Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully - A Journey with Cancer and Beyond

by Nancy Manahan, Becky Bohan

When diagnosed with breast cancer, Diane Manahan decided to share her entire journey openly. A professor of nursing, married to a doctor trained in both conventional and holistic medicine, Diane integrated complementary therapies with orthodox cancer treatments. She enjoyed a full, vibrant life for the next five and a half years. This inspiring story describes her cancer years and extraordinary death at home, the care of her body by loved ones, and the family s powerful experience at the crematorium. The book ends with a glimpse of Diane s ongoing journey as friends tell of comforting lessons offered by her enduring spirit. A supplemental guidebook offers practical suggestions for dealing with a life-threatening illness or death.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nursing

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Retired college English teacher who has lived in Ghana, France, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the US. My ground-breaking best-seller Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence was published in 8 languages and 11 countries.

My wife, author Becky Bohan, and I split our time between Minnesota and Florida.

Reviews

[Carol Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read many books about dying. None since I read Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals. But I was impressed by this chronicle of Diane Manahan's journey with cancer and death, written by her sister-in-law, Nancy Manahan, and Nancy's partner, Becky Bohan. It includes many entries by Diane.

Diane Manahan lived a full, active life, and was stunned when she was diagnosed with cancer in her mid-fifties. As a long-time teacher of nursing who was married to a doctor, she approached her cancer with more knowledge and support than most people do. She also was spiritual and a believer in using holistic as well as allopathic medicine. She was determined to live as consciously and lovingly as she could, and she did. She was helped by friends and a totally supportive spouse, but she did much on her own, including starting and facilitating a cancer support group.

This is the story of her life and death. Diane chose to die at home, and her family chose to take care of her body after death and before cremation. This is primarily her story, but also theirs.

Though I am not as spiritually inclined as Diane, nor are most of my friends, I learned from her journey. I hope those lessons will help me with my journey, if I am able to make it consciously.

[Robin Tuthill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of love and compassion for a close relative who chooses to "live life fully with (terminal) cancer as my companion," as the subject of the book says. Her story is followed up with exhaustive resources such as a guidebook on dealing with a serious illness or death, explanations of complementary treatments, and more, and recommended resources.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I thought this book was wonderful because it is written by the sister of the Dr who delivered my children or if it's because it's about his wife or if it's because it was truly beautifully written. The authors take us through the time in Diane Manahan's life after her breast cancer diagnosis. Since I lost my mother-in-law to liver cancer recently, I'm sure it struck a note for me. I so wish I had read it before Janet died, as it has wonderful suggestions for making death a wonderful ritual.
This is one of the books that I will keep as a reference for the future. Thank you Nancy and Becky. (I know that will be humorous to all of you out there reading who know I never give up a book willingly anyway...)

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about a life lived on its own terms, including its ending. No single reader will agree with every decision Diane made and every action she took, and, in a way, that's sort of the point. The death and after-death process has become so homogenized in Western culture; Diane's gift was that she chose the terms of her healthcare, death, and disposition and, through the lessons of this book, empowers others to do likewise. A reader doesn't have to agree with everything Diane and her family did because this is not a how-to so much as a why-to, a personal journey that entreats us to plan a journey all our own.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nursing professor diagnosed with cancer chronicles her experience. Insight into what it is like to face terminal illness. I found it odd that there was so much attention given to what her wishes were for after she dies (rituals, etc.) but I suppose we would all face this challenge in our own way and for her and her loved ones that was important. The last section of the book offers suggestions organized according to topic, which could be a helpful resource to patients and family facing this situation.