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But(t), cancer: A memoir of loss and gain
'GOBSMACKED'
One word from her doctor mid-colonoscopy turned Lisa Barlin's world on its head. Waking to the unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer at forty, this is a detour through brutal cancer treatments, careers interrupted, and how one-woman faces (faeces!) the prospect of ‘pooping’ in public.
Offering a reflection on growing up in a large Catholic family in Canberra, Australia, in the 80s and 90s, through law school, marriage and motherhood, this is a tender love letter to all the broken pieces that make a family whole.
This book is the best friend for anyone with cancer, surviving cancer, or supporting a loved one through the disease.
Told with sensitivity, striking honesty and humour, prepare to be heartened, to cry, to chuckle, and above all, to witness the alchemy that turns life’s unexpected ‘But(t)s’ into gold.
One word from her doctor mid-colonoscopy turned Lisa Barlin's world on its head. Waking to the unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer at forty, this is a detour through brutal cancer treatments, careers interrupted, and how one-woman faces (faeces!) the prospect of ‘pooping’ in public.
Offering a reflection on growing up in a large Catholic family in Canberra, Australia, in the 80s and 90s, through law school, marriage and motherhood, this is a tender love letter to all the broken pieces that make a family whole.
This book is the best friend for anyone with cancer, surviving cancer, or supporting a loved one through the disease.
Told with sensitivity, striking honesty and humour, prepare to be heartened, to cry, to chuckle, and above all, to witness the alchemy that turns life’s unexpected ‘But(t)s’ into gold.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 13, 2026
Not knowing how harsh the treatment for this cancer was, i had thought I could imagine how scary and overwhelming the process is but reading this book gives a front row seat to a lot of the struggle. The astonishing thing, is that despite the heavy subject, the book somehow feels bright, Lisa’s incredible will and optimism are the main characters, her love for and from her family shines strongly, this makes her memoir captivating and my lasting impression is of her gratitude and strength 💛
June 26, 2026
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did, because cancer is a heavy topic, but I raced through this book. I really wish I had read this before my best friend went to “cancerland”, and I would recommend it for anyone with a loved one going through it or anyone who has just joined the horrible club. Lisa explains her experience in such a gentle, humorous and engaging way that this book leaves you feeling uplifted. But it also speaks with candour about the hard stuff (unmentionables) that I think polite society doesn’t talk about enough, and I’m glad I now know more about.
July 27, 2026
thank you
I read this book in less than 24 hours, to use a word from the book I was gobsmacked and could not stop reading. It is a totally honest and powerful memoir written with style and verve. Lisa pinpoints so many issues about cancer and the way it is approached. One of the most important learnings is that it is different for everyone. The importance of family and friends and allowing oneself to be vulnerable and accepting of help are key components of fighting this disease. There should be no blame no questions asked. Thank you Lisa!
I read this book in less than 24 hours, to use a word from the book I was gobsmacked and could not stop reading. It is a totally honest and powerful memoir written with style and verve. Lisa pinpoints so many issues about cancer and the way it is approached. One of the most important learnings is that it is different for everyone. The importance of family and friends and allowing oneself to be vulnerable and accepting of help are key components of fighting this disease. There should be no blame no questions asked. Thank you Lisa!
June 11, 2026
For anyone facing cancer, supporting a loved one through illness, or simply looking for a story of hope and perseverance, this book is an invaluable companion. It is heartfelt, courageous, and unforgettable—a moving reminder that even life’s greatest challenges can reveal unexpected grace and beauty.
A compassionate, life-affirming memoir that stays with you long after the final page.
A compassionate, life-affirming memoir that stays with you long after the final page.
June 24, 2026
Talking about a cancer journey doesn’t seem easy, especially when it comes to bowel/colorectal cancer it can be even crappier…
Lisa is raw and honest about being in “Cancerland”, the Before, In and After. The impact it had on her, her loved ones and network.
She doesn’t shy away from all the nasty and gritty bits of treatment, physical and mental. Nonetheless, how light even shines during some of the darkest days.
I hope (much like Lisa) that this book falls in to the right hands. It adds awareness particularly surrounding symptoms and that people should head straight to their doctor if there are any concerns.
Keep shining bright Lisa!
Lisa is raw and honest about being in “Cancerland”, the Before, In and After. The impact it had on her, her loved ones and network.
She doesn’t shy away from all the nasty and gritty bits of treatment, physical and mental. Nonetheless, how light even shines during some of the darkest days.
I hope (much like Lisa) that this book falls in to the right hands. It adds awareness particularly surrounding symptoms and that people should head straight to their doctor if there are any concerns.
Keep shining bright Lisa!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews