Cancer's a word not a sentence

Cancer's a word, not a sentence
Fiona Castle, Hodder and Stoughton, ISBN 0-340-74565-7

This review by Ruth Payne was published in the winter 2000 newsletter.

Having looked after her husband Roy Castle throughout his illness, Fiona is the ideal person to write this book, which is just right for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer. It is easy to dip in and out of - what you need when your brain isn't functioning properly - and not overwhelming in size or content.

The book is interspersed with stories of how Roy and others have coped with cancer, combining humour and honesty with the practicalities of having the disease. Despite the fact that Roy eventually died of his cancer, this is a remarkably positive and encouraging book. So many of the situations rang true that I found myself smiling in recognition of some of the events.

The one thing I felt uneasy about was the poem 'Cancer is so limited' which was unfortunately at the very beginning of the book. That aside, this a really excellent book which I wish had been around when I was first diagnosed, as I know I would have found it invaluable.