Cervical cancer

                                                                                                                                                        
R101

Alison. 2001. My story [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from: <http://www.eyesontheprize.org/stories/alison.html>.

Alison (36): adeno-squamous carcinoma of the cervix (stage 1b) in 2000.

Alison has lived and worked, as a doctor, in New Zealand for ten years.  She remembers her embarrassment being checked by a colleague and the stress while treating her patients on the day she was diagnosed with cancer.  She reports, after receiving treatments in a private hospital, that the private nursing staff seemed inexperienced,  often unaware what surgery she had, weaning her off painkillers too soon, providing no close observation and pressurising her to vacate the bed. Alison brings to attention that cervical cancers are not always preventable (as in the deep-seated adeno-squamous carcinoma). Her experience has increased her understanding of what patients go through, motivated her to revisit her birth place (United Kingdom), sell her practice and spend more time with her children.

Alison was treated by radical hysterectomy with epidural, external and internal radiotherapy (internal rod put inserted for 22 hours), hormone replacement therapy, and chemotherapy: Cisplatin (also known as: Platinol and CDDP) and five weeks bed rest. The cone biopsy caused severe bleeding for which Alison needed sedation, a catheter, further stitches and a vaginal pack (described as very uncomfortable).  Post treatment effects were: shoulder tip pain, weakened bladder, initial constipation, nauseousness, weakness, limited appetite, diarrhoea (towards end of radiotherapy), cystitis, pain in the vulva and low blood count (did not complete chemotherapy). She admits the treatments were awful but reassures others they are over very quickly.

Description: 16 paragraphs/ REPEATED ENTRY see also: Adenosquamous carcinoma.


R102

Cocksey, Jenny. n.d. My fight with cervical cancer [online], Lux Aeterna Publishing Limited, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.lux-aeterna.co.nz/myfightcervicalcancer.htm>.

Jenny (adult): cervical cancer in 2000.

Jenny previously had six misread pap smears. Her story traces her experience of choosing alternative treatments in New Zealand. It brings to the surface cancer related issues that often go unchallenged by the public. Mentioning non-existent New Zealand cervical cancer statistics, the alienation felt from the public health care system after choosing unconventional treatment, her doctor ignoring her continual concerns about her health and lack of answers about her misread smear tests. Jenny prefers to consider the greater scheme of things and be guided by coincidence. She believes her emotions are guiding the cancer and reveals she is not afraid of dying. Jenny values every day she has, questions the traditional ways we trust information. She believes whatever happens will be the best thing for her in the long run. Jenny is writing a fuller account of her experiences, including comprehensive explanatory notes in each chapter. She is hoping this will be completed after September 2006.

Jenny was treated unconventionally by: a doctor (who would work within her treatment choices) and a homotoxicologist (helped with diet and supplements). She was treated using QiGong, homeopathy, neurolink therapy and high dose vitamin C.

Description: 24 paragraphs.


R103

Kate. 2003. Theres always a smile tomorrow [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/2656>.

Judith (27): cervical cancer, Judith died.

Kate, Judith's friend, reflects on Judith returning from the United Kingdom to receive chemotherapy. She remembers Judith preparing her friends for her death following unsuccessful treatments, their parties together and Judith's wish for a party after her death. Kate was limited to text message contact for the two weeks before Judith's death because she was not up to visitors. After Judith's death Kate ends with plans to still celebrate Judith's birthday in the Hawaiian style she wanted.

Treated by chemotherapy.

Description: 5 paragraphs/ unnamed colour photograph of woman dancing.


R104

Matheson, Clare. 1989. Fate cries enough: A survivor of the cervical cancer experiment at National Women's hospital. Auckland:
        Sceptre.

Clare (27): cancer of the cervix in 1985.

Clare was unknowingly involved in Professor Hubert Green's infamous cervical cancer experiment on conservative treatment. Clare reflects on why she did not question visiting Auckland Women's Hospital 44 times in over 15 years. She analyses her own need to bow to authority, women's passive role in society and societies passive role within the medical system. She also states it never occurred to her injustices to women would exist within the medical system. Interweaved with Clare's experiences of the medical system are her meetings with doctors and specialists, her thoughts about her bad marriage, being a mother, moving into independence, furthering her qualifications, beginning a career in education and the death of her mother from cancer that was misdiagnosed as depression. Only after filing a complaint against her doctor in 1986 for negligent care did she begin to find out about the experiment. With the research of Phillida Bunkle and Sandra Coney the experiment was exposed and investigated in the Cervical Cancer Inquiry, judged by Dame Silvia Cartwright. The inquiry resulted in a massive upheaval of the medical system within New Zealand. Clare describes herself as being lucky to have survived as many women involved in the experiment did not.

Description: 238 pages/ 20 cm/ 0340519843.


R105

Selkirk, John. 2000. Witness reads diary to Gisborne cancer inquiry. The Dominion, 11 April, 10.

Name suppressed (adult): cervical cancer in 1995.

This is a transcription of what was said during the cervical screening inquiry by a victim of repetitive slide misreading. Reliving the atrocious events after her diagnosis and the misreading of at least four cervical smear slides by pathologist, Dr Bottrill, in Gisborne. She is the first woman to bring into the public forum information about the misread slides from a previous high court case. In reading her diary she relives the self described barbaric and torturous treatments, admitting they broke her spirit. Suffering exhaustion, her motivation in pursuing this case was to get answers for herself, her family and other people, she needed to be able to put a face to Dr Bottrill, wanted compensation for her family, an apology and Dr Bottrill's work reviewed. In four years she only managed a review of Bottrill's work and to see him. She feels cheated by the time it took and the $100,000 court costs needed to achieve this. Her story enlightens on the tenacity of one individual bearing the burden of misread slides on her own shoulders for five years. She declares the injustice that it be the responsibility of one person to seek accountability because of the multiple errors of Dr Bottrill.

