Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer

By Heather Jose

Letters to Sydney is a poignant journey of a young mother as she is diagnosed with cancer. Facing the reality of death, the author begins to write to her young daughter who is too young to conceive of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1418446645
• ISBN13: 9781418446642
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.3" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Stage 4 Cancer is Not Death Sentence

The author's surprise diagnosis of Stage 4 Cancer was what originally drew me to Letters to Sydney: Everyday I am Killing Cancer. I expected advice but what I found was inspiration. I purchased the book intending to give it as a gift to a family member who was also suddenly diagnosed (meaning no warning signs, recent mastectomy, etc. and then WHAM instant stage 4 diagnosis). I was seeking ideas for the challenging road ahead both for those fighting cancer and their family and friends. Jose's book moved me so much it took me two months to finally give it away as originally intended. She first describes the horror at the diagnosis, then anger and devastation she felt with her baby daughter; facing the idea of never seeing her little girl grow up. That sad and tragic beginning led to hope and a will to live. From fights with doctors and treatment facilities (she wanted a healthy approach, they didn't always agree) and her regular letters written to her daughter so she'd grow up knowing her mother loved and wanted her, and more than anything wanted to be there for her. I didn't read this book quickly but savored it, reading and re-reading certain passages over and over, lingering with it. Letters to Sydney made me cry in places, and smile in others. My genuine smiling while reading a passage is why I fell in love with this book and didn't want to let it go. (Yes, I could buy another copy). All cancer patients must choose how to manage their illness and this book is an honest portrayal of one woman's struggle and triumph. I highly recommend it to anyone whether cancer patient or not. After reading Letters to Sydney I feel like I know Jose and so will you.

Lots of hope and encouragement

This book offers a lot of hope and insight for cancer patients and their families. Heather is a Stage IV patient who is cancer-free five years after her diagnosis. If you are interested in participating in your treatment and recovery, this is the book for you.

A Resource for Hope in a Dark Time

The book jacket warns you to keep your tissues handy, but this is much more than a teary rendition of a personal struggle with cancer. Heather Jose challenges the reader to question everything from your initial diagnosis to your involvement in treatment to your personal strength and faith. Her letters to her daughter of less than one year are the vehicle that shape a much more detailed recipe for any cancer patient. Read this if you don't know what to do ... give this book to anyone you know facing cancer. It is a source of hope AND a guide to what to do.