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The Sum of My Parts
In 2002, at the age of 39, I was a successful journalist and critic when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a disease that usually strikes men in their teens and 20s. At first I tried to deny my condition (trying to treat a tumor with hot baths and ice packs). Eventually, I decided I would learn as much about my illness as possible while trying to keep my emotions on hold.
What followed was an experience that finally forced me to deal with issues about my body that I had tried to ignore for decades. Along the way I dealt with a physician who gave me ridiculous advice and acquaintances who asked unbelievable questions. But I was also fortunate to be surrounded by people who supported me and doctors who helped me through the process.
What followed was an experience that finally forced me to deal with issues about my body that I had tried to ignore for decades. Along the way I dealt with a physician who gave me ridiculous advice and acquaintances who asked unbelievable questions. But I was also fortunate to be surrounded by people who supported me and doctors who helped me through the process.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2011
7 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 23, 2012
There may be many books or material available on what cancer is, its methods of treatment and what to expect. But it is an entirely different thing to hear it from the horse's mouth.
This short piece is extremely honest and candid, and I will say it is NOT about the cancer. Cancer just serves as a backdrop for much of what this author has to narrate. If you wish to know what it feels like to be in a situation where the very utterance of the word "cancer" is almost taken to be a death warrant, you should read this. From the initial reluctance to accept reality, to the gradual realisation that something like cancer has actually occurred, to developing a steely resolve to fight it, to subsequent development of gross insecurity about his scarred body, to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit, this short piece takes the reader through all these stages as experienced by the author in a concise, witty and mostly honest narrative. Human body and health should never be taken for granted, but at the same time no amount of care or perfect living may prevent a medical condition from developing. When in doubt, do not delay seeking professional medical advice!
Being reminiscent of 'Its not about the Bike' by Lance Armstrong and 'An Unexpected Twist' by Andy Borowitz, this is a quick, informative and an inspirational read.
This short piece is extremely honest and candid, and I will say it is NOT about the cancer. Cancer just serves as a backdrop for much of what this author has to narrate. If you wish to know what it feels like to be in a situation where the very utterance of the word "cancer" is almost taken to be a death warrant, you should read this. From the initial reluctance to accept reality, to the gradual realisation that something like cancer has actually occurred, to developing a steely resolve to fight it, to subsequent development of gross insecurity about his scarred body, to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit, this short piece takes the reader through all these stages as experienced by the author in a concise, witty and mostly honest narrative. Human body and health should never be taken for granted, but at the same time no amount of care or perfect living may prevent a medical condition from developing. When in doubt, do not delay seeking professional medical advice!
Being reminiscent of 'Its not about the Bike' by Lance Armstrong and 'An Unexpected Twist' by Andy Borowitz, this is a quick, informative and an inspirational read.
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November 10, 2011James Sanford is the movie review guy for the Kalamazoo Gazette. He wrote this short memoir about his experience, 10 years ago, with testicular cancer. It is well done. He's very open and honest, some might say blunt, about his experience. Like breast cancer used to be, testicular cancer remains in the shadows. People don't talk about it much - in spite of the fact that it most often affects men ages 19-29. The book is being sold as an amazon single - cost 99 cents on my kindle. Well worth it.
September 15, 2011
I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS LITTLE BOOK ! JUST THIS WEEK MY OLDEST FRIEND FROM MY GROWING UP YEARS IN ATLANTA WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TESTICULAR CANCER. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND THIS BOOK ON MY KINDLE. I LAUGHED AND CRIED, AND LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED IN PLACES, AND LEARNED MUCH I DID NOT KNOW. WHETHER YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT IS FACING THIS CRISIS... "EAT UP" THIS QUICK READ. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO LEARN FROM THIS MAN !
August 5, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was honest, informative, and quite entertaining at times. I like the author's voice-- he really captured my attention. I'm really glad his story ended well, and I hope he continues to live his life to the fullest!
August 8, 2011
Kindle Single - 99 cent download. Reads in about 30 minutes. Worthwhile.
November 25, 2014
A very short read... One commute to and from work.
This is the story of a man going through testicular Cancer - a unilateral journey to me. He is taking a different path but we share some similarities and of course it's great to hear a good news story.
For a short read I recommend this to someone who is going through this experience although I think he took too long to explore the effects on his body! Love your scar because that means you are alive. Embrace pain cause that means you survived.
This is the story of a man going through testicular Cancer - a unilateral journey to me. He is taking a different path but we share some similarities and of course it's great to hear a good news story.
For a short read I recommend this to someone who is going through this experience although I think he took too long to explore the effects on his body! Love your scar because that means you are alive. Embrace pain cause that means you survived.
June 11, 2016
If you want to learn about a personal experience with testicular cancer (no idea why I wanted to, but still), this is an interesting read. Not high literature but opens the door to the personal feelings and emotions that don't include anger and "why me, God!??!?"
It's a good way to feel comfortable about the possibilities for cancer patients.
It's a good way to feel comfortable about the possibilities for cancer patients.
February 15, 2021
Eh.... Ok, I guess. Short read about a Testicular cancer survivor who turned out to be gay, which kind of ruined it for me . Not that I hold anything against gay people, it just made his triumph in the end something I couldn't relate to.
February 19, 2014
A quick read detailing the author's bout with testicular cancer. Very engaging, well-written, and accessible.
August 9, 2015
An enlightening read with an honest author. Well worth it.
December 13, 2016
good read
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October 6, 2011Review pending.
January 15, 2016
Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews