and sprinkled
with a good dose of humor, her story will leave readers inspired as
they cheer her on through the unpredictable twists and turns on
her journey toward conquering stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma
40
Neck Cancer
Diamond, J.
C: because cowards get cancer too.
Vermilion, 1999
9780091816650
Shortly before his 44th birthday, John Diamond received a
call from the doctor who had removed a lump from his
neck. Having been assured for the previous 2 years that this
was a benign cyst, Diamond was told that it was cancerous.
This is the story of Diamond's life with, and without, a lump.
41
Ovarian Cancer
Carter, K. and Elit, L.
Bearing witness: living with ovarian cancer
Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2009
978-1-55458-055-2
This is collection of stories from women diagnosed with reoccurring
ovarian cancer who have chosen, in the midst of their difficult
journey toward death, to find beauty in life.
Graser, A.
Letters along my journey
AuthorHouse, 2010
978144909501
What is your first thought
cancer? It's probably not a
some of us for good,
changed me. I became
empowered. From being a
when you hear the word
good one. Cancer changes us,
others for bad. Ovarian cancer
stronger, determined and
listener I became a writer.
This book is about my journey through chemotherapy. As I told my
story to family and friends, I discovered that besides being
concerned, they were starving for information. This topic and what
a person is experiencing along the way was new to most of them.
It changed the direction of my life and helped others to look at
cancer from a new perspective. You'll laugh with me, maybe you'll
cry, but hopefully you'll be come a wiser person
42
Tilberis, L.
No time to die
Orion, 2001
978-0-7528-4347-6
In 1993 Liz Tilberis had it all. Having risen to the editorship of
British Vogue, she had been hired as editor-in-chief of Harper's
Bazaar, the Bible of US fashion. Moving to America with her
husband and two small children she presided over the dazzling
relaunch of the magazine, instantly becoming one of the most
prominent figures in international media and fashion circles. Then,
all at once, the rug was pulled out from under her feet. On the eve
of her Christmas party, where the guests included the great and the
good from Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, to
Randolph Hearst and Barbara Walters, Tilberis was diagnosed with
third-stage ovarian cancer. This is her extraordinary account of her
career in high fashion and her remarkable battle with cancer, told
with immense charm, honesty and wit.
43
Prostate Cancer
I Can't believe I'm telling you this (56 minute
documentary)
This is the story of three men and their families who turned to
anonymous strangers on the internet to discuss life, death, sex and
Viagra.
“I Can't believe I'm telling you this”, which charts a year in the life
of three men from very different backgrounds who are desperately
trying to come to terms with prostate cancer. Together they try to
come to terms with the disease, as they potentially face the end of
their sex lives, a loss of dignity or even the loss of their lives.
Trailer available to watch on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGC6MhJxBxw
Full version available to watch (payable) at
http://vod.journeyman.tv/s/I+Can%27t+Believe+I%27m+Telling+
You+This
Johnson, C.
My Prostate Cancer Adventure and the Lessons
Learned
iuniverse.com, 2011
9781450282062
An estimated 1 out of every 6 men will have to come to grips with
prostate cancer, and while there is abundant clinical information
about prostate cancer available, we don‟t hear much from the men
who have actually been through prostatectomy surgery or what
they‟ve experienced during recovery. “My Prostate Cancer
Adventure and the Lessons Learned”, take the reader through my
experiences from the time I first learned of my cancer, my thoughts
of how to deal with it, and what I experienced during my recovery.
I tell my story on a personal level. I‟m direct and to the point.
44
So if you‟re looking for a politically correct discussion of the topic
put this book back on the shelf and look elsewhere. I talk „man to
man‟ about a man‟s problem. My goal in writing this book is to let
guys know what they can expect if they choose to undergo
prostatectomy surgery. There‟s not a lot of drama in this book. You
may have to forgive my French because I tell my story without a lot
of embellishment – mostly.
Korda, M.
Man to man: surviving prostate cancer
Little Brown, 1998
978-0-7515-2292-1
Prostate cancer is the male equivalent of breast cancer - the
number of victims is almost identical - though it receives
considerably less attention. This painfully honest book is an attempt
to break through the barrier of silence and isolation to write about
prostate cancer - surviving it successfully - with a frankness found
lacking in every other book on the subject. It is one man's story
and every case of cancer is as individual as the person whose life it
threatens; yet everybody who has had it shares certain fears,
experiences and doubts. It is a kind of all-male club and
membership is not dependant on race, creed or sexual preference.
Michael Korda joined the club, unexpectedly, at 2:30 in the
afternoon of Thursday 20 October, 1994. This is his story.
Prostate Cancer Charity
Men talk (CD)
An audio production in which seven men talk about their experience
of prostate cancer and its treatment.
Available as a CD or downloadable from The Prostate Cancer
Charity on 020 8222 7622 or visit the website: www.prostatecancer.org.uk
45
Ripley, A.
Ripley’s World: the enthralling story of the British Lion’s
most crucial victory
Mainstream Publishing, 2008
9781845964221
Winner of the National Sporting Club's prestigious British Rugby
Book of the Year Award for 2008, “Ripley's World”
transforms and redefines the genre of the sports
autobiography. In a moving and intimate memoir, Andy
Ripley, England rugby icon and victorious British Lion,
television Superstar and world rowing champion, reflects
on a life of sporting achievement and confronts his most powerful
and dangerous challenge yet - his diagnosis with prostate cancer.
Told with typical candour and courage, it is an absorbing and
inspirational story.
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Skin Cancer
Monaghan, B. and Monaghan, G.
The Power of two: surviving serious illness with an attitude
and an advocate
Workman Publishing, 2009
978-0-7611-5259-0
Brian Monaghan, a fifty-nine-year-old lawyer at the top of
his game, got the news that all of us dread - Stage IV
melanoma had metastasized to his brain; he was given
three to six months to live. That night Brian and his wife
Gerri made a pact: 'We are going to love and laugh and fight this.
And we are going to win.' That was ten years ago. Between Brian's
courage and attitude, and Gerri's determination to stand up for him
- tirelessly researching options, reaching out to friends, family, and
anyone who could help, resisting the status quo, and always
thinking in terms of 'we' - they did win.
This book is the story of that journey, told back and forth between
them. Utterly riveting, inspiring, and uplifting, it is a road map for
everyone facing a tough medical challenge, and for the people who
love them. Along the way, Gerri lists her top 50 tips for how to be
an advocate: No.1 - Trust your intuition; No.6 - Create a battle
plan; No.15 - Get copies of records; No.26 - Make doctors speak in
a language that you understand; and, No.49 - This is not a dress
rehearsal.
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Zorza, R. and Zorza, V.
A Way to die: living to the end
Deutsch, 1980
0233973559
The Zorzas, a trans-atlantic family, wrote this account at a time
when hospice was a new idea in Britain and still had not blossomed
in the U.S. The account is both a memoir to their daughter, Jane,
who died of melanoma at 25, and a tribute to the (un-named) inpatient hospice facility in England that made her final months
bearable.
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Stomach/Pancreatic Cancer
Aldiss, B.
When the feast is finished
Little Brown, 2000
978-0-7515-2995-1
The writer Brian Aldiss provides an account of his wife's fatal illness
and her death from pancreatic cancer in November 1997. The book
describes how they first found out about the cancer, which was
initially masked by a heart complaint. Margaret's illness is rapid: she
goes from occasionally tired, to bedridden, in a matter of months.
