Lifesaving Gratitude: How Gratitude Helped Me Beat Stage IV Cancer

by Bunny Terry

If you’ve ever been ugly dumped, knocked off your feet, financially devastated, stunned by a potentially fatal diagnosis, or paralyzed by fear, you’ll find comfort and strategies for surviving and eventually thriving in this book. Bunny Terry experienced all of these and was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on a day when she thought she was the healthiest person in the world. Her surprising journey through the maze of illness, treatment, surgery, and recovery, along with her stubborn daily practice of gratitude, even when she wanted to throw her gratitude journal off a cliff, will leave you laughing, crying, and hopefully feeling grateful, even when it seems impossible.The author heard her father say daily, “If life were any better, I’d have to be two people,” even in moments when things seemed especially dire. He said it when he was losing the farm, when she was an unwed pregnant college student, when she was getting her third divorce, and even when she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Putting that practice of positivity and gratitude to work when she was ill and struggling with chemo was no easy feat, but it frequently felt like the only alternative to outright despair. In unexpected, simple, and profound language, Bunny’s transparent sharing of her cancer, her vulnerability, her physical pain, and her gratitude story will move you to tears at the same time that it gives you tools for saving your own life with a gratitude practice.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2021

Reviews

[Jessica J. Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried and I read the last page with hopes it wouldn’t end. Bunny Terry’s story is one of courage, strength and, of course, the undeniable power of gratitude. Before I was even halfway through, I’d started my own gratitude journal and have kept it going everyday (I think she offers daily prompts on her website, too!). I found this book to be a wonderfully honest and uplifting read and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for some bad news turned good.

[Carmen W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifesaving Gratitude is an inspiring and deeply honest memoir. Bunny Terry shares her Stage IV cancer journey with courage, humor, and a vulnerability that makes every page resonate. Her commitment to gratitude even on the hardest days offers real comfort and practical tools for anyone facing fear, illness, or major life challenges.

A heartfelt reminder that hope and gratitude can transform even the darkest moments.

[Ananda Irie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny does a great job sharing her authentic feelings as she moves through her cancer diagnosis in this memoir. Her outlook and sense of humor are relatable - even if you are currently working through a cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. I was anticipating learning more about her gratitude practice based on the title, but this was really just a very small part of the story.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 24 hours because I absolutely could not put it down. The way Bunny shared vulnerably about her fight was amazing and inspiring. She’s a gifted storyteller and encourager and I’m grateful for her story!

[felishaherrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

A truly inspirational read. I am inspired and awed at Bunny's ability to be so grateful in spite of her horrific illness.