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This book provides a masterfully written view inside the life of a woman with cancer, and it provides keen insight into the experience of cancer from the perspective of the author’s friends and family as well. It is rich with humor and razor sharp text, and it will be a great inspiration and source of comfort for patients and families as they embark on their own journey with cancer. - Joseph Himle, Ph.D Associate Director, University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry
The Roller Coaster Chronicles is a beautifully told story that gets at the heart of the experience of illness. Its particular strengths are in its depiction of the change in the author’s self-identity; her discussions of attempting to re-establish a sense of control over her life; the impact of illness on her family, her work, and her friends; and the gradual emergence of a new perspective and “self.” Although there are many narratives from physicians, there are very few good narratives by patients. The Chronicles helps to fill that void - Arno Kumagai, M.D. Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medical, University of Michigan
This is a well-written, honest account of the trials and tribulations of living with cancer. Betsy’s story is powerful and needs to be shared. - Michelle Riba, M.D. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan and President, American Psychiatric Association
The following excerpts are from patients and caregivers whose names are withheld to respect their privacy.
I couldn’t put this book down until I was finished. I found myself laughing and crying, and learning that kooky occurrences, intense emotions, odd interactions with people you love, and confusion are all normal. Normal, that is, during a major illness. This book will be a great help for patients and their families. - M.F., Cancer Survivor
This book gave me so much hope and strength, just knowing that someone else had gotten through it and could be so active afterward. When I would get totally down and depressed, I would go back and re-read portions of the book and find myself feeling better. The book has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration for me. - R.S., Cancer Survivor
This book is a road map for anyone who wants to understand how a cancer patient feels. - J.P., Cancer Survivor and Caregiver
I was unable to put this book down and read it in a single sitting. It is aptly named because you will shift rapidly from laughing til you hurt to choking back tears. This book is truly a gift for anyone facing a major illness. - T.A., Cancer Survivor
If this were fiction, it would be an excellent story. The fact that it’s true makes it more compelling. If your life has ever been touched by cancer in any way, you will laugh and cry through the book and find a great deal of support and encouragement. It is one of the best memoirs I have read. - C.F., Cancer Survivor
I identified with so many of the emotions and the scenarios in this book, and it gave me the hope that my own roller coaster ride would come to an end. Thank you for sharing it. - A.M., Cancer Survivor
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This book brilliantly captures a patient’s intensely personal journey in a way that I would not have thought possible. Across the pages of this book, Betsy consistently writes from her heart and bares her soul with an extraordinary blend of humor, keen insight, brutal honesty and compassion for all involved. She gives a rare view of the impact of her illness and its treatment on relationships with her husband, her family, her friends, and interestingly, the institution and individuals providing her care. This book is a gift of courage, and it is destined to serve as a font of support, education, inspiration and hope for patients and families as well as those tasked with their care. - Thomas Fluent, M.D. Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry, U-M |