Battling the Big C

I have news for you, friend: there is cancer in your future. You will get cancer, or your spouse will, or someone you love.

One day you will get the news. You'll find it hard to believe. You'll feel angry, maybe afraid. You'll struggle as you try to adjust.

This book is for you. It's my story.

I got the news 15 years ago. I felt devastated. But I'm still here. During those 15 years I've traveled the world, written a bunch of books, given many public presentations. They have been good years, happy years, productive years.

So hear it from me: cancer isn't necessarily a death sentence. There is life after you get the news that the Big C has invaded your life.

In this book, everything I share comes totally out of my experience. No quoting from anyone else, just what I experienced. And what worked or didn't work for me. I've written about my journey in order to pass on ideas-and hope. I can't promise you that the battle with the Big C will be easy, because it won't be. Chances are that you'll have days when you feel like shouting, "No more! No more IVs! No more infusions! No more violations of my body! Just let me lie down and quit."

Don't be a quitter. Keep on battling. And may happy days come your way again, as they did for me.

As I thought about writing up my battle with the Big C, I felt the need to include a professional medical perspective. I am honored that Dr. Ngozi Margrete Ezinwa agreed to write a Foreword and to check the manuscript for scientific accuracy. Dr. Ezinwa is a skilled physician who worked for the World Health Organization before connecting with Loma Linda University Health.

Dr. Ezinwa is a wonderful healthcare provider-qualified, compassionate, and caring. She also happens to be my primary care physician.

In my battle with the Big C, I came to realize that my wife, Noelene, has the more difficult part. Maybe that's true for other people as well. So I asked Noelene to write a chapter in which she candidly shares what my battle has meant to her and how she finds ways to cope.

So, my dear friend caught up in this life-and-death struggle, keep battling. Never give up.

And may you find hope and grace to keep on fighting.