Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor

by John Kerastas

At 57 years old, John Kerastas thought he was the poster child for fifty-year old healthiness: he competed in triathlons, rode in 100 mile biking events and ate a healthy diet chock full of organic vegetables. Then he discovered that he had a brain tumor the size of his wife's fist. His memoir chronicles the first year he spent addressing tumor-related health issues: preparing for his first operation, discovering a dangerous skull infection, having the infected portion of his skull surgically removed, learning about his substantial vision and cognitive losses, undergoing rehab and radiation treatments, and learning to live with his "new normal." According to Kerastas, the phrase "new normal" is the medical community's code words for "You're alive, so quit complaining." As his health changed, so did his sense of humor. He writes that his humor started out superficially light-hearted prior to the first operation; transmogrified into gallows humor after several subsequent operations; and leveled out as somewhat wry-ish after radiation and rehab. This is a surprisingly upbeat and inspiring book for anybody interested in memoirs about people dealing with personal crises, for patients trudging through rehab, for caretakers helping victims of serious illnesses, or for anybody looking for an unexpected chuckle from an unlikely subject. JOHN KERASTAS has worked at a global advertising agency, at several technology start-up companies and as a free-lance writer. Now, in addition to non-profit and charitable work, he spends his time blogging, speaking and writing about brain health, brain tumors and rehab. You can follow his blog or view his presentations schedule at www.johnstumor.blogspot.com.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medicine, Memoir

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor is a frank account of a man's journey through the world of brain tumours and illness. Kerastas talks openly and with a distinct humour about his time with a brain tumour and his recovery.

I read this book a while ago now, before a crazy few weeks full of weddings and honeymoons and still, I find myself from time to time thinking about it. It had an effect on me. I like Kerastas and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't. He is charming, down-to-earth and most definitely funny. I like the approach he took to his illness, using humour as a buffer, and his family seem nothing but loving and endearing.

The book is shorter than I had hoped. I suppose that is testament to the writing and the tale themselves - I wanted it to carry on, didn't want it to stop. I wanted to know more about Kerastas and his continuing recovering, I wanted to be his friend. Who knows, perhaps a few good reviews might prompt him to write a sequel?

The book isn't free from problems but the problems are insignificant if anything. There were typos, which bug me. It seems remarkably petty to be pointing them out, few and unimportant as they were. They are hardly significant given the content of this book. But it's true, they bugged me. What bugs me even more is the fact that they bugged me at all! I've been increasingly aware of typos and grammatical errors in books of all kinds lately and it drives me bonkers! I don't want to be one of those irritating people who point out errors all the time and I am quite perfectly aware that my own writing is far from error-free but it still bugs me and I can't help it! And that bugs me too! Gah! I'm stuck in an ever-increasing circle of bugginess...Ahem! Sorry, caught in a 'mind-whirl'. Anyway...

If that is all I can find to rant about a book (and to be fair, most of that rant was about my pettiness rather than the book), then it must be a pretty good book. The humour wasn't laugh-out-loud guffaw-inducement but a gentle humour tinged with sadness, a hint of denial and just a tiny bit of hope and possibility. Whilst it is obvious that Kerastas is no literary genius, the story and his shining personality pull the book along and really do make the reader think of things that perhaps they would normally push to the back of their mind, hoping to never have to face them. Everybody should read this.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In recent times, I have read several books about death, near-death, and serious medical issues. All of these are basically upbeat, and my hat goes off to those who have experienced these medical challenges. I am happy to report that this is a nice, short book with a very upbeat, sincere, and honest message. There is even some humor injected into it that I enjoyed, especially the musical references.

As I read about this man's experience, I was absolutely amazed at what medical science can do in this day and age. It used to be that brain tumors and injuries were almost a absolute death sentence. Not so in this case and many. I cannot believe all this man went through, and his positive outlook was a breath of fresh air. I could have done without the profanity, but I can excuse that under the circumstances. While this is not on par with some of the books similar to this one, it is a nice, light read that will make you realize that life can change in a moment. We are never promised tomorrow, and we should live like we are dying. No, the author did not die, but there was always that chance.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of Charisma Media Network




About the Book:



At 57 years old, I thought I was the poster child for fifty-year old healthiness: I competed in triathlons, rode in 100 mile biking events and ate a healthy diet chock full of organic vegetables. Then I discovered that I had a brain tumor the size of my wife’s fist.

My memoir chronicles the first year I spent addressing tumor-related health issues: preparing for my first operation, discovering a dangerous skull infection, having the infected portion of my skull surgically removed, learning about my substantial vision and cognitive losses, undergoing rehab and radiation treatments, and learning to live with my “new normal.” And, as best I can tell, the phrase “new normal” is the medical community’s code words for “You’re alive, so quit bitchin’.”

As my health changed, so did my sense of humor. My humor started out superficially light-hearted prior to the first operation; transmogrified into gallows humor after several subsequent operations; and leveled out as somewhat wry-ish after radiation and rehab.

Topics I write about in the book include:

§ How not to tell everybody you have a brain tumor

§ Why it’s a lot of work to die in this country
§ Why I had difficulties in naming my tumor
§ How I negotiated bathroom visits with “Nurse Don’t-Bother-Me”
§ Why I could prove that I was the “dumbest gguy in the room”
§ Why someone compared the back of my head to a diseased goat
§ How I flunked a job interview with myself
This is a book for anybody interested in memoirs about people dealing with personal crises, for patients trudging through rehab, for caretakers helping victims of serious illnesses, or for anybody looking for an unexpected chuckle from an unlikely subject.
About the Book:This book had me hooked from the first page. I loved how the author talked about his illness and treatment in a positive, humorous and frank manner. The author presents his story in such a personable manner you feel like you are conversing with an old friend. Parts of this book were so funny they made me laugh out loud. This book is an inspirational book that reminds you that "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
About the Author:


I’ve worked at a global advertising agency, at several technology start-up companies and as a free-lance writer. Currently I spend most of my time blogging, speaking and writing about brain health, brain tumors and rehab. I speak to hospital rehab groups, stroke and aphasia groups, and last summer spoke at the American Brain Tumor Association’s annual “Patient and Caregiver” conference.

My charity and non-profit efforts includes work through the Taproot Foundation on behalf of Apna Ghar (a Chicago-based non-profit providing domestic violence services to immigrant communities). I also go on Appalachia Service project trips through my church, participate in Early Response Teams that follow first responders into disaster areas, and teach and certify Early Response Teams through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (e.g.UMCOR).

Authors Links:

Website: http://www.chief-complaint.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChiefComplain...

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...

[Sarah Brillinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to applaud John and his tireless optimism and sense of humour through his whole ordeal. I can't say I would have faced the challenges that he did with anywhere near the same positive attitude. He faced obstacle after obstacle and was still able to fight through it all and keep joking. His story is very entertaining, in fact I sat down and read this book all in one sitting.

Here's a little blurb as he's discusses "Obsessing about it" (the tumor):
This is the most natural and immediate response. "Ohmigod, I have this thing growing in my head and it's going to kill me!" While this may be true, it doesn't seem to help anything. You may find some sort of temporary tension release by making everybody around you crazy, but they may just strangle you before the operation.
In that vein, I imagined this conversation with my deceased, no-nonsense aunt.
"Aunt Ann, I have this big, scary tumor and I could die."
"Well dear, it's time to take this like a big boy. After all, you are 57 years old."
"But, Aunt Ann, the idea of a big tumor in my brain gives me the willies!"
"Now John, while we're all sorry about this, you are becoming rather tiresome."
"But I could die."
"Well, if that shuts you up, then please hurry up about it."

The entire story is written in this sort of "get real" attitude with lots of funny sidebars along the way. If you know someone who is going through any sort of health ordeal, I think this would be the perfect book to give them, as one of the main messages is "it could always be worse."

Things at the end wrapped up pretty quickly so I never did find out some final answers such as - is the remainder of the tumor that was not surgically removed gone now? Did John ever get his drivers license back? I guess I will be checking out his blog: http://www.johnstumor.blogspot.com to get my answers.

[Teressa Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were many times while reading Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor in which I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. That is because John Kerastas tells the story of his run-in with a rather tenacious tumor in a particularly irreverent vein.

Kerastas uses large doses of "gallows humor" to tell his story. I appreciated this style, because I have found in dealing with the trials of my own life that laughing about a situation is usually better than crying about it. Recently, Boo and I riffed on the "seven dwarves of asthma": Sneezy, Coughy, Gaspy, Chokey, Wheezy, Snotty and Phlegmy. So you can see why I would enjoy this book.