Treated by six weeks external beam radiotherapy, 72 hours of internal beam caesium (isolated in a lead lined room with a radioactive rod inserted in her vagina, rods were immobilised using rubber tubing and she had an indwelling catheter), hormone replacement therapy and surgery (hysterectomy and 36 lymph nodes). Post treatment she experienced partial paralysis of left leg and temporary total paralysis of her bladder (requiring a supra pubic catheter and to drain bladder every two hours), she needed to learn to walk again, infertility, constant pain, bladder infections, radiation induced vomiting and diarrhoea.


R106

Taiaroa-Briggs, Meikura (Ngati Hauiti, Te Ati-Haunui-a-Paparangi, Kai Tahu). 2003. Meikura's story: A tale of courage with a fairytale
        ending. Te Karaka: The Ngai Tahu Magazine, 22, 17 - 18.

Meikura (60): advanced cancer of the cervix in 1987.

At 75 years Meikura is thankful to still be alive to enjoy her mokupuna (children) and be a part of their lives. Reflecting honestly about her symptoms and deferring going to the doctor Meikura now participates in increasing awareness for Maori about cervical cancer.

Meikura was treated by radiation for six weeks and then three days in isolation where she remained immobile with a caesium implant inserted in her cervix (a steel rod pack with radiation).


R107

White, Jean M. 1999. A really great sandwich. Next, December, 88 - 93.

Jean (adult): cervical cancer.

Jean uses a conversational style narration combined with wry humour to describe her experiences following the diagnosis. The reader gains insight into Jean's frustrations of needing to wait many weeks for testing procedures and surgery. Believing she will die Jean felt everything too mundane, tried to remain active and incorporated visualisation techniques. An innocent question from her daughter for a sandwich becomes significant to Jean. She converted this normally routine task to a quest to perfect a really great sandwich -something she could be remembered for. She was given an all clear after surgery.

Treated by having a colposcopy Lletz operation (large loop excision of the transformation zone).



Chondrosarcoma


R108

Hampton, Jeff. 1998. Back from hell. Press, 28 April, 11.

Jeff (38): chondrosarcoma near his tailbone.

Misdiagnosed twice as a slipped disc in Fiji, only after returning to New Zealand on holiday with his family did a Cat scan show a tumour in his lower back. When radiation had no affect on the tumour he resigned from his job in Fiji and moved his family back to New Zealand. Jeff initially feared not seeing his family grow up and was bitter at being ill, so young. It helped him to cope by imagining his good life in Fiji. He is thankful to the skill of the surgeons which means he is still able to walk. Now regaining health and energy he chooses to enjoy each day and is not worried about the future.

Treated by pre operative radiation (six weeks) and chemotherapy (three days on a three weeks cycle), surgery in the Burwood Spinal Unit (surgeons removed a dead mass killed by radiation and chemotherapy). He had constant blood tests, regular doses of intravenous antibiotics, blood transfusions and a Hickman catheter. He complemented treatments with self hypnosis (to help him focus on positive things). He was tired from radiation, chemotherapy made him sick, hospitalised as neutropenic, put in isolation and also lost his hair.



Chordoma


R109

Prudence. n.d. I had a rare tumour in my brain [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006].
        Available from: <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=306>.

Prudence (24): Chordoma (front of her brain stem).

Prudence was initially prescribed painkillers to treat speech problems and terrible headaches. She was diagnosed following a much later visit to a neurosurgeon. She remembers her initial fear of the graphic and dangerous nine-hour surgery. Needing a second surgery Prudence was faced with a riskier eighteen-hour operation never performed in New Zealand before. Since her treatments Prudence feels CanTeen has helped her to regain the confidence the treatments took from her. She has developed her leadership skills through CanTeen, becoming national president until 2005 and meeting a lot of people as well as her partner.

Treated by nine hours of surgery involving an incomplete removal of the tumour because of haemorrhaging. Prudence suffered confusion and partial paralysis on the right side of her body. Nine months later she had eighteen hours of surgery (never been performed in New Zealand before) involving the surgeon sawing through the roof of her mouth to get the rest of the tumour and inserting a pad of fat from her leg into her brain. The surgery was followed by a high-powered dose of radiation.

Description: 4 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait.



Colon cancer


R110

Austin, Norman. 1995. Norman Austin. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
        Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.

Norman (adult): colon cancer. Norman contributes to this compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Norman explains his altered perception about what is important in life and how cancer changes lives drastically. He mentions the scar, his body shape and his thoughts about dying.

He was treated by surgery; most of his colon was removed except for three inches.

Description: 1 page/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm/ text written on translucent paper.


R111

Curnow, Wystan. 1989. Cancer daybook. Auckland: Van Guard Xpress.

Wystan (adult): colon cancer in 1982.

This is a collection of Wystan Curnow's avant-garde poetry, found articles, diary accounts, and excerpts from books. Each poem identifies a time, an event or a thought associated to cancer or things happening around him while being treated for cancer in hospital. Wystan Curnow is one of the most significant avant-garde poets in New Zealand. He is a Professor at Auckland University.

Wystan was treated by surgery and chemotherapy.

Description: 65 pages/ ill/ 18 cm/ 0908836007.



Dermatofibrosarcoma


R112

Fennessy, Jenni. 1995. Jenni Fennessy. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
        Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.

Jenni (adult): Dermatofibrosarcoma in 1984.

After discovering the cancerous birth mark on her neck was changing shape she had it surgically removed. Jenni contributes to a compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Jenni addresses the social affects of scarring and how lucky she has been to survive cancer.

Description: 1 page/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.



Ewing's sarcoma


R113

Mulu, Mere. 2005. My garden saved my life. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 17 January, 34.

Ruth (adult): Ewing's sarcoma and long-term survivor.

After her diagnosis she moved to a cottage in Napier on her parents farm where she learned to enjoy a slower pace of life. She credits beginning a garden and growing plants that people had given her while in hospital as helping with her recovery. Ruth felt the colours and aromas were healing her, making her more positive towards the future. Eight years on she is now clear from cancer, believing her garden was her saving grace.

Treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.


R114

Rachel. 2006. My treatment went extremely well [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=49>.

Rachel (19): Ewing's sarcoma and later an unrelated melanoma.

Rachel credits her families' relaxed and unemotional support to her diagnosis and treatments as helping her to cope. Rachel also credits playing sport, having a Christian faith, having nutritious food and being a CanTeen member as helping her to cope. She remembers a friend dying from Ewing's sarcoma, being prematurely told she needed a leg and hip amputation and nearly dying from a porta-cath infection. Rachel credits living overseas where no one knew her history of cancer as helping her to recover. Although stating checkups were good for psychological recovery she felt dissatisfied with the lack of answers concerning late effects. She mentions the positive and negative aspects of being a CanTeen member and views cancer as an educational opportunity, being open to talk about her experiences.

Treated by chemotherapy, radiation and had severe infection from the porta-cath after a few months of disuse.

Description: 12 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait/ REPEATED ENTRY see also melanoma.


R115

Rich. n.d. Open letter to all CanTeeners [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available
        from: <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=724>.

Rich (23): Ewing's sarcoma and prognosis terminal.

In a letter format, the Nelsonian provides insight into how he is feeling since the prognosis he is unlikely to be cured. While being open about dying he chooses an attitude of soldiering on, to live life to the fullest despite cancer. Although acknowledging tearful days and finding nights the most difficult he lives for the times he can be around friends, having a good time. He provides context to his association to CanTeen and has huge gratitude for all the support and courage they have given him.

Treated periodically by radiation for up to a year to slow down the growth of cancer.

Description: 8 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait.



Hodgkin's disease


R116

Mitchell, Helen. 1993. Interrupted innings: Winning against cancer. Christchurch: Caxton Press.

Hamish (young adult): Hodgkin's disease in 1985 and remission.

Helen retells her son's story from his childhood to remission. She witnesses her sons condition deteriorate as a child, the misdiagnosis of a lump as an orf, his difficulty working because of tiredness, severe reactions to treatments and times when he wanted to die or thought he would die. She remembers her son as a person without cancer, causing her anxiety with his mischievous ways, describing the many childhood near misses and his love of cricket. Helen reports what it was like for Hamish in hospital experiencing a lack of basic nursing care and uninspired hospital meals. Hamish became very aware of what was administered to him in hospital, to avoid mistakes, and guard himself from feeling worse. Having survived the tumultuous treatment programme and severe reactions Hamish was in remission. His goals at the end of the book are to try and live a normal life. As a single parent Helen remained employed at Rangi Ruru during this time to keep balance in her life. She is grateful to the support from the church, family and friends.

Hamish was treated in Christchurch by lumbar puncture, chemotherapy, radiation, hypnosis, plasmapheresis machine, shunt, prednisone (also called: Sterapred), pethidine (also called: Isonipecaine and Meperidine) , aspirin, autologous bone marrow transplant, Hickman catheter inserted in his chest under shoulder, mouth care regime, isolation and a wisdom tooth extraction. He experienced a brutal attempt to remove the shunt after skin had grown over it, vomited for 17 hours after chemotherapy, had very painful lumbar punctures twice a week for 13 weeks, lost hair, suffered depression, hyperventilation, sore throat from radiation, difficulty eating because of sore mouth, collapsed veins, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purura, heart failure due to receiving blood to fast and shingles. He has long-term pain in his back and leg, he tires easily and needs to wear bifocals.

Description: 115 pages/ black and white photographs/ 21 cm/ 0908563531.


R117

Swan, Rebecca. 2004. Rebecca Swan [online], [cited 10 June2006]. Available from: <http://www.rebeccaswan.com/g_tbc.php>.

Rebecca (23) was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in 1992.

This is her professional website as a photographer. It includes the black and white photographs published in the book "The big C". This book accompanied her exhibitions throughout Scotland (1994), England (1995) and in Auckland (1996). To scroll through the photographs use the arrows provided. Click on the image to enlarge it. The photographs illustrate what Rebecca was feeling while receiving treatments. They include: self portraits, having a CAT scan, wearing hospital property tie up underpants, with no hair and with her family in a hospital room.

Description: 13 black and white photographs.

R118

Swan, Rebecca. 1996. The big c: My experience with cancer. Auckland: Hodder Moa Beckett.

Rebecca (23): Hodgkin's disease in 1992.

This book accompanies a photographic exhibition "The big c" which was shown in Scotland (1994), England (1995) and Auckland (1996) . It contains extracts from Rebecca's diary while receiving treatments and photographic images including: self portraits, having a CAT scan, wearing hospital property tie up underpants, with no hair and with her family in a hospital room. Rebecca recounts how her life became defined by illness; she lists her hates about cancer, examines an increased consciousness of her body and contemplates her future.

She was treated by three months chemotherapy, one-month radiation and incorporated visualisations, yoga and diet changes.

Description: 47 pages/ exhibition black and white photographs/ 18 x 27 cm/ 1869583000.



Hodgkin's lymphoma

R119

Farr, Dawn. 1997. My cancer, my journey. Mt Maunganui: Ramose Enterprise.

Dawn (adult): Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1991 and remission.

In poetic style, Dawn, a solo mum reflects on being diagnosed so soon after her mother had died from cancer, the misdiagnosis of her symptoms, seeking knowledge, coping with confusion, the dehumanising aspects of hospital care, the reaction of her father and son's to her diagnosis and while in remission her plans for the future. She acknowledges those who were important during her care, how cancer changed how she sees herself and the world around her and encourages others to help one person who in turn will help someone else.

Treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and complemented with visualisations and natural therapies. Dawn lost her hair and gained weight.

Description: 40 pages/ ill/ 15 cm/ 0473047888.


R120

Gray, Maryvonne. 2005. The doctor said I had asthma - but it was cancer. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 29 August, 38.

Eva (25): Hodgkin's lymphoma and a tumour between her heart and lung.

Eva explains why Daffodil day is important to her. Initially misdiagnosed and only diagnosed by X-ray after developing an itchy rash, losing weight, pain in chest and experiencing loss of breath. Throughout treatments she attended most of her Christchurch fashion design classes. Eva appreciated the support of her partner's aunt from the Cancer Society who on completion of each chemotherapy cycle would bring her a Christmas decoration. Each Christmas Maryanne is reminded of another year surviving cancer.

She was treated by fluid being removed from tumour and chemotherapy.


R121

McEwan, Shirley. 1997. Cancer a teacher. Blenheim: Shirley R. McEwan.

Hannah (23): Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1989 and terminal brain tumour in 1990. Hannah eventually died.

Hannah's mother, Shirley, narrates the events surrounding Hannah's diagnosis and ultimate death. The story illustrates a complex mother daughter relationship involving unconditional mother support and a daughters desire for independence. Shirley describes Heather as pushing herself throughout her treatments by travelling, entertaining friends, working, flatting in Christchurch and making plans for her future. Shirley depicts Heather as having difficulties in coming to terms with the radical changes cancer had made to her life. Her grief was added to by a lack of communication between hospitals, being told Hodgkin's lymphoma was the best type of cancer and feeling like a beggar on the sickness benefit. She expands on the extra burden from the isolation of living in Marlborough, the necessary travel to Christchurch for treatments and her severe reactions to treatments. Heather sought solace in friends, keeping busy, attending a Kubler Ross seminar, temporary work, attending a CanTeen camp and a four month trip to Asia with friends. Hannah died gently in hospital with her family present. Shirley remembers the family ceremony to scatter Hannah's ashes.

Hannah was treated by chemotherapy (Vinblastine, Chlorambucil, Procarbazine), Prednisone (also called: Sterapred), total body dual photon absorptiometer (DPA), radiation, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, Hickman central venous catheter, Erythromycin (also called: Ery-Tab, ERYC, PCE Dispertab and Erythromycin Base Filmtab) and Pethidine (also called: Isonipecaine and Meperidine) . She experienced stomach and back pain, loss of hair, shingles, respiratory infection, pleurosis, anaemia and a severe reaction to blood containing Yersinia Enterocolitis causing: acute respiratory distress, hypoxic brain damage and loss of memory.

Description: 92 pages/ ill /22 cm / 0473050064.



Leiomyosarcoma


R122

Fleming, Donna. 2006. I'm risking my life to be a mum. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 6 March, 28 - 29.

Maryse (24): leiomyosarcoma.

Initially misdiagnosed. Surgeons found three cancerous tumours while removing a fibroid. Maryse's mother was faced with the immediate decision whether they could remove her uterus. She also nearly died from uncontrollable bleeding during surgery. Maryse has decided against further cancer treatment. She wants to avoid radiation induced menopause to have a baby and to keep radiation as a future treatment option if the cancer advances. With a slim chance of being able to have a baby through surrogacy Maryse is trying to remain positive while working full time. She reports, having a lot of energy and is thankful for all the New Zealanders who gave blood to help save her life.


R123

Maxwell, Maggie. 2004. Incurably happy. Next, September, 34 - 37.

Maggie (adult): leiomyosarcoma in 2001 and then later with metastases on her lungs.

Initially told the cancer was inoperable. Maggie explains how she found a surgeon who would perform surgery and has since removed the tumour twice and how she has had five tumours ablated using radio frequency ablation in America. She is an advocate for New Zealand to invest in radio frequency ablation technologies and Position Emission Tomography scanning equipment. She believes these technologies will offer new opportunities for New Zealanders with cancer. Maggie believes these treatments have given her a wonderful opportunity to heal her life. Maggie is a self described workaholic and manager of 12 magazine titles.

Treated by surgery, radio frequency ablation and complementary therapies.



Leukaemia


R124

Gardiner, Angela. 1991. My life with cancer. Dunedin: Otago and Southland Division of the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Angela (adult): chronic myelocytic leukaemia (also called: chronic myeloid leukaemia, chronic granulocytic leukaemia and chronic myelogenous leukaemia) in 1985 and very close to death.

Previously misdiagnosed with nerve problems. Angela's description of events identifies a woman coming to terms with having cancer and the continual blood tests. She shares experiences which added to her grief including: the influx of visitors who made her feel like she was already dead; the word cancer, choosing to refer to it as a problem; becoming a patient; loss of identity after her career ended; the negative reaction of her specialist over her chance of survival and her husband being diagnosed with emphysema. Angela launched the Dunedin cancer support group, co-ordinated the Cancer Society volunteers and reproached her specialist about his attitude. At 62 years with limited ability, enlarged liver she describes what it was like for her as she felt herself getting closer to death and seeing the tunnel of lights.

Angela was treated with chemotherapy tablets, monthly blood transfusions, cobalt radiotherapy, anti anxiety tablets, porta-cath, splenectomy, sleeping tablets and water. She had dental treatment for sore gums, an allergic reaction to sleeping pills and blood (which needed to be filtered), a distended abdomen with enlarged spleen, a heart murmur and meningitis.

Description: 110 pages/ 21 cm.


R125

Jennie. n.d. Dealing with loss [online], CanTeen:Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=311>.

Sally-Anne (not clear): leukaemia. Sally-Anne eventually died.

Sally-Anne's sister, Jennie (16), describes how CanTeen has helped her to process the grief experienced after the death of her sister. She attended a CanTeen national camp in Nelson, met many people who had similar experiences. She experienced lots of laughs, support and openness from other CanTeeners.

Description: 3 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait.


R126

Keryn. n.d. Inseperable [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=263>.

Scott (5): leukaemia and remission.

Keryn (17 years), Scott's twin brother, narrates his experiences of his brother being diagnosed with cancer. Reflecting on spending their first year of school in the hospital, being invited to attend Camp Quality, experiencing the death of two friends they made in Camp Quality and joining CanTeen. He remembers making and being reunited with friends and attending CanTeen events. He believes CanTeen has helped him and will continue to help him deal with his past grief.

Description: 5 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait of twins.


