Testimonials

Health and Wellbeing Experts

"I totally love your book The Cancer Journey - I think it will help loads of people."

" 'The Cancer Journey - Positive steps to help yourself heal' is the co-creation of three people who all have personal experience of cancer. Writing together they have achieved a balanced perspective, without becoming impersonal, and are never dogmatic, always leaving the reader centre stage. The subject of cancer is a complex one, but this book manages to present sufficient detail for readers to come away informed, and is written in a light and easy style. Coming from people who have walked the walk, this is above all a practical book, crammed with tried and tested suggestions for everything from ways a friend could help, to recipes. This is the book the authors would have liked to have had themselves and looks into all the important aspects of the experience of cancer."

Medical Professionals

"I thought The Cancer Journey was fantastic. It was easy to read, humorous & I loved the useful tips like wearing comfy clothes to your chemo appointments. I know the patients will love it. I think any patient and their family and friends would also find it very useful."

"I really enjoyed The Cancer Journey. In particular the chapter “What Family and Friends Can Do To Help” is excellent. I like the idea of Round Robin e-mails as well; this saves hours and hours of repeat explanations. "

"I love The Cancer Journey book! It's all excellent. I think what is different about it compared to other books on cancer is that it’s clear that it is written by someone who actually knows what it’s like, not by a 3rd party and hear-say. That comes across throughout. The other areas which were my favourites are the communication, food & recipe sections but in particular the family & friends chapter. I could comment on all of it in a positive tone all day! "

"I found the sections on taking care of yourself the best as they showed hope and kindness with a respect for everyone’s life. I particularly like the way it is like someone is chatting to me and I am not really reading."

"I have just finished reading The Cancer Journey and it is excellent. I particularly like the fact that it covers so much. The holistic approach is well done and it is really very helpful to doctors and patient. Not patronising and crammed full of information that a patient without cancer would also find interesting and useful. I like the medical bits and I think the nutrition sections excellent and succinct. A great read, and also a great resource. I would be happy to recommend to my patients."

"This is an amazing book packed with tips and ideas, support and comfort for those on the cancer journey. It is an easy to read, at times humorous and certainly a down to earth and useful presentation that will help and give guidance to many people.

We need to make sure that this book is available for oncologists and others in the cancer profession to hand out to all patients."

"The practical tips given in The Cancer Journey, along with the humour, will help equip a patient and their family to deal with their situation. I feel this book will be a valuable asset in the 'tool kit' of any person having to deal with a cancer diagnosis."

"I enjoyed reading The Cancer Journey and felt quite excited as I thought of various people to whom it would be useful. There are a lot of practical ideas which could empower people to feel part of their treatment and not just reliant on treatment and input from medical professionals. The style, I felt, would reach those who might normally be embarrassed to talk about their emotions and feelings."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cancer Journey book, it is insightful and helpful. I thought it offered the cancer sufferer a real opportunity to focus on something positive which can be so difficult and yet so rewarding.I thought that some of the issues discussed and some of the suggestions for leading a more fulfilled life, apply to everyone. If we all embraced the positive message in this book we would all be living happier and healthier lives. I loved The Cancer Journey and would not hesitate to recommend it."

"I was very impressed by the content ofthe Cancer Journey and it has a huge advantage over the many tomes written by the medical profession on the subject of managing and dealing with cancer.I was particularly impressed by the way in which the scientific background to the disease has been juxtaposed with a very personal account of problems like diet, fatigue, management of nausea etc., matters of which medical professionals may be aware and know the general principles in treating, but have little knowledge of how important they can be to the individual patient. There seemed also, to be a very nice balance between 'conventional' therapy and 'alternate' therapy and at the same time not making the latter seem quirky and misplaced. Above all the book has a very positive and intuitive approach to dealing with cancer and its treatment and I would regard this as a very important element in the management of the disease. Without the sense of hope and the very strong possibility of permanent remission there would seem to be little point in undergoing the very fierce treatment regimens which are required. In fact, while not making light of this subject the authors have injected a great deal of humour and commonsense into something which can be frightening and isolating. I would heartily recommend it to anyone suffering from cancer."

"I found The Cancer Journey to be a well constructed and informative book dealing with issues we all try to avoid and generally shy away from. The subject is discussed in a tactful and sympathetic manner and is easy to digest. I feel it will go a long way towards alleviating the general fear and taboos associated with cancer. It will serve as a hand book not only for cancer patients but also medical practitioners and alternative healthworkers."

"I found The Cancer Journey to be very useful especially the break-down of all the possible emotions and stages that people may go through and I think that there are lessons there that we could very easily apply to most of life’s experiences. Even the recipes could be used in trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle and the understanding of the benefits of certain foods is very useful.

