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The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker: A Story of Sarcoma Survival
It was just one tiny lump, but it was big enough to change their whole world.
When Christi's husband is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, her picture-perfect life is shattered in an instant. Thrust into the unfamiliar world of oncologists, chemotherapy, and endless waiting rooms, she becomes a full-time caregiver—while still trying to be the mom, wife, and woman she used to be.
Told with raw honesty, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments, The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker - A Story of Sarcoma Survival is a deeply personal cancer memoir that explores what happens when your world falls apart—and how you put it back together.
From shocking misdiagnoses to impossible medical decisions, Christi shares her journey with unfiltered truth and unexpected humor. Along the way, she discovers the fierce strength of love, the quiet power of resilience, and how even in the darkest moments, laughter can still break through.
⭐ For readers
Inspirational true storiesMemoirs about cancer, caregiving, or griefBooks about love, family, and resiliencePersonal stories of rare diseases and potentially terminal illnessHumorous memoirs that find light in the darkness
Whether you're a caregiver, a patient, or someone who just loves a powerful, emotionally honest story—The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker will stay with you long after the last page.
Click “Buy Now” to start reading today.
When Christi's husband is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, her picture-perfect life is shattered in an instant. Thrust into the unfamiliar world of oncologists, chemotherapy, and endless waiting rooms, she becomes a full-time caregiver—while still trying to be the mom, wife, and woman she used to be.
Told with raw honesty, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments, The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker - A Story of Sarcoma Survival is a deeply personal cancer memoir that explores what happens when your world falls apart—and how you put it back together.
From shocking misdiagnoses to impossible medical decisions, Christi shares her journey with unfiltered truth and unexpected humor. Along the way, she discovers the fierce strength of love, the quiet power of resilience, and how even in the darkest moments, laughter can still break through.
⭐ For readers
Inspirational true storiesMemoirs about cancer, caregiving, or griefBooks about love, family, and resiliencePersonal stories of rare diseases and potentially terminal illnessHumorous memoirs that find light in the darkness
Whether you're a caregiver, a patient, or someone who just loves a powerful, emotionally honest story—The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker will stay with you long after the last page.
Click “Buy Now” to start reading today.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2024
108 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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January 13, 2025This is the story of how Blaine Parker got a lump on his arm, and the lump grew. His family jokingly gave it a name: Lumpy. That’s the Lumpy Parker of the title. It turned out to be a tumor, a sarcoma, which was treated with chemo, radiation, and surgery.
This book, written by Blaine’s wife Christi, documents their entire journey, from diagnosis in their home state of Missouri, to an extended stay in Houston, Texas, for treatment. It’s not a spoiler to say how the story ends. Blaine lives. Lumpy dies. But the middle of the story is an emotional ordeal of hope, frustration, mortal fear, periods of boredom, and gratitude. There are also some sparkles of fun and joy.
The whole is simply written, easy to understand, but vivid. You are there. I have been a nurse for many years, and this is definitely a book that shows you what it is like to be on the other side of the bed, and what a difference some small things can make, such as information shared in a timely manner, and competence that inspires trust.
I couldn’t help thinking about the American health care system in general. Almost as soon as the diagnosis is made, the Parkers think, “How are we going to pay for this?” They had insurance, but it was a policy with an insanely high deductible ($16,000). They would pay every cent out of pocket until the bills added up to $16,000. Then the insurance would kick in.
Author Christi views this story as one of God providing for their needs. And that is true. They receive acts of kindness from both friends and strangers: the loan of a car, a place where they can stay for free, gifts and donations of money. (The first time she received a gift of money, she returned it, but she learned, no, you have to take them, and use them.) These are heartwarming gestures all, but wouldn’t it be nice if a family in America could get a diagnosis of cancer, and not have to worry about money? To only have to worry about their loved one’s health?
This is the story of what one family went through. It may also be useful to others going through their own cancer experience. And it has suggestions for how you can help a friend going through a crisis.
