Humor After the Tumor: One Woman's Look at Her Year with Breast Cancer

By Patty Gelman

Book Overview

Breast cancer survivor Patty Gelman recounts her journey through "Cancer World" in a series of anecdotes, chronicling her year-long struggle with the disease in an upbeat, colloquial, and often candidly funny way. Typical of her unyieldingly positive attitude is the way that Gelman breaks the news to her mother, also a cancer survivor: "'Well, it's my turn now '" Instead of keeping a journal during her treatment, Gelman preferred to share her experiences online, a choice she found surprisingly therapeutic. What started as periodic e-mails to family and friends soon developed into a book many cancer patients are turning to for hope. E-mails also served as an outlet and a built-in support group when her mother contracted lung cancer and passed on within the year. Gelman's story becomes larger than her disease, exploring the task of coping with the unexpected, and the value of family.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591022185
• ISBN13: 9781591022183
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Sees the humor in Marriage as well

I read Patty Gelman's book to better understand my mother- in -law's struggle with chemo, I ended up making a friend. You'll finish this book feeling like you just hung up the phone with a treasured girlfriend from college, or from your first job in the City. You know, the one who could always make you laugh.Patty Gelman leaves you feeling hopeful; about marriage, about having kids, about middle age, without sugar coating a thing.She's funny, unflinching and funny, and I can't wait till I hear from Patty again.

Laugh Outloud Funny

This book is will make you want to hug Patty Gelman or anyone as funny as she is! It makes one feel great about family, friends, and conquering adversity. Patty Gelman is a beautiul writer who portrayed in this book what it means to not take yourself too seriously - a very important lesson for all of us!

Poignant, Topical, Compelling

This is compulsory reading for anyone who has been touched by breast cancer. It provides a perspective that supports patient, family and friends. It transcends medical application and bridges generations.

Open, Honest, And Humorous

If one finds themself on Cancer Road personally or because of a loved one, they need to read this book. Patty provides a detailed map on how to cope, laugh, and most importantly...be informed. She revealed so much of what she went through...we had no idea!!! Thanks Patty, for helping others.Best Lesson....ASK QUESTIONS!!!!What exactly is this poison going to do to my cancer cells and my body??????

A Beautifully Written, Funny, and Moving Book

I thoroughly enjoyed Patty Gelman's book. She writes with elegance and grace about a very difficult time in her life. Her humor adds a special dimension to her experience with cancer. This is a wonderfully informative book for anyone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer, on the road to recovery, or has gone through the entire treatment process. It is also a helpful book for friends and family members of anyone diagnosed with cancer.