The chapters on complementary therapies, visualisation and meditation etc, were fantastic.

This book was a real insight into appreciating how much a person’s life is changed by cancer yet the positive message will be a great help and comfort to all who get the opportunity to read it. A wonderful and inspiring read."

"The Cancer Journey - what a breath of fresh air! On a personal level, I wish it had been around when my mother was first diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago, I still remember her panic of not knowing what to do or how to do it. As a nurse I believe this book is very relevant today. It has been professionally written, well researched, and set out very clearly. Explanations of terminology and processes that can be so confusing are clear and relate to both conventional and complimentary therapy which I believe is important. I particularly liked the list of possible questions for consultants. The book is very sensitive and enables the reader to develop a positive approach to dealing with their cancer. I would definitely recommend it for patients and their families."

Cancer Patients

"I loved the Cancer Journey because it was full of practical advice and handy tips. When one is diagnosed usually you know nothing about your disease, your treatment or your future, and this is where a book like The Cancer Journey becomes invaluable. Boy, I wish it had been around when I was undergoing my cancer treatment. It is difficult to find presents to give to friends who have received the bad news, I find a food hamper to be perfect and now I have found The Cancer Journey."

"I have read The Cancer Journey book and consider that it is very useful guide for anyone who has just received the devastating news that they or a loved one has cancer. I feel it will be of benefit to both the patient and their family and close friends.

This book will certainly be a useful reference to dip in and out of, particularly with regards to diet, self help and complementary therapy which are all largely ignored by the medical staff. The Cancer Journey is a very informative, user friendly read!"

"From the title-which I loved- to the comprehensive information it contained I wish I had a copy during my recent run in with cancer. So many chapters had me thinking "yes that's how I felt" or "I wish someone had said that to me". No one has a manual on how to behave or react when cancer is diagnosed but this book gives you much needed options and suggestions."

"The chapter on visualisation and mediation was really interesting - this wasn’t suggested to me at any point during my treatment and I think it would have been be very useful to know.

I found the book easy to read, and particularly liked the boxed statements which highlight the message.Obviously the book is valuable for cancer patients but I also think it should be available for professionals.It is important that the professionals make as much information available to patients as possible for them to choose from and this book is certainly full of ideas for all aspects of the diagnosis,treatment and aftermath of cancer."

"Well, I was a little reluctant to read the Cancer Journey initially as I tend not to read or watch anything that involves cancer since my own experience, as it tends to "bring me down" . But I was really very pleasantly surprised by the book and can honestly say I enjoyed reading it. The book is very uplifting because it focuses on the positives and doesn't fill the reader with fear. I loved the fact that it uses humour in many areas and the personal stories that are included. All in all, the book is very informative whilst all the time giving the reader the feeling of empowerment and wanting to be in control. It is in no way depressing, thankfully, and will only give positive vibes to anyone suffering with this awful disease. I'm sure it will be a good companion to many."

Family & Friends

"I read 'The Cancer Journey' as someone not directly affected by this illness. As such, I found it profoundly moving. I became only too aware of the enormity of the problems faced, not only by the person who has been diagnosed with cancer, but also by their nearest and dearest. The 3 authors have given readers the chance to steer their way through a situation dreaded by us all - at their own pace and to retrace their steps as many times as it takes. The book enables all concerned to absorb as much or as little information as they wish to in easy stages. It offers information and sensible advice that does not overwhelm. It gives strength and hope; it is an outstretched hand."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cancer Journey, and feel that the balance is so right, just enough information for the average person to take on board. I loved some of the practical tips that people would not always think of such as charged mobile phone, comfy clothes for chemo days and the chapter on dealing with a consultant is brilliant. Also loved the cancer card trick, it so should be used! Also thought the practical tips for family and friends is such a good thing to add - as much as they love and care so very much, sometimes they aren’t always able to think of the practical ways to help - I will certainly remember and use this.

The whole book has so many useful and practical pieces of information for people who have just been diagnosed with cancer, for their relatives/ carers and friends. I think that lots of people in the medical profession would benefit from reading it, as they would get a very real idea of how patients possibly feel when they have to enter a consultants room for the first time, when they are afraid of going through chemo, and how they can help to make their situation a little better.

I can honestly say I found it to be a most meaningful book written from the heart of 3 amazing, brave people. I believe many people will benefit enormously from this book and I will certainly be recommending it."

"This is an excellent book both for those diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends. It is full of good, practical advice and the explanations are clear and concise. Whilst it is short enough to not be overwhelming it covers all the important areas , medical, emotional and practical. I was particularly impressed with the chapters on the effects of different foods: the ability to help yourself will, I'm sure, help nurture a positive mindset. I really think the 3 authors have produced an excellent and useful resource."

