Our Book tells what it was like for me to accidentally learn that I had Stage 4 Melanoma and, only a few months later, Barb was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.
We tell how the radiation, medication, surgery, chemo and immunotherapy treatments affected us.
As an example:
"During one period when I was having radiation and immunotherapy, I experienced blackouts. If I got up out of a chair rapidly, I was liable to lose my sight and balance. It sounds weird but, I was literally standing on my feet and could see nothing but black. I could hear, I could feel, and I could talk but, I couldn't see. It was weird. It was scary and it was real! Until I regained some vision, I wouldn't move unless I could find something to hold on to so I could guide myself. The first time this happened I was alone. It was like being back in Mark Twain cave. It was pitch black. I forgot where I was in the room. I started to panic but caught myself and told myself that I couldn't panic. That would be the worst that I could let happen. I couldn't take a step for fear of falling over and hitting something. I couldn't find anything to hold on to. I just stood there in gaga land and thought "what the hell do I do?"
What were the effects on our relationship? How did we tell our children and friends that we had cancer? What did cancer treatment cost? Can your pet(s) tell that you are sick?
So many books are written about how the cancer experience has changed people. However, they tend to ignore the intimate details of the treatment process that caused those changes to body, mind, and spirit. From the punishment your body must endure to heal, to the intolerable doubts that can cloud your mind, this book provides a different perspective.
The book is not meant to be entertaining in the sense of comedy. Although it does contain anecdotes and funny experiences, it is meant to educate those who have cancer as well as their families and friends.
The book is a tribute to veterans of the war on cancer, whether they have won or lost their battles. It is also for the friends and family on the sidelines who provide support while appearing to be strong yet are deflated by the odds. It is for everyone to learn that you simply don't want to be one of the millions each year who develop this ugly disease.
This is how we choose to share our journeys. It's our hope that readers will find value in our stories. For those who are just beginning their journey, we wish them the absolute best!