Aldiss records the kindness of friends, and the support he receives
from colleagues, doctors and the Macmillan nurses who care for
Margaret. He speaks about the minutiae of existence: making his
wife's progressively tiny breakfast, buying a new car, visiting an old
home. He portrays his wife as stoical, uncomplaining and brave,
and shows how the tragedy affects his four children. While looking
through some of Margaret's old diaries, he comes across some
unflattering comments about himself, along with some very loving
words. The experience is humbling. He and his wife visit a hospice
for the terminally ill and Margaret eventually asks to be taken there.
Shigihara, M.
Living Lessons: my journey of faith, love and
cutting-edge cancer therapy
Active Interest Media, 2010
9781935297338
State-of-the-art cancer treatment means looking beyond the status
quo and this personal memoir tells the story of a man who is
beating the odds against pancreatic cancer - one of the most
deadly cancers.
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Demonstrating that most fighters of the disease and their loved
ones have no idea how to navigate outside the realm of
conventional therapeutic measures, this narrative interweaves
information on progressive, integrative remedies such as
metronomic chemotherapy, naturopathic oncology, acupuncture,
and more. Practical yet heartfelt, this is an inspiring autobiography
filled with crucial messages learned through a remarkably
challenging ordeal.
Swayze, P.
The Time of my life
Pocket Books, 2010
9781847398451
In September 2009 movie star Patrick Swayze lost his long and
bravely fought battle against pancreatic cancer. His was a life richly
led and this memoir,
completed just weeks before his
death, is a testament to
the strength and passion of this
remarkable man. It was
January 2008 when Patrick
Swayze was given the
worst news of his life. What he
hoped was just a
stomach ache was actually
stage four pancreatic
cancer. This book isn't just the
story of Patrick's fight against cancer, it's the story of a remarkable
life and career. Bold, honest and inspiring, Patrick Swayze's memoir
is the story of a remarkable man's life and career and of his refusal
to give up without a fight.
50
Testicular Cancer
Armstrong, L.
It’s not about the bike: my journey back to life
Vintage, 2000
978-0-224-06086-8
Lance Armstrong won the 1999 Tour de France in spectacular style,
taking four stages and both a mountain and a time trial. His story is
even more remarkable because he was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular
cancer in October 1996.
Armstrong. L.
Every second counts
Vintage, 2004
978-0-224-06473-6
In 1999, Lance Armstrong made world headlines with the most stunning
comeback in the history of sport, winning the Tour de France in the
fastest ever time after battling against life-threatening testicular cancer
just eighteen months previously. His first book, “It's Not About the
Bike”, charted his journey back to life and went on to become an
international bestseller, and won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year
2000. Now, in his much-anticipated follow-up, Armstrong shares more
details of his extraordinary life story, including a remarkable four more
Tour de France wins, an Olympic medal, and the births of his twin
daughters Grace and Isabel. Never shy of controversy, Armstrong
offers, with typical frankness, his thoughts on training, competing,
winning and failure. He also tells of the work he does for the foundation
he created following his dramatic recovery, addresses the daunting
challenge of living in the aftermath of cancer and treatment, and shares
further inspirational tales of survival.
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Couchman, D.
One lump or two?: a humorous story of one man's
fight against testicular cancer
Four O‟Clock Press, 2008
978-1-906146-72-6
Hartson, J.
Please Don’t Go: Big John’s journey back to
life
Mainstream Digital, 2011
9781845967093
In July 2009, former Arsenal, Celtic, West Ham and
Wales soccer star John Hartson was diagnosed with testicular
cancer, which had also spread to his lungs and brain. But before his
treatment even began, John came to the brink of death after
contracting pneumonia, ceasing to breathe and undergoing
emergency brain surgery. Against all the odds, he pulled through,
and in "Please Don't Go" he documents his incredible fight for life.
John's truly inspirational account of how he has managed to
overcome a very aggressive form of cancer will offer hope and
courage to others affected by the disease. Including the poignant
recollections of his wife Sarah and sister Victoria, it is a touching
and ultimately uplifting insight into the bravery of the popular
football hero, who has fought back to full health in the face of
adversity.
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