Of all the words in the English language, probably no other conjures more fear and dread than "cancer." Jerry Padavano knows this well. He was happily married with two growing boys and a thriving career when he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 1990. In this candid and uplifting memoir, Padavano shares the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned while triumphing over cancer., P> By striking the disease at its weakness- exploiting its inability to cripple love, corrode faith, shatter hope, silence courage, invade the soul, or shut out happy memories-he defeated it. With the comfort and support of family and friends, Padavano worked his way past the numbness, shock, and anger of his diagnosis, through the rigors of therapies, and on to wellness and joy. A victor and survivor, Padavano delivers useful information about coping with the everyday realities of colorectal cancer and its treatment and recovery, including stages, possible therapies and surgery, and products and tips for managing a colostomy.
Most importantly, he offers survivors and their caregivers the keys to persevere through the worst of what life has to offer and emerge a better person with a profound appreciation for life and all its gifts.