Cancer Unhinged

'Part memoir, part advice, all inspiration'

A practical manual for those who've been told 'You're going to die'.

 

What do you do, when the diagnosis is cancer, and you're told 'we'll do what we can, but most likely, you're going to die, possibly within a year'?

That's the situation that Tony Dehn faced, shortly after turning 54. This book chronicles his experiences in dealing with that diagnosis, and provides insight and information for others facing that same situation.

Seven years later (at the time of publishing) Tony is still surviving, still dealing with it, with the assistance of his wife Sally, and his family.

From the moment that the doctors told him that 'you could be dead in a year', determination set in - not to deny the reality of it, but to learn as much as possible, and to do whatever it took to maximise the life he had left. Whilst there were practical limitations and adjustments to be made to ways of living, to dreams and expectations, and 'Daily Life' demanded to continue, even while every part of it was turned on its head, and the threat of despair lurked at every turn, Tony chose not to let that despair win.

Together with Sally, Tony tells a tale which catalogues their actions and reactions, emotions, philosophies, and psychologies... and the practical measures they've taken, which are important for any person facing cancer or supporting someone battling cancer.

The deepest value here is in illustrating the stark realities of facing premature death with a unique outlook - an outlook without any emphasis or pretence of bravery, and to show that the greatest weapon available against this desperation is attitude - not stated, but demonstrated. What shows through in this account, however, is the display of human spirit which underlies this gift, this legacy. There is not a shred of 'give-up' anywhere in these pages: there is anger, confusion, frustration, resolution, absolution, but at no point is there submission.

If you, or someone close to you, has received the dreaded cancer diagnosis, or if you are facing death from some other 'incurable' cause, then this book will bring you to laughter, and to tears, but it will also provide you with practical guidance on the essential matters which need to be dealt with, and give you some tools to help you face whatever comes with equanimity.