Dear Cancer, Love Victoria: A Mum's Diary of Hope

by Victoria Derbyshire

Fully updated to include a new introduction by Lynda Thomas, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support.'I can't bear not to be with these three most important people in my life. I can't bear not to be there alongside Mark as my children grow up. My bright, funny, affectionate boys who are never embarrassed to say, "love you mummy", and say it ten times day.' Renowned as a much-loved and highly respected BBC journalist, Victoria Derbyshire has spent 20 years finding the human story behind the headlines. In 2015 she found herself at the heart of the news, with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. With honesty and openness, she decided to live out her treatment and recovery in the spotlight in a series of video diaries that encouraged thousands to seek diagnosis and help. Victoria has kept a diary since she was nine years old and in DEAR CANCER, LOVE VICTORIA she shares her day to day experiences of life following her diagnosis and coming to terms with a future that wasn't planned. From the moment she woke up to find her right breast had collapsed, to telling her partner and children, through to mastectomy and chemotherapy. From wearing a wig to work and hiding it from her colleagues, to the relief and joy of finishing treatment before immediately flying to Glasgow to present a debate on the European Referendum. By sharing her story, she became the person that mums, daughters, sisters, husbands, boyfriends and family members contacted to thank as they tried to find ways to cope with their own and their loved ones' prognosis, and needed to know that they were not alone. Victoria's story is an affecting and at times heart-breaking one but it is so often laugh-out-loud too. Moving, wonderfully heartwarming and ultimately uplifting, this is a powerful account of a brave struggle told with honesty, courage and emotion that gives strength to anyone touched by cancer.

Genres: Nonfiction

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2017

Reviews

[Jo Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. I'll gather my thoughts and write something coherent when I stop crying and my mind stops spinning.

In short, utterly inspirational.

I've now managed to find what I wanted to say about this book:

I have always admired Victoria as a serious journalist, having listened to her since the early days of Radio 5. I was bereft when she left for her own Television show which I don't often get the chance to watch (but very pleased for her at the same time!). In her work, as in her writing, she has a reassuringly straightforward style and is uncompromising and honest.

Her book was a must for me as soon as it was published, and I ploughed through it. She and I are the same age, with same age children so I felt a certain connection. The detail around her treatment was an eye opener, and her admiration for the NHS genuine and heartfelt. It felt very real and was compelling reading, and I cried several times. Thankfully, I have also smiled and laughed.

She is one brave lady with heaps of integrity who values what matters most in life. She seems genuinely surprised at the impact this book has had and the feedback she has received from readers/listeners/viewers. She shouldn't be, because she is, and what she did with this book, is amazing.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Although very emotional and difficult to read, it was a very good informative book that was easy to read

[Linda Alderdice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

So true as I also had breast cancer just after Victoria finished her treatment and she writes just exactly how you feel - it's uncanny!

[Emma Stevens · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got bored.

Did not like this, not at least half of the book was victoria name dropping and all the opportunities that came from her cancer. Just very dull.

[Lynunwn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy going and very emotional read

[Harriett Bunclark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bloody brilliant. I saw it at my library inn the new section and was slightly hesitant about reading it as a month ago I was told I had cancer and it had spread.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. Victoria's way of describing the waiting and how she feels echoes in me. It made me pleased to read when I read she wanted to stay at work for as long as possible, that's all I wanted for a bit of normalacy.
If you have cancer, know some who has cancer or just want a absolutely fantastic read, I highly recommend this book 100%. Victoria if you ever read these reviews You make me so proud to say I have cancer.

[Cathygillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressed by her courage and envious of her journalistic talent for expressing herself clearly and honestly when facing this terrifying diagnosis. Victoria must have been an inspiration to her readers and listeners alike as they followed her journey to an uplifting conclusion. If it has encouraged more women to seek medical help urgently at the first sign of a problem then it has accomplished its purpose and I wish Victoria and her family all the best for the future.

[Lovedreadingthis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diary of Victoria Derbyshire’s experience of breast cancer, from diagnosis to the final day of treatment. Extremely accessible in its format, uplifting and inspirational. I was impressed by Victoria’s attitude and outlook and felt I gained from reading this book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable book by a very brave young lady. She relates her story from the discovery and diagnosis of breast cancer, through the mastectomy, the chemo and the radiography with nothing held back. This book makes me feel very humble.

[Lucy Bygrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book whilst I was in holiday in Malta whilst recovering from surgery and awaiting the start of chemotherapy.

Written so openly and honestly, it gave me a good insight into what was to come and made me realise it really is doable.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this shortly after I was also diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer. It feels like having a friend to turn to when I am awake in the middle of the night churning over all the thoughts of “what if...”

[Nicki Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read and such an inspirational and brave lady.

[Sue Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much about all the letters she received about how fantastic she was - I felt a bit like she was saying look at how good I am at this.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the book that no woman wants to read and yet every woman should.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing women and so inspirational!!

[Sheila Howes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from her video diaries, Victoria Derbyshire shares her diary of her highs and lows through her treatment for breast cancer. An enlightening and moving read.

[Raymond Hey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Nazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be very relatable as I was with my mum though her entire journey of cancer. I respect her journey, However I did find certain parts to be quite watered down.

[Bev Cheetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest frank account which is sadly totally relatable. Thanks for writing this book it’s undoubtedly going to help many women x

[Emma Dargue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing thought provoking and emotive look at Victoria's journey through diagnosis, chemo and radiotherapy. Stunning! Victoria manages in a short book to illuminate the negatives of going through cancer treatment but also manages to find small gaps of life and fun to enable her to live as normal a life as possible. Beautiful!!!