When I first qualified as a doctor nobody talked about cancer. Staff and relatives hid the diagnosis from the patient – too shocking to bear, or share. Often one only knew that someone had had cancer after they’d died.
Today we are much more aware of success stories, due to improvements in treatment but also to a more open attitude. Many people have written their cancer ‘stories’, insights into living with the big C, and some doctors, like myself, who have had cancer, have written guides to help others.
India Desjardin’s book is a welcome addition to the growing cancer genre. An established author, her ‘A Story About Cancer (With a Happy Ending)’ was inspired by a young girl she met, who had leukaemia. Sympathetically illustrated by Marianne Ferrer, it addresses the feelings, fears and insights of a teenager going through what no young adult should have to face – the possibility of imminent death.
The book touches on the raw honesty of youth – why are hospitals always decorated in boring colours?
The story reminds us that young adults are much more aware than we may wish in these stressful situations. Yes, they know exactly what ‘that look’ in people’s eyes means; they also understand why Mum needs to keep telling them they are brave, even though it drives them crazy; they have the wisdom to understand that being strong and positive isn’t always the answer, sometimes even the most positive people die.
The author addresses the thoughts that adults pray their children don’t have – like would it be better for everyone if they died? She covers a teenager’s need to deal with being ‘different’ at an age when everyone is desperate to fit in. Romance. Can anyone fancy someone with a bald head?
Finally waiting for those crucial results – an integral part of living with cancer. In this story the news is good.
Teenagers, like everyone else, can vary in their approach to cancer literature. Some find the resonance of someone understanding their issues helpful, and this book could break through the isolation common amongst cancer sufferers of any age. Response to such a book will depend on individual circumstances though and it may not be for everyone. For the right person this book is beautifully written and illustrated, delivering gentle messages for people who may not be in a state to absorb copious detail.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q