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Tea & Chemo: Fighting Cancer, Living Life

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At the age of 45, wife and mother Jackie Buxton was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lurching between the crippling fear that the cancer had spread, and the great comfort of knowing she was one of the lucky ones who could be treated, she did what she always does when life presents her with a she wrote it down. Jackie quickly realised that even with cancer, life was far from bad. Never known for her scientific prowess, she nonetheless became a 'bit of an expert' - at least in the field of hair loss, water retention and biscuits - and decided to use her writing to share experiences and help others recognise you don't have to be defined by your cancer. Tea & Chemo is full of laughter, tears, honesty and hope, and offers inspirational words to everyone facing the life challenges that cancer inevitably brings. All proceeds from the sales of Tea & Chemo will go to three incredibly important charities, whose compassionate care and professionalism make the difference to so many The Haven, Breast Cancer Now and The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Harrogate.

108 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2015

20 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Jackie Buxton

2 books11 followers
Jackie Buxton is a writer, editor and teacher of creative writing, living in Yorkshire with her husband and two teenage daughters. Author of self-help memoir, Tea & Chemo (Urbane Publications, November 2015), Amazon Kindle Bestseller 2019 and winner of the Live Better With, Best Cancer Book 2017, Jackie's first novel, Glass Houses, was published in July 2016. It's about two women, their terrible mistakes, the repercussions and the silver linings. Jackie's short stories can also be found in three anthologies, as well as in Chase Magazine and on-line.
When not writing or reading, involved in domesticity or teenage taxi driving, Jackie can often be found running, cycling or tripping up though the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Jackie's ambitions range from drinking more coffee with friends, to film deals and the big one: beating secondary breast cancer.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Erma Talamante.
Author 1 book61 followers
January 7, 2016
Review to come tomorrow...

Stay tuned... I'm still in the processing phase after a very good, moving book.

You understand, right?
107 reviews
June 6, 2022
If you know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, buy this book. Answered a lot of questions and raised a lot of things I never thought about, all in a charming and light hearted manner. Lots of helpful advice too.
Profile Image for Jill.
273 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2016
If you are looking for a book to inspire you, this could be the one for you. Jackie Buxton is an amazing, courageous, funny and a totally inspirational woman. The book she has written isn't a story saying pity me, or look how unfair life is. It is a wonderfully written tale of how to receive a cancer diagnosis, and to deal with it, both practically and emotionally.

I had heard mutterings about this book, and seen people rave about it so was intrigued to read it for myself. The title is quite hard core, and I really didnt know what to expect. As someone who is fortunate not to have personally had cancer i guess there was a part of me that was nosey about reading how tough it is, and perhaps feeding my hidden fear of just how awful life would be if I was unfortunate enough to get cancer. I think it is alot of people's hidden, unspoken fear. We hear so much about the horrors of chemo, the statistics on recovery and survival, and sadly most of us know someone who has battled cancer, both successfully and sadly not so successfully.

But this book isnt like that at all. At the risk of repeating myself, Jackie is amazing. Yes, the book talks about chemo and some of the other horrible things that go along with having cancer, but its more than that. The book is full of hope, of smiles, and she cleverly caters for readers of all types.

For those who are facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment there is some really excellent practical advice, and words of wisdom from someone who has faced the same struggles. For those of us either supporting someone with cancer, or just reading because we have in interest in learning more, the book provides an insight to what its really like. Some of the emotions Jackie went through, a description of the treatment and ways to cope, and what life is like when treatment stops.

i found this book a real eye opener, and very thought provoking, I was compelled to read it as it is so well written. It is very honest, and the author makes it very clear that she is not a spokeswoman and representing everyone, as they all face their unique challenges. But I did find it very heart warming and like i say, inspirational. I know sometimes I can get down in the dumps and feel sorry for myself, but this book reminds me that life is a gift, and to treasure and make the most of every day, even the grotty ones.

I feel very privileged to have been able to read and review this book and I would like to thank Urbane books for sending me a copy in return for an honest review.

I should also mention that the author is donating all money from sales to three fantastic cancer charities; The Haven, Breast Cancer Now and The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Harrogate. So I would encourage everyone to buy a copy.
Profile Image for Nayuleska.
385 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2016
Having had several friends go through in the past few years I liked the personal insight Jackie gives to fighting cancer. Her experience was a bit different to my friends as she had children to take care of. I could relate a lot of the sentiments through my own health issues-it's so true that you can develop an odd sense of humour which others can find inappropriate, but which you think is rather funny.

Jackie talks through all aspects of having chemo, especially how she feels about it, which is a bit brave of her, as well as important issues like whether to wear a wig, forgetfulness and the incredible fatigue which I most definitely relate to. She does get a bit down about it, but manages to pick herself up thanks to those she loves being there for her. A good read if you are or know someone affected by cancer.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Karin Jenkins.
855 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2018
This is an excellent book looking at the human side of having cancer and going through treatment. It’s aimed at people going through this and their families but is a useful insight for nonspecialist health care professionals as well.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
395 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2019
Some things explained, some shared experiences. Not always comfortable reading but it was interesting reading her experiences.

I have started keeping a diary, as suggested by the cancer team at Nottingham City Hospital, but it will not be published
Profile Image for Fiona.
559 reviews
September 28, 2016
An inspiring book for someone going through the breast cancer journey . Interesting to "see" it from the other side .
Profile Image for Grass monster.
579 reviews17 followers
January 19, 2016
This is a beautifully written book by Jackie. She has an amazing ability to write about her journey from beginning to end. Her upbeat positive attitude should be credited. I for one dont think id be as strong or brave as her.
Although it doesnt concentrate on all the in's and out's of Cancer, this is more focused on how Jackie feels throughout this period of time and how she deals with her diagnosis and treatment.
I found this to be an honest, inspirational account of an ordinary person who didnt want or ask for this disease. I am sure this has been an emotional journey for not only Jackie but her family and friends too. Thank you for sharing such an incredible journey.
I wish her all the very best in the future.
Profile Image for Ali.
Author 4 books2 followers
August 21, 2016
Jackie Buxton's book combines helpful insights - the kind of information that they just don't tell you in hospital - with her own brand of humour which makes this book an upbeat read which I really enjoyed. Several of my friends are breast cancer survivors and if I or any other friends were given the diagnosis, it's a book I would turn to for good advice and optimism.

All profits from the book go to cancer charities.

Heartily recommended.
Profile Image for Claire Priestwood.
1 review
February 26, 2016
A very moving book talking about Jackie's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whilst the subject is a very serious one, Jackie's ability to bring a touch of humour to it is very clever.
Profile Image for Nicky.
37 reviews
November 25, 2016
Brilliant

You must buy this, it is uplifting and helped me so much after my diagnosis. Please give it a try.
Profile Image for Highlandtown.
357 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2019
The author went through breast cancer surgery and treatments in England’s NHS. Her book is about how she survives cancer and adapts to a new normality..
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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