This book, written by Blaine’s wife Christi, documents their entire journey, from diagnosis in their home state of Missouri, to an extended stay in Houston, Texas, for treatment. It’s not a spoiler to say how the story ends. Blaine lives. Lumpy dies. But the middle of the story is an emotional ordeal of hope, frustration, mortal fear, periods of boredom, and gratitude. There are also some sparkles of fun and joy.
The whole is simply written, easy to understand, but vivid. You are there. I have been a nurse for many years, and this is definitely a book that shows you what it is like to be on the other side of the bed, and what a difference some small things can make, such as information shared in a timely manner, and competence that inspires trust.
I couldn’t help thinking about the American health care system in general. Almost as soon as the diagnosis is made, the Parkers think, “How are we going to pay for this?” They had insurance, but it was a policy with an insanely high deductible ($16,000). They would pay every cent out of pocket until the bills added up to $16,000. Then the insurance would kick in.
Author Christi views this story as one of God providing for their needs. And that is true. They receive acts of kindness from both friends and strangers: the loan of a car, a place where they can stay for free, gifts and donations of money. (The first time she received a gift of money, she returned it, but she learned, no, you have to take them, and use them.) These are heartwarming gestures all, but wouldn’t it be nice if a family in America could get a diagnosis of cancer, and not have to worry about money? To only have to worry about their loved one’s health?
This is the story of what one family went through. It may also be useful to others going through their own cancer experience. And it has suggestions for how you can help a friend going through a crisis.
October 5, 2025
Well written, fast read, just way too much about 'God'.
June 22, 2025
A Cancer Memoir
I found this memoir to be somewhat different than others I've read about someone going through cancer - although it is the same with regard to cancer affecting the entire family. It does, period and without exception.
Aside from breast cancer, I never knew a cancer could occur under the skin in the form of a lump. I'm not sure WHY that didn't occur to me as fact, but I always have thought of it as being in the blood, or an organ like the kidney, lung, or brain. And for women, the obvious ones like breast, cervix, ovaries. Then there's bone cancer which come to think of it, that would likely cause one or more lumps.
I know everyone handles things differently but I found that with cancer and the books I've read , there is symptom, initially dismissing it as something much less serious, contacting doctor , fairly often a misdiagnosis then diagnosis, treatment plan, shock or initial freaking out, tons of emotions, telling others (first immediate family then working outward from extended family, closest friends, bosses, kids teachers or caregivers etc, and in the process the family members are often uprooted to a distant treatment center, lose work and school time, fundraising and benefits organized by friends , relapse or remission, side effects of treatment which can last for weeks, months or years and ultimately recovery or death.
This story was more matter of fact and rational. It's not that the Parkers weren't emotional because they definitely were at times. But they didn't let it consume them, they took things one at a time when possible, didn't rush impulsively into decisions that would affect all of them, they relied on faith, their lodging being taken care of by a very generous lady and her family, as well as transportation by the daughter of said family, no fundraisers or possibility of one was mentioned which was another surprise and a sense of what I would call "radical acceptance!" There was the knowledge that yes, Blaine, the husband and father could die but "we don't have to deal with that now, let's deal with the next thing going on." Blaine did have some side effects with treatment but really, not too bad compared to some I've read. He has a mischievous sense of humor which helped him make the best of things.
Another unique factor is they homeschool their girls and the kids were teens so they decided to allow them to stay home, continue with homeschooling (with some adjustments), and they were in touch daily by phone or social media and visited on occasion but they didn't have to have their entire uprooted for several months at a time during each treatment. I loved that THEY called the shots rather than cancer running the show and them feeling like a pinball being flipped from one corner then immediately shoot off in a different direction!
I do wish the author had gotten the girls to write a few pages on their experience but perhaps that omission will give way to another book?! That would be another unique and unusual approach if one of their girls or all three were to write a book from their perspective during that experience. That would probably be a HUGE help to other kids, teens or young adults going through something similar with a parent having been diagnosed.
I found this memoir to be somewhat different than others I've read about someone going through cancer - although it is the same with regard to cancer affecting the entire family. It does, period and without exception.
Aside from breast cancer, I never knew a cancer could occur under the skin in the form of a lump. I'm not sure WHY that didn't occur to me as fact, but I always have thought of it as being in the blood, or an organ like the kidney, lung, or brain. And for women, the obvious ones like breast, cervix, ovaries. Then there's bone cancer which come to think of it, that would likely cause one or more lumps.
I know everyone handles things differently but I found that with cancer and the books I've read , there is symptom, initially dismissing it as something much less serious, contacting doctor , fairly often a misdiagnosis then diagnosis, treatment plan, shock or initial freaking out, tons of emotions, telling others (first immediate family then working outward from extended family, closest friends, bosses, kids teachers or caregivers etc, and in the process the family members are often uprooted to a distant treatment center, lose work and school time, fundraising and benefits organized by friends , relapse or remission, side effects of treatment which can last for weeks, months or years and ultimately recovery or death.
This story was more matter of fact and rational. It's not that the Parkers weren't emotional because they definitely were at times. But they didn't let it consume them, they took things one at a time when possible, didn't rush impulsively into decisions that would affect all of them, they relied on faith, their lodging being taken care of by a very generous lady and her family, as well as transportation by the daughter of said family, no fundraisers or possibility of one was mentioned which was another surprise and a sense of what I would call "radical acceptance!" There was the knowledge that yes, Blaine, the husband and father could die but "we don't have to deal with that now, let's deal with the next thing going on." Blaine did have some side effects with treatment but really, not too bad compared to some I've read. He has a mischievous sense of humor which helped him make the best of things.
Another unique factor is they homeschool their girls and the kids were teens so they decided to allow them to stay home, continue with homeschooling (with some adjustments), and they were in touch daily by phone or social media and visited on occasion but they didn't have to have their entire uprooted for several months at a time during each treatment. I loved that THEY called the shots rather than cancer running the show and them feeling like a pinball being flipped from one corner then immediately shoot off in a different direction!
I do wish the author had gotten the girls to write a few pages on their experience but perhaps that omission will give way to another book?! That would be another unique and unusual approach if one of their girls or all three were to write a book from their perspective during that experience. That would probably be a HUGE help to other kids, teens or young adults going through something similar with a parent having been diagnosed.
September 25, 2024
Full of Real Emotion and Heartfelt Thoughts
This book was full of real feelings and honest thoughts throughout their journey. It had me laughing (those raccoons) and crying (the tough struggles), but also left me with hope (because of their relationship with the Lord). The thoughts of the author were raw and honest… sometimes that’s what you need to hear. But with that came the processing of what was happening and it all made sense. A real life look into what could happen to any of us at any time. Thank you for sharing your journey! I’m glad Lumpy is gone, but that Blaine is alive and well!
This book was full of real feelings and honest thoughts throughout their journey. It had me laughing (those raccoons) and crying (the tough struggles), but also left me with hope (because of their relationship with the Lord). The thoughts of the author were raw and honest… sometimes that’s what you need to hear. But with that came the processing of what was happening and it all made sense. A real life look into what could happen to any of us at any time. Thank you for sharing your journey! I’m glad Lumpy is gone, but that Blaine is alive and well!
April 20, 2025
The Life and Death of Lumpy Parker
I almost did not finish this story and I was only about 1/4 of the way through. Eight years ago my husband went through something similar. I started to feel the anxiety all over again like I was feeling all the emotions again. It's a very difficult time and to see it all in writing unnerved me a bit which surprised me. However, I did finish the story and so glad I did. I understand so much more now than I did 8 years ago, and I understand now I wasn't as alone as I thought I was. I kept so much to myself. This story was the therapy I needed. Thank you.
I almost did not finish this story and I was only about 1/4 of the way through. Eight years ago my husband went through something similar. I started to feel the anxiety all over again like I was feeling all the emotions again. It's a very difficult time and to see it all in writing unnerved me a bit which surprised me. However, I did finish the story and so glad I did. I understand so much more now than I did 8 years ago, and I understand now I wasn't as alone as I thought I was. I kept so much to myself. This story was the therapy I needed. Thank you.
