The Big Ordeal

by Cynthia Hayes

Coping with cancer is hard. It is an emotional ordeal as well as a physical one, with known and somewhat predictable psychological responses. And yet, patients often feel isolated and alone when dealing with the stress, anxiety, depression, and existential crises so typical with a cancer diagnosis.The Big Ordeal, written in collaboration with a psychologist and two oncologists, tackles the emotional side of the experience head-on, to help newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones anticipate, understand, and deal with the psychological turmoil ahead. Based on interviews with scores of patients and experts across a variety of fields, combining patient stories with medical insights and advice from those who have been there, and structured around the typical phases of the process, this book is an accessible resource for anyone who receive a cancer diagnosis.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2021

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cancer brings out feelings of despair, relentless fatigue, and demoralizing restless nights due to the shake up and disruption of all the stuff that helps one normally maintain good health mentally and physically.
It is obvious that this was not written about surviving cancer during a pandemic. All the rewarding of hugs, trips, etc. are on temporary hold for us at this time. The loneliness factors feels much heavier because we must try and survive one while hopefully avoiding the other.
I wish I could say reading this book made me more optimistic as I am navigating my second breast cancer and chemo, but instead I am more fearful than ever of another cancer in my future. After all, this cancer is not the same as my first, so who is to say it won’t come back some where else since I no longer have breast.

[Vampfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone going through this. Insightful and science based!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful resource for patients and caregivers dealing with cancer and all the emotions and physical responses that come with diagnosis and treatments. A survivor herself, author Cynthia Hayes shares her story, and the stories of many survivors dealing with different cancers, to describe a wide range or emotions and responses along many time points of a cancer journey. This allows newly diagnosed readers (and caregivers) to realize they are not alone in their thoughts and feelings, and that a wide range of responses are normal.

Research is shared as sidebars to explain the science behind many physical and emotional responses. Additionally, experts in communication, coping, side effect management, intimacy, and others provide important professional insights. My favorite parts were survivors sharing how they navigated their feelings and responses so readers can consider these options as they find their own way to live through a cancer ordeal.

[Tamara D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource on dealing with the emotional and psychological effects of cancer. Reading it helps any cancer patient understand that many of the thoughts and feelings he or she is having are not unusual and gives practical tips on how to keep forging ahead. The author also includes a great deal of understandable scientific information to help the patient grasp what is happening to his or her body during treatment. I read it toward the end of my treatments and some chapters were harder to get through than others because there are certain aspects of cancer that I did not want to think about, but all chapters were worthwhile.
If you are going through cancer treatments or know someone who is, I can’t recommend this book enough.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes stories of survivors and scientific facts about what cancer can do to our bodies. It is obvious the amount of work and dedication Cynthia Hayes has put into this book, for both the patients and caregivers. As a healthcare worker working closely with cancer patients, I find this book extremely handy. Not only have I learnt to better understand the actual possible thoughts going through the patients' minds, I have also been able to brush up on my scientific knowledge. I really enjoyed this journey! The only drawback is that it does get a little draggy when it comes to the science-y parts.

This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Kristen Claiborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel lucky that I have only had cancer show up in my life twice. One of them was taken care of and never reared its ugly head again, the other one was a family friend who had a recurrence that eventually took her life. Neither were close family. After reading this book I am realizing how truly lucky I am. This book is truly insider information into what these patients feel and how they cope. It was an eye-opening book for me. I realize how much about a cancer diagnosis and its effects I truly just didn't know. There is so much insight involved in this book, I feel like it could be useful to not only the person facing the diagnosis, but also their loved ones.

[Ronald Balzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that's like the friend or family member you hope to have in the room.

Sadly, virtually everyone knows someone who has had cancer, too many people having had it themselves. This book is practical, yet novel--the topic of understanding and managing the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, whether that's your own or someone else's, is an obvious and important one, but also a surprisingly under-addressed one. This book, however, fills the gap and does so exceptionally well. It's exhaustive in its scope, beginning with diagnosis, but achieves its ambition in just over 200 well-written, easily understandable pages--it often really is like talking to a loved one and sometimes better due to its clarity and the rigor of the underlying research. The case studies woven throughout the book also enhance its relatability. And the book's candor is reassuring.

Needless to say, coping with cancer will never be easy, but this book makes it easier. I highly recommend it!

[Zee Monodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who's had cancer more than once, this is the book I would've wanted to read when I was first diagnosed. Yes, it's not roses & butterflies at all - it's the stark reality of living through and with cancer, unfiltered, unvarnished, previously undisclosed. But the honesty is also refreshing, on the heels of being a bit alarmist at times, and this candid view behind the curtain is one I know will benefit anyone going through the ordeal of cancer.
This is also the book I would've wanted to have to be able to thrust into the hands of anyone who wanted to help, caregivers, and especially the ones who brush off having cancer as just another 'thing' to wrangle with (yes, those exist, sadly!)
Truly, a mine full of information and valuable intel from those who talk the talk and have walked the walk

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this through a Goodreads giveaway. This book had lots of great information and told the experiences of many different people. It was helpful in allowing me to better understand the experiences of people in my life who have had to deal with cancer and the aftereffects. Overall, it was a great book!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I’d had this book when my husband started his cancer journey. It would have helped both of us tremendously! While written more for the cancer patient than the caregiver, friend, or family member, I definitely recommend it for anyone whose life is touched by cancer.

I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Big Ordeal was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this book through Goodreads’s giveaway.
As a retired LPN worked in medical field for almost 40 years and whose spouse has been diagnosed with cancer, I found this book helpful.

[Nancy Mcclenathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books deals with the emotional and physical trauma of patients diagnosed with cancer. I think it would be a very helpful book for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Thank you Goodread’s giveaway for this ebook.

[Burt Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, honest look at the emotional toll that cancer takes. It an important book and deals with a lot of the topics that people don’t want to discuss.