R127

Lowe, Isabel. 1988. Robbie. Auckland NZ: Shortland.

Robbie (toddler): leukaemia.

Isabel, mother of Robbie, wrote a children's account of what Robbie experienced after being diagnosed with leukaemia. The book includes photos of Robbie in hospital with a radiotherapy tube in his chest, with no hair, the friends he made in hospital, leaving hospital, going out for dinner and with his family. Isabel describes how the medicines changed his body shape, how he made friends in hospital and how brave his family think he is.

Description: 16 pages/ colour photographs/ 22cm/ 0868678562.


R128

Mereana. 2006. Against the odds [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=308>.

Mereana (23): acute myeloid leukaemia and remission.

Mereana reflects on her time after diagnosis and contracting a blood disorder, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) . Experiencing this time as surreal and being close to death, she remembers her mother sitting by her bed in the intensive care unit singing and massaging her. Now in remission she shares her belief that God would not have given her anything she could not handle. With 60% chance the leukaemia will come back, a weaker body, badly affected lungs and being too weak to have a bone marrow transplant. Dying does not concern Mereana. CanTeen has helped Mereana by reducing the isolation, by providing supportive people who understand what she has been through.

Living in Balclutha she travelled to Dunedin hospital for treatments. Treated by chemotherapy she contracted a blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, causing fluid retention in her lungs and her body to swell. She had a tracheotomy to help her breathe and went into a coma.

Description: 1 long paragraph/ colour photographic portrait.


R129

Rachel. 2004. The waiting game. In Pulling together: A book for young people living with cancer, 26. Auckland: Reed.

Sister: leukaemia.

Rachel has written a poem about her sister's experience of leukaemia and her own feelings of powerlessness in being able to affect the outcome and confronting the potential death of her sister. Rachel included this poem in support of the work CanTeen does to support teenagers with cancer. Rachel is thankful for God who kept her sister safe. She reflects on how much they have learnt from the experience.

Her sister was treated by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Description: 48 pages/ colour photographs of CanTeen members/ 19 x 21 cm/ 0790009439.


R130

Scotson, Karen, and Margaret Beames. 1988. Karen: Her fight against leukaemia. Palmerston North: Dunmore Press.

Karen (adult): myeloid chronic leukaemia (also called: granulocytic leukaemia, myeloblastic leukaemia, myelocytic leukaemia, myelogenous leukaemia) in the late 1970's, later cancer of the cervix, acute leukaemia and eventually dying from pneumonia in hospital.

This is a story of Karen, a solo mother, living and supporting her daughter while trying to stay well, beginning again after divorce, receiving endless treatments and tests, experiencing cancer at a time of no support groups, using alcohol as a consolidator, finding a renewed love for running, a new relationship and renewing sexual intimacy. Karen entered her family into the 'fun run' day, used a diary to express her feelings and frustrations and initiated a support group for cancer patients. She elucidates on reaction of other mothers to only having one child and also being asked if she was pregnant while she had a swollen spleen.

Karen was initially treated with Busulphan and then Hydroxyurea (also called Hydrea and Droxia) and Gillopuinal in the accelerated phase of leukaemia, blood transfusions, 23 radiation treatments (cobalt), a Wertheim's hysterectomy and one ovary removed. She reacted to receiving blood too fast.

Description: 120 pages/ black and white photographs/ 21 cm/ 086469086X.


R131

Wingfield, Blair. n.d. Blair's story [online], Leukaemia and Blood Foundation of New Zealand, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/lbf/index.cfm?7AC71286-B3CB-D875-6BBB-0C6BE38C6DC3>.

Blair (39): advanced acute myeloid leukaemia and long term survivor.

At diagnosis Blair was bleeding to death internally and given five percent chance of survival. 22 years later he remembers this near death experience, improving in condition to only deteriorate further. He remembers taking an active role in staying alive by setting small goals, first, to reach his sons birthday and then his own 40th birthday. He believes he was one of the lucky ones and he has not been treated since 1983. Now Blair does not take his life for granted. He writes of his support for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation and is now the chairman of the board of trustees for the foundation.

He was treated in Auckland hospital with an aggressive chemotherapy.

Description: 6 paragraphs.


R132

Young, Joyce N. 1997. Hannah: A teenager's fight with leukaemia. Matamata: Joyce N Young.

Hannah (15): acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1995. Hannah eventually died.

Hannah's mother, Joyce, relives the experience of being with her daughter from diagnosis until her death. Joyce remembers Hannah as a person before cancer, their relocation from Matamata to Hamilton Hospital, the infections, the respites in between treatments, visiting Hamilton Zoo, clothes shopping, buying a wig, a CanTeen trip to Sydney, dying strands of regrown hair bright orange, attacking nurses with syringes of water, decorating the hospital room and meeting other leukaemia patients. After the bone marrow transplant had successfully grafted Hannah could not beat an infection, intubated she went into a deep sleep. After a cardiac arrest Hannah died with her mother and father present. In ICU Joyce reflects on her daughter's battered body and the amount of machinery that was keeping her alive. Joyce and her husband sought solace in biblical verses and at Hannah's death Joyce released her daughter to God.

Hannah was treated by chemotherapy, injected chemotherapy into the spine and brain, antibiotics, radiation, steroids, blood tests everyday, mouth care regime, tablets to prevent: kidney, fungal and chest infections, supplements, blood transfusion twice daily, tablets for potassium, total body radiation (two per day, eight minutes each side), bone marrow transplant, platelet transfusions daily, antiemetics for nausea, Cotrimoxazole (also called: Bactrim, Cofatrim Forte, Cotrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, Apo-Sulfatrim, Bactrim, Coptin, Novo-Trimel, Nu-Cotrimox DS , Roubac , Septra, Cotrimazine, SMZ-TMP) to treat chest infections and intubation.

