Undetectable: Life Lessons from Surviving 3 Primary Cancers

by Bernie Citerone

You hear the word cancer and everything changes.

But what if it didn’t have to define you?

In Life Lessons from Surviving 3 Primary Cancers, Bernie Citerone shares a powerful, deeply human account of facing—and outliving—multiple life-threatening diagnoses, including prostate, esophageal, and kidney cancer. With clarity and honesty, he takes you inside the physical, emotional, and mental realities of long-term survival.

After a 42-year career in healthcare, Bernie suddenly found himself on the other side of the system—as a patient navigating complex treatments, uncertainty, and the weight of repeated diagnoses. Through proton therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and ongoing surveillance, he discovered something resilience is built, not born—and perspective changes everything.

Inside, you’ll

What it really takes to face repeated cancer diagnoses without losing yourselfHow to cope with uncertainty when “curable” isn’t guaranteedThe role of gratitude, mindset, and support in long-term survivalPractical insights for patients, caregivers, and loved onesWhy being “undetectable” is more than a medical term—it’s a mindsetBernie’s journey is proof that even in the face of serious illness, life can still be meaningful, joyful, and deeply fulfilling.

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this book offers something grounded hope, hard-earned wisdom, and a reminder that your story is bigger than your diagnosis.

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

About the author

Bernie Citerone spent 42 years in healthcare, primarily serving as a hospital Chief Financial Officer before retiring in 2017. He is a survivor of three primary cancers—prostate, esophageal, and kidney—and has undergone extensive treatment including proton therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and cryoablation. Bernie lives in Media, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Yvonne, and remains committed to sharing hope and perspective with others facing serious illness.

Reviews

[Sully Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I worked with Bernie at Ernst and Whinney many years ago and we kept in touch for many years after, although our careers diverged. I well remember his often-repeated mantra that "the plan is that there is no plan" when we discussed surprises at the firm and in life as a whole over lunch or a drink. His recounting of the challenges he faced as a cancer patient and survivor reminded me of that mantra.

It's a gripping story with a happy ending for Bernie's family and for those of us who get the benefit of the book that came out of the ordeal. Anyone faced with cancer, helping a family member with a major medical condition, or simply getting old can benefit from the upbeat, determined advice Bernie delivers in this book.

The fishing stuff was interesting as well. . . I'm disappointed that I never introduced Bernie to my other friend who often exults over the fact that he outwitted two or three or four trout at the cost of standing a mere few hours in cold water or on the chilly bank of a stream.

[Taylor Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Incredible Journey

Full disclosure. I’m the friend who helped Daniel Citerone secure his internship as mentioned in Bernie’s book. Having said that, I have survived two cancers, but never endured the trials and tribulations faced and successfully overcome as did Bernie. His journey and willingness to share his experiences are inspiring and his determination to never let the cancers define or beat him are uplifting. I read the entire book in one afternoon. The entire book is worthwhile, but I highly recommend that readers reread Chapter 11 several times - timeless words of wisdom.