Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner’s breast cancer

by Woody Weingarten

Part memoir, part investigative journalism, Rollercoaster chronicles author Woody Weingarten’s twenty-year struggle to support his wife in her battle against breast cancer.

“Rollercoaster ” is a comprehensive memoir-chronicle and guide to up-to-the-minute scientific research, meds and where to get help. It shows how Nancy Fox and her husband Woody Weingarten coped with breast cancer, its treatments and its aftermath — and how you can as well.

Almost 250,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually. Male caregivers (husbands, boyfriends, fathers, sons and brothers) typically become a forgotten part of the equation. Yet they, too, need support. “Rollercoaster” can help provide it.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Pamela King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster is an intimate, very personal and frank story about a woman suffering breast cancer from the viewpoint of her care giver, her husband. I should point out that this is not a ‘poor me’ story by her husband. It is about the love for a partner and sharing of their suffering. It is indeed a both a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride from beginning to end; written with understanding, caring, honesty, knowledge and humour.

The care giver spouse is often forgotten and attitudes to expression of their suffering can be seen as selfish. After all they are not the ones whose life is threatened. What Weingarten reminds us is that they are expected to be the strong support for their loved one. No, they are not going through the pain and uncertainty but they are going through the anguish of seeing a loved one suffer. ‘Rollercoaster’ helps us understand that. It also helps women suffering from cancer to understand what their partner is experiencing. Support is needed for both partners, by both partners.

Woody and his wife are an exceptional couple, very much in love and, at most times, during the ordeal they shared with her breast cancer unselfish.

The author not only chronicles the ups and downs of their relationship but also aspects of and alternatives for treatment and available support programs for both men and women.

In addition to his own emotive ups and downs he sensitively records those of his of his beloved wife also.

Rollercoaster is not just for partners of people suffering from breast cancer; it’s advice on dealing with the suffering of a loved one applies to any life-threatening condition.

My rating 5*

This review is also on my website www.pam.id.au

[Eloise Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This moving account of a man facing his wife’s cancer is aptly named. While everyone over a certain age must know someone who has had to face cancer and therefore aware of the nature of the ups and downs of the ordeal, the author’s details bring home the pain and worry a couple faces. I was particularly interested in the back-and-forths of the research on cancer and its treatment, adding to the consternation of decision making.

A strong case is made for support groups and the appendix includes resources for men whose wives are in various stages of treatment for cancer. Details on the major drugs and treatment and their advocates as well as naysayers are provided including reversals of opinions, which seem to make the medical profession look fickle. I fear it is the challenging nature of cancer. There is an excellent PBS special,
https://www.pbs.org/show/story-cancer... ,
which tracks progress on a cure for cancer, sought as if there were a single cure. Over time it became understood that cancer is not one disease, but many as cures were discovered which worked on a limited number of cancers and patients. Perhaps our DNA mapping will help future physicians select from a variety of treatments.

I enjoyed the read with the exception of the number and length of similes in some sections, which detracted from the narrative. They seemed less about elucidating the content than displaying the cleverness of the author.
There are some great bits written by the author's wife, Nancy Fox.
You don’t have to be in the author’s situation to appreciate Rollercoaster.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the thought of your spouse developiong a potentially fatal case of cancer sound funny? It isn't, but when the author of this book faced that very crisis, he and and his wife decided to fight fire with laughter. This book is not so much about cancer as it is about love, and how that is, ultimately, our best tool for staring down the adversities of life. If you are going through anything remotely like what Woody and Nancy did, this book is a must, but even if you have not, their story is an inspiration. And the book is so well-written, even the casual reader will delight in it, despite the more sober moments.

[Ron Ratchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will not write a review of this book. I can not say what has been said so well by the author/husband/partner/spouse of a wonderful and brave person who is a dear friend. This is a love letter to the world. The words were written by the one and the lines were fed to him by her. What a combination. Read the book. Give it to others as a gift. It is a gift.

The moments of the book will live a long time after you have read the last page. It basically told me how I would want to be if I were in either of their place. Woody and Nancy told me what I needed to know.

[Gloria Dunn-Violin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woody Weingarten’s book may focus on cancer, but it is love story written by a superb writer. He writes charmingly with both wit and compassion. Every sentence is a creative use of words that merge into his story like butter on a delicious bun. If you only read one book about a couple going through the cancer process together, this is a must read. Gloria Dunn-Violin, Certified Retirement Life Coach

[Bernie Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rollercoaster” is a fine piece of work — heartfelt, compassionate, loving, articulate, well-crafted and certainly insightful, even for those who haven’t personally had to endure the kinds of issues it evokes. I got it about a week ago, and read it cover-to-cover over the past several days. It deserves attention.
Bernie Krause, author of “The Great Animal Orchestra,” Glen Ellen, California

[Fran French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, cried and felt totally immersed in the words and feelings Woody Weingarten expressed. A must read for all those who are going through a similar experience. Written from the heart with deep and honest emotions.

[David Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, smart, poignant, moving — and most of all, helpful.