July 19, 2025
Well written
No matter how interesting an experience is, the story is only as good as the quality of the author’s writing to convey his thoughts. This is a good example where enough facts were given to understand, but not over one’s head. Also, a fair amount of intimacy and vulnerability was shared. I also liked that God was given due credit, but the text was not overridden with bible scriptures as it is in other books I’ve read.
No matter how interesting an experience is, the story is only as good as the quality of the author’s writing to convey his thoughts. This is a good example where enough facts were given to understand, but not over one’s head. Also, a fair amount of intimacy and vulnerability was shared. I also liked that God was given due credit, but the text was not overridden with bible scriptures as it is in other books I’ve read.
October 25, 2025
A Harrowing story that's also triumphant
This is a very well-written book about a harrowing cancer fight. The author is a very gifted writer. The hardships her family dealt with are described in detail without sounding whiny. I couldn't put this book down! Highly recommended. I hope and pray that the cancer is gone for good, and that this remarkable family can thrive after this life-altering time.
This is a very well-written book about a harrowing cancer fight. The author is a very gifted writer. The hardships her family dealt with are described in detail without sounding whiny. I couldn't put this book down! Highly recommended. I hope and pray that the cancer is gone for good, and that this remarkable family can thrive after this life-altering time.
August 28, 2024
Christi wrote this book so thoughtfully, eloquently, and packed full of love and truth. She does an incredible job taking us along as her family faces a battle against cancer and leaves you with so much wisdom whether your facing your own battle, a loved ones, or a friends. You will laugh, cry, and hug your loved ones a little tighter after this read!
September 16, 2025
Lumpy is History
I loved this book! It was hilarious in some parts, and I would read those parts to my husband and we would be laughing out loud! It was a scary diagnosis although God took care of the author’s favorite person and healed him. I highly suggest reading this book as it is one of the best I have read in a long time. Thank you Christi Parker for such an awesome book!
I loved this book! It was hilarious in some parts, and I would read those parts to my husband and we would be laughing out loud! It was a scary diagnosis although God took care of the author’s favorite person and healed him. I highly suggest reading this book as it is one of the best I have read in a long time. Thank you Christi Parker for such an awesome book!
January 8, 2026
Medicine in real life
This book made me thankful once more for the health of myself and my family. It shows that you never know what might be happening with your health and it’s ok to ask questions and to challenge what you’re told if you don’t think it’s right. The Parkers were lucky to have so many people step in to help.
This book made me thankful once more for the health of myself and my family. It shows that you never know what might be happening with your health and it’s ok to ask questions and to challenge what you’re told if you don’t think it’s right. The Parkers were lucky to have so many people step in to help.
September 16, 2025
Not the type of book I'd normally read
The author grabbed hold of my interest in the first chapter, and I became engrossed with her experience fighting for her husband's health well as his life. It was a fine read!
The author grabbed hold of my interest in the first chapter, and I became engrossed with her experience fighting for her husband's health well as his life. It was a fine read!
August 29, 2024
5 stars!
Fantastic book about the life as a caregiver of a husband with cancer. Great and easy read, highly recommend. Warning a bit of a tear jerker
Fantastic book about the life as a caregiver of a husband with cancer. Great and easy read, highly recommend. Warning a bit of a tear jerker
March 14, 2025
It was quite obvious that this person hadn’t ever written a book before. However, I think it’s amazing that she was able to share her journey with people and be a witness of how powerful God is.
September 26, 2025
Lumpy
Enjoyed reading the journey of the Parkers. A great story of what it is like to go through all of the treatments to actual beat cancer.
Enjoyed reading the journey of the Parkers. A great story of what it is like to go through all of the treatments to actual beat cancer.
December 28, 2025
Interesting read
A good insight into life with cancer. Too much God for me though.
But nevertheless a very powerful read. A good read
A good insight into life with cancer. Too much God for me though.
But nevertheless a very powerful read. A good read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews