Fragments of French: An Unexpected Journey of the Heart

by Wanda St. Hilaire

You can never comprehend the severe and sudden impact of the words, “I’m sorry, it’s cancer” unless they are directed at you. Wanda St. Hilaire personally and profoundly knows the effects of those four words—twice over. With her first diagnosis at the age of 29, Wanda was an anomaly. Today, cancer is epidemic—one in three people will be diagnosed—and age does not exempt anyone.
Many people given the diagnosis either panic and make knee-jerk decisions under duress or check out and allow others to dictate their cancer journey.


What can you do instead?


Firstly, make fully informed, intuitive decisions. Knowledge is empowerment. Secondly, address the real causes of the imbalances that give cancer a place to thrive. Cancer is a “whole person” disease, yet it is typically treated as a separate entity to be aggressively attacked. Every part of our bodies and all aspects of our lives are interdependent of the other and there is far more you can do to heal cancer than the standard surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy protocols.


This poignant fusion guidebook-memoir speaks to the power of human resilience and a steadfast belief that the answers to healing lie within. St. Hilaire presents simple-to-digest material and wisdom woven with insightful anecdotes. She provides an invaluable amalgamation of research in a context not always accessible at your cancer centre.


In sharing, Wanda hopes that those newly diagnosed, in recovery, or searching for a way to support someone they love will find that this book makes the healing process less traumatic and that it will lead survivors to a new and improved life post-disease.


What To Do After “I’m sorry, it’s cancer.” is a compelling reminder that impossible things happen every day.

Genres: Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2019

About the author

Wanda St. Hilaire is a three-time breast cancer survivor with a predilection for research and a passion for delving into the psychology of wellness.

After a second diagnosis in 2010, she made lifestyle changes that contributed to her healing and supported her philosophy that our lives are meant to be lived doing what we love in places that make our hearts sing.

Through writing, St. Hilaire shares what she’s learned through the high peaks of adventure and love and from the dark valleys of illness and heartbreak. Her mission is to help people overcome the self and tap into their wise inner guidance system. Her wish is to inspire others to live true to their unique and beautiful nature.

Reviews

[Dawn Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for those facing cancer (or any disease for that matter). By intensely practicing the wisdom to eloquently offered by Wanda, you may be well n your way to recovery. This book will help you make monumental decisions before and after treatment. Trust Wanda with her suggestions and personal knowledge that may relieve your fear and restore your faith to wellness.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this is a sad book, the writer does a good job of telling the story of trying to cope with cancer. Cancer not only affects the patient, but the rest of the family. Hope no one I know has to face this type of diagnosis.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never had cancer. But, I can understand what it feels like when it seems as if you've lost control of your health, your body, your future. St. Hilaire's thesis is that we can--and must-- take responsibility for our own health choices, even when faced with something as challenging as cancer. With loads of suggestions, ideas for getting the support you need, lists questions to ask, and large doses of inspiration, St. Hilaire is a compassionate and empathetic guide to the challenge of receiving a cancer diagnosis.