Her reactions over this time included aching back from previous Scheuermann's disease in her spine; weight gain; insatiable appetite from steroids; mouth breaking down; hair falling out; nausea; depression from excess weight; vomiting; recurring temperatures; pneumonia; shingles; platelet count dropping to zero; eyes filled with blood because of low platelet count; extremely sensitive, sore and swollen feet; laboured breathing; exhaustion, septicaemia and cardiac arrest. She had a Hickmans catheter inserted and antiemetic pump with Cyclizine (also called: Meclizine, Buclizine, Marzine, Bonamine, Bonine, Antivert, Medivert, Meclicot, Marezine and Dramamine) and eventually a morphine pump and was fed intravenously.

Description: 81 pages/ black and white photographs/ 21 cm.



Liver cancer


R133

Tammy. n.d. Going to love me long times [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available
        from: <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=516>.

Glendon (teenager): liver cancer in 1998. Glendon eventually died 2001.

Glendon's sister, Tammy (15 years), reflects on the support CanTeen gave her when she joined soon after Glendon had died. Also Tammy describes her brother's adventures on the Spirit of New Zealand, sailing down to the Marlborough Sounds for ten days and becoming a member of the Voyager's club. She encourages other teenagers to join CanTeen because the members have experienced similar situations and feelings.

Description: 4 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait.



Lung


R134

Breitnauer, Jai, and Abbey Leneham. 2005. I had my dead husband's baby. Woman's Day, 25 April, 34 - 35.

Peter (52): lung cancer and a tumour in his shoulder. Peter died 2002.

Diana (45), his wife, had Peter's baby through In-Vitro-Fertilisation (IVF) after he was deceased. Diana gave birth to Grace in 2004. She recollects meeting Peter, his diagnosis and his decision to bank some sperm for future IVF (because treatments may render him infertile). After his death Diana began IVF treatment and had four failed implants. Prior to beginning her last implant she gave up her job, incorporated acupuncture, homeopathy and blood tests to monitor when she was most likely to conceive. She was successfully implanted and gave birth by caesarean. Diana reflects on the familiarities of her daughter's face to her late husband.


R135

Course, Sharon. 2003. Breast cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence -we're living proof! New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 31
        March, 22 - 25.

Sian (31): breast cancer and unrelated lung cancer.

Sian credits being diagnosed with breast cancer as saving her life from an unrelated lung cancer. Her story stresses that young women can get breast cancer too.

Treated by mastectomy, six sessions of chemotherapy and a reconstruction from the tissue of her stomach. Sian also incorporated complementary treatments, changing her diet to organic foods, supplements, avoiding dairy, alcohol, sugar, beef, pork and caffeine. Sian lost her hair from treatments.

Description: REPEATED ENTRY see also under breast cancer.


R136

Sian. n.d. Sian's story [online], Breast Cancer Network, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/sianstory.htm>.

Sian (31): breast cancer and an unrelated lung cancer in 2001.

Sian, the mother of two children, remembers being a terminal cancer patient, before the doctors knew the tumour in her lung was unrelated cancer and therefore curable. She relates feeling the pointlessness of day to day activities, the overwhelming feelings she would not see her children grow up, being reliant on her husband to perform household chores and to look after the children. Significant is Sian stating she does not smoke, highlighting the 'smoking' stigma lung cancer patients can feel.

Treated by nutritionist before starting conventional treatments. Sian consumed supplements, organic fruit, organic vegetables; and excluded dairy, red meat, sugar and alcohol. Conventionally treated by chemotherapy, mastectomy, half of left lung removed and breast reconstruction (from stomach tissue). The reactions to treatments included: losing her hair, tiredness and vomiting four times after her first chemotherapy. After a few days Sian reported feeling better than she had in years. Sian credits the diet in making her feel incredibly healthy and was delighted at having cleavage again after her reconstruction.

Description: 5 paragraphs/ REPEATED ENTRY see also under breast cancer.



Melanoma


R137
Davies, John. 1999. Sun spots. North and South, December, 126.

John (adult): melanoma in 1981.

John describes the dark raised itchy spot on inside of his thigh which was confirmed melanoma. He reflects on his bad sunburn experiences and illuminates on his melanoma being in places which received little or no sun. He warns others about the effects of the sun.


R138

Fleming, Donna, and Farida Master. 2005. A twisted ankle and a pair of glasses saved our lives. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 19
        December, 22.

Fleur (22): aggressive malignant melanoma.

Originally the doctor was treating Fleur's twisted ankle. The melanoma was diagnosed after Fleur asked to have a mole checked on her leg.

Treated by removal of mole and lymph nodes removed. Left with a 12 cm scar and given clear lymph nodes.

Description: 3 paragraphs.


R139

McCallum, Annabel. 1995. Annabel McCallum. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
        Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.

Annabel (adult): a lung melanoma 1989.

Annabel contributes to a compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Annabel proves her own assumptions wrong that she would die from the cancer and reflects on having a tumour on an important organ and not dying. She describes her physical scar as a battle scar she wears with pride however she also reveals the emotional scars which is the unfairness of cancer.

Description: 1 page/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.


R140

Rachel. 2006. My treatment went extremely well [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=49>.

Rachel (19): Ewing's sarcoma and later an unrelated melanoma.

Rachel credits her families' relaxed and unemotional support to her diagnosis and treatments as helping her to cope. Rachel also credits playing sport, having a Christian faith, having nutritious food and being a CanTeen member as helping her to cope. She remembers a friend dying from Ewing's sarcoma; being prematurely told she needed a leg and hip amputation and nearly dying from a porta-cath infection. Rachel credits living overseas where no one knew her history of cancer as helping her to recover. Although stating checkups were good for psychological recovery she felt dissatisfied with the lack of answers concerning late effects. She mentions the positive and negative aspects of being a CanTeen member and views cancer as an educational opportunity, being open to talk about her experiences.

Treated by chemotherapy, radiation and had severe infection from the porta-cath after a few months of disuse.

Description: 12 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait/ REPEATED ENTRY see also Ewings sarcoma.


R141

Woodfield, Sally. 1995. My Dorien should be alive today. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 13 March, 16 - 17.

Dorien (31): malignant melanoma in 1990, metastatic cancer in her chest and stomach in 1991. Dorien eventually died.

Robert, her husband, remembers the misdiagnosis of his wife's cancer in 1984. A mole on the back of her leg was removed and incorrectly diagnosed as a benign tumour. Robert felt cheated by not understanding the possibility of a misdiagnosis. He felt bitterness when discovering pregnancy lowers the body's immunity and accelerates melanoma, after she had two children. He reflects on how beautiful his wife was but close to death she looked like a skeleton. Dorien died at home. Robert reveals how finding love again helped to overcome the anger from Dorien's death.



Multiple myeloma


R142

Nealon, Sarah. 2005. 500 people are saving my life. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 19 September, 30.

Debbie (39): multiple myeloma.

Debbie, an Aucklander, declares her gratitude to people who donate blood. As a wife and mother of two children, Debbie, reflects on her inability to tell family about the diagnosis and the initial shock because she looked after herself so well. Debbie now receives blood transfusions once a week and has stopped working. Although she is uncertain whether she will be around to see major milestones in her children's lives she believes her children will be stronger people through it.

Debbie has been treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplants, and thalidomide. Her hair has fallen out three times.

Description: 5 paragraphs.


R143

Russell, Rosemary. 1999. Dave's story. Palmerston North: Church Mouse Press.

Dave (adult): multiple myeloma on his spine in 1980 and later metastases in his hip and pelvic area.

This is Rosemary Russell's account of her husband, the man she loved, their self-sufficient life together exploring New Zealand bush and Dave's life before and after he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Rosemary shares how she and Dave coped with the diagnosis, the difficulty of uncertainty and the recurring grief when his symptoms would improve just to deteriorate. At times describing her own coping ability being stretched as far as it would go, she was challenged practically by becoming the main vehicle driver for their bush exertions and administering his pain medication when he was at home. Rosemary elucidates on the lack of understanding the medical profession had of Dave's pain threshold which resulted in the initial diagnosis of fibrositis a decade earlier. She shares that by the time Dave was diagnosed with cancer several vertebrae were almost eaten away and he was told he should not be able to walk. Even in his third course of radiotherapy Dave was unstoppable climbing Mt Ruapehu. Towards the end of Dave's life Rosemary remembers the details of her husbands failing bones as they became increasingly fragile, starting to give way and his pain becoming intolerable. She remembers the family coming together, visiting grandchildren and the times well spent. Dave died at home surrounded by his family. Rosemary was one of the first ordained Anglican priests (1977) of St Lukes Anglican church in Rotorua and Dave worked throughout most of his illness in a nursery.

Dave was treated in Hamilton Hospital and Rotorua Hospital by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Description: 59 pages/ black and white photographs of New Zealand bush/ 21 cm/ 0908949170.



Non Hodgkin's lymphoma


R144

Clausen, Anne. n.d. Anne's story [online], Leukaemia and Blood Foundation of New Zealand, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/lbf/index.cfm?7AC71286-B3CB-D875-6BBB-0C6BE38C6DC3>.

Peter (adult): non Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1997, remission for two years and eventually dying in 2002.

Ann, Peter's wife, explains as a couple they took ownership of the cancer by keeping track of treatments, blood counts and understanding medical terminologies. Ann attributes her coping ability to open communication; learning to drive; having faith in God and receiving support. She remembers the lighter moments, when Peter went into a bookshop to ask for directions to a barber and came out with his head shaved. Peter returned to work for two years while in remission as a manager of a nursery.

Peter was treated in Rotorua and Waikato hospitals. He received light chemotherapy, followed by a stronger chemotherapy for the next eight months. He had an autologous stem cell transplant.

Description: 7 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait of Ann and Peter.


R145

Cook, Hugh. 2005. Cancer patient: Medical memoir [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from: <http://zenvirus.com/cancer
        patient/cancer-patient-chapter-1.html#start>.

Hugh (adult): non Hodgkin's lymphoma and a lymphoma in front of the right side of his brain in 2004.

Hugh is an author and an English teacher. This is his professional website containing his free online fiction and non-fiction books. This e-book is a recollection of events based on the notes, scribbles, diary entries and memories of before and after Hugh was diagnosed, tested and treated for cancer in both Japan and New Zealand. The reader shares the epic course Hugh took to find a diagnosis for his rapidly deteriorating eyesight; they experience a traumatic birth of his daughter, his unrelenting condition while needing to support his family. He patiently retells the events, interrupting with often-funny observations and debates over the possible meaning of some of the notes.

After his diagnosis, in New Zealand, Hugh comments on adjustment: becoming a cancer patient, being integrated into a far more social world than he was used to, being separated from his wife and daughter, being cared for by his parents and living in a culture he had been separated from for many years. He reports his treatments were mostly "dreamy smooth". There are long moments of his thoughts and reflections about his life in Japan, being an English teacher and his daughter. He debates being able to trust his brain, deciding the world we live in is an improvised story scrambled together by hints, notes, suppositions and theories. He provides a step-by-step breakdown of his chemotherapy and radiation, (these chapters become heavily laden in poetry) and Hugh deals with the frustration of being the object of observation for so long. Armed with having successful treatments, an uncertain future prognosis, a Cd-Rom of his MRI scans, hope an eye operation could restore his vision and lists of follow-up checks he will need. Hugh chooses to remain positive about his future and plans for his return to Japan.

Hugh was treated for his initial symptoms with eye drops and antidepressant: Amitriptyline (to help him cope during uncertain diagnosis). After his diagnosis he had a biopsy on his left eye, brain and lymphoma. He had pre operative chemotherapy to shrink tumour, post surgery chemotherapy of six injections of Ara -C (also known as: Cytarabine, Cytosar-U, Cytosine arabinoside and DepoCyt) into spinal area by lumbar puncture. Also intravenously with Methotrexate (also known as Amethopterin) and Vincristine (also known as Vincasar and Oncovin) and radiation. He was given Dexamethasone, Losec (also known as: Prilosec, Zegerid and Omeprazole) to help with nausea from Dexamethasone, Morphine, Panadeine, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Effects of treatments included: broken teeth, reversed paralysis, lost hair from radiation, depleted energy, nausea from Dexamethasone, head scar, grey hair, itchy skin and ears. While in the New Zealand hospital Hugh was tested for the Japanese super bug methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus.

Description: 61 chapters.


R146

Heather. 2004. Cancer, a friend. In Pulling together: A book for young people living with cancer, 39. Auckland: Reed.

Heather (teenager): non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This is a poem to support the work of CanTeen. Hannah uses her experience with cancer as a metaphor of becoming a member of the cancer school. She refers to the high costs of membership but long-term rewards and the education of living with cancer. She questions why it is only those at risk, who attend meetings and appreciate the teachings. She encourages others to live full lives, learn to ask for help, embrace the unknown, not give into fear and to lose external crutches in life.

Description: 48 pages/ colour photographs of CanTeen members/ 19 x 21 cm/ 0790009439.


R147

Jones, Lewis. 1997. A healing journey: An extraordinary spiritual quest. Auckland: Penguin Books.

Lewis (adult): non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Included are photographs before and after a tumour, the size of a grapefruit, under Lewis's arm disappeared. Later further lumps appeared on his scalp, neck and gums. Lewis narrates his journey to find an alternative cure for his cancer, dissolving his marriage, embarking on new relationships, meeting new people and receiving comfort. Unsuccessful in his search he was diagnosed close to death with extensive lymph node activity in his chest cavity, abdominal cavity and spine. Lewis began conventional treatments. He reflects on the futility of trying to work out life and in the end preferring life to remain a mystery.

The alternative treatments included meditation, counselling, re-birthing, raw organic fruit and vegetables, psychic readings, encounters with past lives, reconnecting with his fathers spiritual self to severe the ties that genetically link cancer (his father died of lung cancer), received messages from a trance medium, tarot reading, participated in a sweat lodge, visited a shaman, received hypnosis, invited to an American Indian tee-pee ceremony, received a second healing and attended a Huna Kane. Conventionally treated by blood transfusions, chemotherapy from oral to intravenous and Prednisone (also called: Sterapred).

Description: 128 pages/ black and white photographs/ 20 cm/ 0140268391.


R148

Kerslake, Phil. 2006. Life, happiness.......& cancer: Survive with action and attitude! Wellington, NZ: Steele Roberts.

Phil (19): low grade non Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1979 and survived cancer six times over the following 26 years.

This self help book incorporates Phil's experiences in a format, inspiring others to face challenges and find more meaning, purpose and fulfilment in life. The book is divided into three parts: P1) Putting diagnosis into perspective: treatment choices, lifestyle habits, relaxation, meditation, cancer support groups, teamwork healing, active hope and faith, language, visualising health and affirming a future. P2) exploring and expressing yourself: setting goals, healing humour, writing, raising spirits with music. P3) life after cancer: post treatment challenges, having life with new meaning. Phil uses his own experiences to illustrate the challenges that he has overcome in this time. Mentioned in the book is his experience of work discrimination, difficulties within the medical system, criticism by doctors for his choice of treatments, declining cryopreservation of semen at 28 years because he was more concerned about recovery, being told to wait and see at initial diagnosis, medical insensitivity to Phil's health concerns and anxiousness due to feeling isolated.

Phil was treated by: high dose chemotherapy, stem cell harvest and transplantation and antibiotics. The following were alternatives to having no treatment or complementing conventional treatment: intensive psychotherapy, Iscador therapy, diet modification, Japanese anti cancer vaccine, high dose vitamin supplement, alternative vaccines, replaced amalgam teeth fillings, blood purification, strengthening his immune system, acupuncture for pain, anti cancer commercial products, attending support groups, hypnotherapy, affirmations, planning goals and humour. Phil lists his symptoms and side effects he experienced in what he describes as the toughest years in 2003/4: Pneumonia, incessant cough, blocked shoulder artery, dramatic weight loss, swollen feet, dizzy spells, blurred vision, high fevers, diarrhoea, spleen removal, pain, cramp, lethargy, inserted tubes in body, high dose chemo, stem cell harvest and transplantation, antibiotics, insomnia, loss of all body hair and ceased income.

Description: 176 pages/ 24 cm/ 1877338915.


R149

McMillan, Karen. 2003. Brian. In Unbreakable spirit: Facing the challenge of cancer in New Zealand, edited by K. McMillan Auckland:         Tandem Press.

Brian (adult): non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This book is a collection of New Zealand cancer experiences Karen has compiled from her investigation to answer how people with cancer handle their own mortality, view cancer, are impacted by cancer and whether conditions and treatments are improving for people with cancer. Included is Karen's experience of her mother and father dying from cancer. This chapter is Karen remembering what it was like to grow up with father who had a metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary (after his death he was diagnosed with non Hodgkin's lymphoma). He died years later in the hospice while in a coma surrounded by family. She relives, as a child, visiting the hospital and the feeling of an oppressive atmosphere. She remembers her father as upbeat and positive, showing her his freshly stitched chest and drawing energy from others around him. Karen shows admiration for her shy mother handling the responsibility of her fathers care and keeping a resemblance of normality. She describes her fathers openness to other suggestions of healing therapies, his return to Christianity and the hurt from a suggestion that cancer was the result of sinful behaviour. When treatments ceased she describes her fathers priorities as changed, becoming more flexible and spending more time with family. She reveals how she came to terms with her fathers aged looks and her parents showing physical affection in front of them. Karen intimately shares her regrets at not having talked about real things with her father. She is thankful for the support of the hospice, which provided a home away from home atmosphere, and also the comfort she received from the nurses after her father's death.

He was treated by chemotherapy, radiation and blood transfusions. He also experienced pneumonia, nearly died several times and exhaustion.

Description: 208 pages/ 21 cm/ 1877298050.