The Ultimate Challenge: Surviving Cancer

By Jerry Padavano

Of all the words in the English language, probably no other conjures more fear and dread than "cancer." Jerry Padavano knows this well. He was happily married with two growing boys and a thriving career when he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 1990. In this candid and uplifting memoir, Padavano shares the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned while triumphing over cancer., P> By striking the disease at its weakness- exploiting its inability to cripple love, corrode faith, shatter hope, silence courage, invade the soul, or shut out happy memories-he defeated it. With the comfort and support of family and friends, Padavano worked his way past the numbness, shock, and anger of his diagnosis, through the rigors of therapies, and on to wellness and joy.

A victor and survivor, Padavano delivers useful information about coping with the everyday realities of colorectal cancer and its treatment and recovery, including stages, possible therapies and surgery, and products and tips for managing a colostomy.

Most importantly, he offers survivors and their caregivers the keys to persevere through the worst of what life has to offer and emerge a better person with a profound appreciation for life and all its gifts.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595470661
• ISBN13: 9780595470662
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Triumph over adversity!

This is a very inspirational book. The challenges that Jerry faced and ultimately triumphed really put life in perspective for me. As I was reading the book, I was struck that this is the perfect book for a person recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Within one week of finishing the book, a close family friend's brother was diagnosed with colon cancer. I passed along the book and my friend and his brother have remarked several times on what a great comfort the book has been!

Thank you for taking us on your journey...

Jerry shares his journey of pain, fear and survival with the reader. Jerry bares his soul and most importantly inspires one's spirit. This book makes a wonderful gift to one battling cancer or anyone supporting a loved one through a battle with cancer. This book is a lovely reminder that life is fragile and we should live and enjoy life to the fullest. Jerry's poem, "The Difficult Road" is a lovely work which eloquently captures the heart of "The Ultimate Challenge."

Heart Warming

Comfortable reading - an outpouring of sincerity, love, positive thinking, strength and more. Jerry's story is a most wonderful way to touch many lives and to make a difference. It makes me wish that my sister had shared how she smiled through a long year with pancreatic cancer.

Inspirational reading

Wonderful book and quick read. Provides moving insight into a courageous cancer survivor and his incredible family. This is truly inspirational.