Book Summary
Welcome to my story, NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. I took my CaringBridge journal—the thoughts I felt comfortable sharing with the world, or “What I Did Say”—and paired it with the terrifying, embarrassing full story of “What I Didn’t Say”. I wrote the hidden parts because I was an emotional mess, too afraid to share them at the time because I thought I was alone in my feelings and didn’t want to worry my friends and family.
My world started spinning fast in September 2022 when a colonoscopy revealed Stage 4 colon cancer that had already metastasized to my lung. Suddenly, I was facing a grim 14% chance of survival. This book tracks my brutal physical battle through infusion and oral chemo, radiation, and surgeries that removed a huge piece of my colon and half of my left lung. I hold nothing back about the debilitating fatigue, the painful neuropathy that made my feet feel like they were wrapped in cellophane, and the frustrating reality of chemo brain.
But physical trauma is only part of it. I also dive into the unspoken, ugly side of cancer that people rarely talk about. I’m talking about the crushing financial fear and the deep shame of needing a GoFundMe account just to pay my bills. I share the devastating workplace reality of losing my job. You’ll read about the paralyzing “scanxiety”, the deep depression, and my coping mechanisms, like naming a fake plastic cactus “Cancer,” putting it on my desk, and flipping it off every time I started to feel down.
I dedicated this book to you—the fighters, the survivors, and your friends and family. I want to help you find emotional strength when you feel completely broken, to remind you that your terrifying thoughts are real and normal for a cancer journey. Scattered throughout the chapters, I’ve included “Practical Notes”. These are actionable, emotion-free tips covering everything from the importance of getting a second opinion to handling the isolation of this disease.
Ultimately, NOT BROKEN is my resume as a cancer warrior. I have been cut, bruised, irradiated, poisoned, and scarred, but I am still standing and still fighting. If you or someone you love is stuck on this terrifying rollercoaster, I hope my story guides you from confusion and fear to clarity and strength. Take this walk with me so you know you are seen, safe, and absolutely not crazy.
Join in… Here is where I share reflections, insights, and perspectives on navigating cancer and recovery.
You’ll receive:
• Selected resources and updates in cancer care• Perspectives from lived experiences
• Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship