What Comes After Cancer

A story both revealing and riveting, emotional and uplifting, the story takes you through Patricia’s incredible and difficult journey, sharing the extraordinary challenges and emotions she faced even in remission (controversial and otherwise).

As most of us have been touched by cancer (or any critical illness), we realize the struggle doesn't end there, and her story reminds all of us it's not easy to forget - perhaps we shouldn't. The events that followed her treatments proved it isn't just about getting the cancer out.

She shares intimate details about her grim prognosis, risky surgery, grueling treatments, and the long road to recovery. In her thirties at the time of the diagnosis, independent and strong, she received a crash course in humility and how to ask for support during the most difficult period in her life. As other members of her large, extended family fell ill with cancer, her thoughts turned to cancer awareness and prevention, and the hope that her daughter would be spared.

Patricia hopes the book will encourage patients with advanced-stage illnesses, not only to accept the alterations that illness and treatment bring, but to thrive with the changes. Surrendering to treatment brought not only physical healing, but humility and wisdom about life. People are stronger than they know. She was stronger than she knew.

Through stories of peer mentoring with cancer organizations, Patricia encourages volunteering. Survivors of cancer are uniquely placed to help others facing the illness. And for Patricia, helping others has been the lynch pin to survival and thriving. She also discusses the determination she mustered to write this book and get it out into the world, to leave a legacy her daughter can be proud of.

As you read WHAT COMES AFTER CANCER, know that you are contributing to amazing cancer foundations, like The Hope & Cope Wellness Centre. Profits will benefit the volunteer-based foundation that has been helping families since 1981.