"I read the Cancer Journey and immediately thought what an amazing book and one every home should have, whether or not you have cancer. It is written with such a feeling of care and understanding, whilst being educational and informative without lecturing. It totally demystifies the “C word”. It’s made me become more aware of how I treat my body and take positive steps to improve my own nutrition.

Sadly a few weeks after reading it one of my best friends was diagnosed with cancer. I am so thankful I had had the opportunity to read the book as it has helped me understand both the psychological and physical issues she is facing and how I can best support her and be the friend she needs me to be. Without the knowledge and comfort I gained from reading this extraordinary book, I would not have known how to deal with my friends cancer. As cancer touches most of our lives in some way this is a handbook we should all have available to help and guide us through. I think The Cancer Journey contains the all-round vital information and guidance in one book, that you would normally only find from having to research multiple publications or possibly go online and even then you might need to be careful of the value of the information you would get. Coming from three people with the very real experience they sadly have makes this book truly priceless."

"I have just finished reading the book and so wish that I had had something like this when we discovered that my Dad had cancer. This book would have been invaluable for us to use as a reference guide."

"The fact that the three authors speak from experience give the book empathy and their professional and academic credentials provide a weight to the work."

"The Cancer Journey - what an incredible read! Superbly informative with just the right blend of humour and encouragement. The advice about knowing your own body and always to ask lots of questions, and about dealing with consultations, waiting room techniques, etc - invaluable. The nutrition chapter very interesting and again invaluable. The recipes a great idea, lots of self help here which I feel is very important. The layout is good and makes for an easy read, also easy to put down and pick up. The bullet points were used well - I found them to be uplifting and very encouraging especially during possibly intense reading moments. The concluding chapters; embracing life, be brave and heaven can wait - truly inspiring."

"I was so impressed with The Cancer Journey. What struck me most throughout was how easy to read it was. I think it's great how the authors offer advice on, for example, how to break news to children, but also allow people the opportunity to follow their own intuition. I constantly felt as though the book was talking to me as if one on one and in a very comforting and insightful way. So much advice and information is offered but it doesn't come across as overwhelming, rather easy to read and consequently, so importantly reassuring. The section on food is also brilliant and so helpful. I honestly thought the book was amazing.The whole thing was incredibly easy to read . I really think it is an inspirational book."

"The Cancer Journey outlines many of the medical terminology in layman’s terms which should help empower patients and their families to be more positive when approaching a cancer diagnosis. The book is written in such an understandable way and in such simple language that it was very easy to read. I believe that this book will help people facing this disease to understand the different steps in the process of dealing with cancer and only wish it had been around several years ago."

"The content of The Cancer Journey is very strong. How Cancer Thinks is a breath of fresh air and the glossary is very useful. Chapter 9 is my favourite and a great idea (What Family & Friends Can Do To Help) - love it!! As well as buying it for myself, I’d buy it for friends and family."

"I have just finished the book and was truly inspired by the positive focus the 3 authors have on dealing and coping with cancer. My wish is that this book had been available when my dad was diagnosed 12 years ago. My Dad and I would have coped so much better and possibly we both could have led a more normal life."

"I really enjoyed The Cancer Journey, and thought the practical, straight talking approach was really refreshing and I can imagine, exactly what is needed when somebody is diagnosed. The chapters and page layout, with the text boxes, make it easy to read and pick up some key tips."

USA Feedback

"The Cancer Journey is easy to read - not overbearing, not too much info and seems to hit the right points at the right level. It has a nice sense of humor & light touch, good summaries, and good understandable explanations. The section on nutrition is very useful as is the recipe section. The quotes are inspiring and relevant."

"Fantastic book! I have many friends who have had to deal with cancer and am basing my comments off my experience in trying to help them find medical info on treatments. This is a very resourceful and easy to understand book for all cancer patients and their families. It is very approachable and welcoming unlike most of the US cancer literature that is intimidating and overwhelming. I really appreciated that I can find answers to my questions in one book rather than having to reference 3+ books to understand emotional needs, how to communicate with family and friends, diet and health. Also it is written based on actual experience from the patient perspective and not from the physician or psychiatrist perspective which enhances the book’s practicality and acceptance that the reader is talking to a ‘cancer friend’ and is sharing real lessons learned that can be leveraged by the reader. It’s very up to date and provides practical solutions e.g.,email message communication, text messages, and use of iPod."

"I have just read The Cancer Journey and I love the positive way that the book is written. It gives the reader the feeling that you can take control and be active and present during the treatment and diagnosis, not just a helpless victim. The voice of the book feels like a personal friend or mentor/coach giving advice, or guidance with a close friendly feeling."