At Face Value: My Struggle With a Disfiguring Cancer

By Terry Healey

Book Overview

I was a senior at the University of California at Berkeley. At the age of twenty, my life had been smooth sailing, seldom interrupted with adversity or difficulty. I was confident and not concerned... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 073886658X
• ISBN13: 9780738866581
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Xlibris Corp
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Definitely a book you want to read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very easy and interesting reading. I can honestly say that it took me for a ride through all the many emotions that Terry experienced. You feel like you really get to know him well through his candid and very honest description of his experience. Whether you're a cancer survivor or know someone who is or who may be going through a similar journey, or whether you simply want to read a very worthwhile book and experience how one person can influence change in others in a positive way.I was surprised at how it educated me and made me aware of how I unwittingly behave sometimes toward someone who may look different from what has become accepted as the "norm." I feel I'm much more sensitive in things I say, things I do, and how I react to situations that bring challenge into my life. This book teaches you about perspective and how to maintain a healthy outlook on life. It teaches you about love and family, adversity and despair, friendship and rebirth. It's wonderful. I loved every page and would highly recommend it. I've the utmost respect for the author. And this world is a better place having people like him in the world to help teach us all about what's important and how human and imperfect we all are and how we can rise above those bumps in road in this journey we call life. And how important it is to influence change by sharing life experiences from which we can all benefit.

Excellent book for the patient and their family!

A friend referred me to Terry's book after we discussed a member of my family who had just undergone the first surgery for the same type of cancer. Terry's book was a godsend since we were having a real struggle getting information from the medical folks involved in the case and were told it was so rare that there were not others we could talk with about their experiences. This book provided us a long term view of the situation, giving hope and realistic expectations along the way. I highly recommend it to anyone undergoing cancer treatment in the facial area. It is inspirational and educational for family members as well as patients. In fact, we've bought multiple copies of the book for members of the family. And I must add after reading the other reviews for the book that anyone in the medical field involved in this type of cancer should read it and recommend it to their patients, particularly when specifically asked to understand the experiences of others. Thanks Terry for taking the time to share your experiences with us!

Great Reading for Nurses and all Health Care Professionsals

As an RN for 26 years after hearing Terry speak at a conference I had to buy his book. I found his book an inspiring and heartwarming in his approach to his illness. As an RN it was a good wake up call in my patient approach. Terry had very wonderful nurses and some not so wonderful. It made me realize that as nurse we make such a difference in patients lives. I highly recommend this book for all health care professionals.

The Strength of the Human Spirit

The story is a compelling view of pain, struggle, hope coupled with setback, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit. As a reader it forces one to look within and ask a few questions about priorities, dealing with adversity, self image, tolerance, and understanding of people. It is difficult to imagine looking into the mirror and not recognizing that person staring back at you. The author looks into the mirror and learns through his ordeal that it is his spirit that overcomes adversity, not any part of his body. Healey learns that his family and friends are his "mirror" into his soul, because they know him for who he really is; a man with the strength of spirit to overcome a life threatening cancer. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who might question his/her strength of will, or who is unsure about his/her priorities in life. It would be very helpful to anyone who is undergoing cancer treatment and is unsure about their ability to overcome the setbacks that may occur. By reading this book, you may be forced to question your own strength of spirit, the tenacity with which you live your life, and the patience and tolerance that you have for others.

A doctor's review of "At Face Value"

Having read "At Face Value" by Terry Healey has made me both a better physician and a better person! This book was highly recommended by a friend because it was not only an interesting story of a young man's struggle with a disfiguring cancer, but a book that would help anyone learn how to deal with adversity and be thankful for some of the more simple things in life. As a doctor, I have had many patients with serious diseases and unfortunately, there is little time spent in medical school and residency on dealing with the psychological consequences to the patient. Many doctors have a tendancy to forget how the disease process affects the patient's psyche. "At Face Value" is an excellent example of how important a positive attitude is for fighting serious illnesses such as cancer. I will be recommending this book to all the medical students and residents that I teach because they will unlikely never forget Terry Healey and his powerful message. Don't think this book is only for patients with cancer. "At Face Value" can teach anyone how to deal with adversity and respect life for what it is. Through his struggles, Terry Healey shows that medicines and surgeries are only part of the total equation in conquering cancer. A strong outlook on a difficult situation, support from family and good friends and the belief in a higher being can all interact to help someone overcome what seemingly is an insurmountable obstacle. Terry Healey uses various stories of his college days and brutal honesty to make a difficult story palatable. He is your typical college student interested in girls and hanging out with friends. He seems almost unfazed with his initial cancer diagnosis, however his detailed accounts of multiple reconstructive surgeries and radiation treatments show he has not only come to accept the fact that he has a disfiguring cancer, but he would do anything to beat it. His accounts of various reactions by strangers are frightening, and show us that we often are too judgemental of others based soley on appearance. His style of laughter and honesty makes Terry Healey someone you can't help but root for. I would highly recommend this book not only to any doctor or patient, but to everyone. The style of writing should keep anyone enthralled. More importantly however, everyone should be able to learn how to better deal with adversity and not take life's simpilest pleasures for granted. Terry Healey shows us what is really important in life.