All To Live For: Fighting Cancer. Finding Hope.

by Emma Hannigan

* All to Live For is an extended and updated edition of the bestselling memoir Talk to the Headscarf * In 2005 Emma Hannigan was thirty two years old, happily married to her long-time love with two young children. Her world was shattered when she discovered that she had the rare gene BRCA1, meaning a 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer and an 85% chance of developing breast cancer. To reduce the risk, Emma had a double mastectomy and both ovaries removed. But in 2007 she received the devastating news that cancer had struck anyway. Now, twelve years later, Emma Hannigan is battling cancer for the tenth time. With her trademark warmth and wisdom, Emma shares her journey and her advice on everything from skincare and hair loss to how to keep a sense of humour through it all. All to Live For is a story of one woman's determination not to let cancer win; a story of strength and inspiration, hope and love. And of never giving up.

336 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2017

About the author

Emma Hannigan was an Irish author and blogger, best known for writing about her experience of suffering from cancer.

With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.

Reviews

[Stephanie Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliantly honest writing of her 10 battles with cancer. I myself am fighting both myeloma and chronic myeloid leukaemia. her accurate description of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and side effects are spot on. I would highly recommend this book. at times I felt she was in my head describing feelings and symptoms that I too had suffered. a must read for any fellow cancer warrior out there.

[Leane Hannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, I thought I was alone and going insane! I have highlighted so much for return reading, to remind me I am not alone on this journey. I finished the book on the same day Emma passed. Unknown to .

Thank you, I thought I was alone and going insane! I have highlighted so much for return reading, to remind me I am not alone on this journey. I finished the book on the same day Emma passed. Unknown to me! I laughed and cried, cringed and sympathized. My friends asked me not to read the book, I am so glad I didn't listen . I learnt so much and wAlked away more positive than ever and with my fighting spirit in tact !!!

[Victoria Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Very well and very honestly written. I thought the odd time that it was a little too light hearted but I have just in the last few weeks lost my Dad to cancer so it is probably more due to that. I ready Designer Genes which was fabulous too. She is an inspiration. Living with that revolting cruel disease is very difficult. I am going to read more of her books.

[Dervla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awfully unlucky for Emma, and it’s so sad she had to suffer as long as she did. But the book itself was repetitive and could have done with a good edit down. Also don’t read if you are in recovery for disordered eating, there is a lot of triggering language.

[Boyle70hotmail.Co.Uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books ive read in a long time. I think I laughed out loud reading every page. Its written in a frank and honest way as well as being witty and funny.
I like the way the chapters are short too.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Mary Boyle]

A great book that will have you laughing out loud. Enjoyed every single page. I like the short chapters. Its an honest and frank book with a lot of wit and humour. I mainly read poetry books but I took a break to read this and enjoyed every second. Thank you Emma.