The book details Kerastas' stages of dealing with his catastrophic news:

Hope it will go away
Face It
Joke About It
Plan for a Potential Future Without You
Recovery

What struck home with me was when John and his wife were trying to decide how to tell people about his tumor and upcoming surgery. John said of this time:

I think I learned that a health issue isn't something to be hidden or to be embarrassed about. If they are really your friends, they want to know at the earliest moment. If they aren't your friends, don't worry about what they think."

I have found this statement to be true of any life changing moment in one's life. My true friends are the ones that have stood by me through all of the cataclysmic events of the past few years. I wish I had told them what was going on sooner. Their support has been amazing and I could have used it sooner.

Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor is a book for anyone who has suffered or is suffering with massive upheaval in their life, especially if they appreciate a little humor with their trauma.

[Liz Terek · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say knowledge is power. Having someone to give you a firsthand perspective on a health scare can be priceless. John Kerastas has that perspective. Allow him to help you or a loved one to feel more empowered through his story.
Although he lived a nutritionally sound & fitness oriented lifestyle, John found himself facing a sizeable brain tumor. Treatment didn’t end with surgery either. Radiation, partial blindness, & wading through medical jargon are a few topics that John covers.
What is different about this book is that, although it’s non-fiction, it’s the furthest thing form a ‘textbook’. Humor is something he’s been blessed with & he’s using that blessing very well. Many of his reactions (especially to the 70% they removed & the 30% left behind) are laugh out loud funny.
While we all agree that nothing terminal in & of itself is funny per se, John’s optimism brings forth hope & a survivor mentality. The way in which he explains each step of the processes he endured will be of great comfort to many facing a similar diagnosis.
I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend this book or purchase a copy for a friend or a family member in this same situation.
John has provided a great service. His wit & down to earth explanations will encourage those who’ve grown weary to speaking to people in white, lab coats. Absolutely, ‘Chief Complaint Brain Tumor’ is a 5 star read for patients & those that love them.
I received 1 print copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Chief Complaint BRAIN TUMOR, John Kerastas has crafted a compelling narrative about what it means to have one's world rocked by a serious and unexpected medical diagnosis. Hell, it even sounds scary. Meningioma.

It is an unflinchingly honest story about his journey through an unfamiliar landscape, a nether world of the seriously ill. Kerastas doesn't shy away from recounting his anxiety and struggles, or the black humor that he sometimes used to deny the gravity of the situation in which he found himself. He tells his story without being cynical, self-serving, or self-pitying. Nor is he one to blow smoke in your ear with empty aphorisms, pop psychology, or feel good theology.

Instead, Kerastas simply describes how one keeps moving forward without being overwhelmed or frozen by the fear of "what if" scenarios despite the fact that both the destination and path thrust upon him were unclear. You don't always know how things will turn out.

Ultimately, Chief Complaint BRAIN TUMOR is about the emotional tasks of survivorship for those recovering from any disaster (medical or otherwise). And it is that focus which imbues this book with the moral weight in which it is grounded, as well as the sense of light and transcendence that it provides.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start by saying this is one of the most humorous books that I have read in a while.
(this could be due to the fact that I usually read crime novels/thrillers… but moving on..)
John has a unique way of dealing with his diagnosis of a brain tumor. He uses humor.
He takes you through his diagnosis and procedures dealing with his tumor and makes it an interesting experience.
This book is great for anyone looking for a memoir of someone going through a similar experience or for family members as well. Whats great about it is that is also great for the average reader.
John has a great writing style that keeps you hanging on throughout the whole book. It is short as well, it only took me a few hours to read.
Clear an afternoon and pick up a copy. You will not regret it.
5/5 stars. I loved John’s sense of humor and his ability to tell his story through this.
Also, it takes place in Chicago, so I liked it even more… haha.

[Crimson Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor is an incredible book and great uninhibited account of John and his journey through illness and brain tumors. John writes quite frankly and with humor about his ailments and experiences, making the reader learn from what he is going through, and actually laughing (out loud at times) instead of feeling bad for him. Even though I know a lot about medicine from my background, I still learned many things from this book and even more about how to handle stressful situations and how to take bad experiences and turn them into helping others. I definitely give this book a Five out of Five for engagement (I didn’t want to stop reading it), and the amount of humor, and how refreshing a book it was to read.


I received a free copy of this ebookto review; I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Curveball by Liz Holzemer, this is a memoir about the journey John Kerastas went on when he discovered he had a brain tumor. It is a quick read and ends a bit sooner on the journey than her book does. Overall, his approach (trying to find humor in the situation and minimizing) and some of his specific experiences are more akin to my own, so in that respect I saw more of myself in this book than in hers. And it was highly readable. Sure, not every attempt at humor landed with me, but I am glad I read it and would recommend it to others who have a bit of a sarcastic streak and the misfortune to walk in our shoes or care for/about those who are living with brain tumors in general or meningioma specifically. I also think those who like "medical memoirs" and a bit of sarcasm / gallows humor would likely find this one enjoyable.

[Steve Tonissen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more, with your own eyes you will see them.” (Chapter 30 verse 20). Chief Complaint Brain Tumor tells us the story of John Kerastas’ struggles to find his teachers and learn from his Bread of Adversity, a brain tumor, and his water of affliction a life threatening infection.

You and I will face our own adversity and affliction. These staples of growth touch every life. When your time comes, John’s journey will give you a valuable perspective to add to your walk. The book’s honesty, openness, humor, and straightforward writing will give you different eyes through which to see your trials.

[Louanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book written by an incredible person that we are proud to call friend. While we heard from John and Barbara a lot of what was going on this last year, Marty and I now have a better understanding of what our friend's year was really like! John has a way of connecting what it is like to deal with a brain tumor to people, places and things that allow the reader to experience his physical, cognitive and emotional roller coaster ride. You will laugh out loud and you will have tears. John has been through the unimaginable and has managed to keep a sense of humor and perspective on life that will provide inspiration to anyone who picks up this book.

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
What a positive book. John has a way of making very dire circumstances seem comical. I wish that I had the strength at such times to think positive. Throughout the book I was laughing rather than feeling bad for John's ailment. I found good ideas and ways to tell people bad news, that's for sure.
John has taken a horrible experience and turned it into helping others. I am truly in awe of John and his wife. I am giving this book a 5/5 because the author made me leave the book feeling happy, even though it was not a pretty subject. I also learned a lot, about stressful situations and medically. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!

[Joana Arteaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Kerastas has a great sense of humor. I have never met anyone that has had a brain tumor but John kept a positive attitude while going through surgeries, infections and vision problems. I don't know from personal experience but I would think having a good/positive attitude during times like those would be pretty hard to do. I loved how honest the author is about his thoughts and feelings about his brain tumor. This book made me laugh so much which I didn't expect from a book about such a serious subject like brain tumor. I really admire John Kerastas and am really glad I got the chance to read and review this book.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Chief Complaint Brain Tumor was written by John Kerastas and he talks about the moment of finding out he has a brain tumor right through to the surgeries he had because of it.

I found the author to be very light hearted and jokey about his times in hospital, about the surgeries when others would probably mope.
Some of the book was pretty gruesome especially the infection.
I enjoyed reading the book. The author was fantastic and I am glad he survived to tell us about his journey.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chief Complaint Brain Tumor" is John's personal experiences with brain cancer. He will make you laugh, cry, cheer and smile throughout the book with his courage, honesty and funny accounts of his journey. A totally outstanding book that I highly recommend to all.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Maria Losee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wouldn't normally use humor to describe a memoir about having a brain tumor, but I would with this story. The author gives the reader a humorous yet honest glimpse into his experience navigating a terrifying world of hospitals, insurance forms, learning to walk and drive again, and wondering how this was going to end. Highly recommend this quick and enjoyable read!

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very entertaining and inspiring memoir, although it ended very abruptly. I'm pretty sure I received an advanced copy, so I'll forgive the myriad spelling & grammar mistakes, though they were pretty distracting.

(3.5 stars)

[Denise O'Brien-Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. As a fellow Chicagoan and brain tumor survivor, John's story hit home in all of the right places. His humor, yet candid account of his experience was refreshing.
Looking forward to meeting John one day and expanding brain tumor awareness.