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Help Me Live, Revised: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know
Almost all of us know someone with cancer.
And, of course, we want nothing more than to offer comfort and support, and foster hope. But we don’t always know how—and may feel uncomfortable asking. Following her own treatment for cancer, Lori Hope created a survey for cancer survivors addressing issues they wanted their families, friends, and caregivers to understand. The results of the newly expanded survey are presented with honesty, insight, and humor, and complemented by scores of compelling personal stories from survivors of diverse ages and backgrounds.
If you are a caregiver, Help Me Live will help you communicate more effectively and respond more compassionately. And if you are a survivor, it will help you feel validated, empowered, and, ultimately, hopeful.
And, of course, we want nothing more than to offer comfort and support, and foster hope. But we don’t always know how—and may feel uncomfortable asking. Following her own treatment for cancer, Lori Hope created a survey for cancer survivors addressing issues they wanted their families, friends, and caregivers to understand. The results of the newly expanded survey are presented with honesty, insight, and humor, and complemented by scores of compelling personal stories from survivors of diverse ages and backgrounds.
If you are a caregiver, Help Me Live will help you communicate more effectively and respond more compassionately. And if you are a survivor, it will help you feel validated, empowered, and, ultimately, hopeful.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
52 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 13, 2020
While at the heart of Help Me Live is a personal story of cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship, the true beauty of the book is that the stories and quotes ring true for anybody who has been, or who has known someone who has been, stung with cancer.
I read Help Me Live following surgery and treatment for my own melanoma, based on recommendations at Amazon.com, and in the span of a week, I read it two more times, underlined the key passages and passed it along to my wife to read as well (because as surely as I had gone through all the cancer treatments, she had gone through them, too, while standing by my side!)
The book is not a how-to...because every case is different. There are no strict rules...because every patient is unique. The book is, simply, filled with the words and love of cancer victims and caregivers who share their stories in such a way so as to make them accessible to everybody.
While it would be wonderful that cancers could some day be eliminated and there would no longer be a need for Lori Hope's brilliant work, the reality is that cancer touches our lives all too frequently. In the case that it again touches my life, I would quickly buy this book for that friend and then make the phone call that says, "I'm here - what do you need?" or better yet, quietly give the embracing hug with no words.
* * *
I met Lori Hope in November 2007, and I was fortunate to have maintained an occasional exchange of emails with her until she passed away in late 2012. She was a remarkable human being - God bless her!
I read Help Me Live following surgery and treatment for my own melanoma, based on recommendations at Amazon.com, and in the span of a week, I read it two more times, underlined the key passages and passed it along to my wife to read as well (because as surely as I had gone through all the cancer treatments, she had gone through them, too, while standing by my side!)
The book is not a how-to...because every case is different. There are no strict rules...because every patient is unique. The book is, simply, filled with the words and love of cancer victims and caregivers who share their stories in such a way so as to make them accessible to everybody.
While it would be wonderful that cancers could some day be eliminated and there would no longer be a need for Lori Hope's brilliant work, the reality is that cancer touches our lives all too frequently. In the case that it again touches my life, I would quickly buy this book for that friend and then make the phone call that says, "I'm here - what do you need?" or better yet, quietly give the embracing hug with no words.
* * *
I met Lori Hope in November 2007, and I was fortunate to have maintained an occasional exchange of emails with her until she passed away in late 2012. She was a remarkable human being - God bless her!
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September 6, 2020Lori wrote that it's better to ask "What's up?" instead of specifically asking about one's cancer, to remember that caregivers experience stress, too, and about getting news of her lung cancer recurrence.
October 19, 2022
Helpful and thought provoking
The perspectives of the author help in understanding how to help my husband and what to say.
Thank you for this work.
The perspectives of the author help in understanding how to help my husband and what to say.
Thank you for this work.
Read
December 30, 2025RIP to my lovely Lettie. Gone, but never forgotten.
March 20, 2013
This was a very good place to start, for me. If nothing else it certainly let me know that it is okay to be dumbfounded; everyone is. And that I may very well say the wrong thing at times but it is always better than saying nothing. Mostly to confirm my belief people with cancer are still ALIVE. It's the next thing on their plate, but it certainly won't be the last thing. They still need to eat and sleep and talk and laugh and cry and yell, and LIVE THEIR LIVES. And maybe I will be able to remember this if that monster knocks at my door, too.
So, I liked it. A lot. It's the first thing I read and until I read more I won't know how it fits within the reams of books written; but it seemed sensible, warm, caring.
So, I liked it. A lot. It's the first thing I read and until I read more I won't know how it fits within the reams of books written; but it seemed sensible, warm, caring.
April 9, 2023
If you are wanting to learn more about how to help a loved one with cancer, this is definitely the book.
My reason for 3 stars is because I personally feel there was much ups and downs. I found my self struggling to read this book. It’s for an assignment for a class I’m taking which could be why I felt the struggle.
It is a good book, just not my cup of tea.
My reason for 3 stars is because I personally feel there was much ups and downs. I found my self struggling to read this book. It’s for an assignment for a class I’m taking which could be why I felt the struggle.
It is a good book, just not my cup of tea.
November 21, 2021
I found this book, recommended by a friend, really helpful and hopeful—a sensitive guide for family members and friends who want to support their loved ones with cancer but aren’t sure what to say or do.
September 4, 2012
Excellent book- I've experienced it from both sides of the equation. I've given away 4 copies to friends who have loved ones with cancer.
July 4, 2015
Kindle Edition Extremely beneficial. If you know someone with cancer - especially if you are the caregiver! - this is a Must Read.
July 4, 2015
Extremely beneficial. If you know someone with cancer - especially if you are the caregiver! - this is a Must Read. Read it over and over.
June 12, 2014
Loved it!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews