If you've never read a patient experience of cancer (or a ‘cancer story’), then this account is for you. It is very relevant as a young Australian man shares his experience with cancer – thrown in with his travels, his relationship and subsequent marriage and of course his developing career.
What makes this account personable and engaging is Ben’s skills in writing, his capture of the moment and his capacity to add a dollop of dry humour to the roller coaster ride we know cancer to be.
The title and the cover artwork remind you of Dr Karl’s books and other resources that attempt to bring a more common touch to quite complex issues. It is immediately appealing because it is to the point. It may be too blunt for some and I wonder if the average younger adult male may view purchasing it in a bookshop akin to purchasing condoms at the chemist!
It is always inspiring and humbling to be exposed to someone else’s confronting health crisis, however this book is different in that it doesn’t get too bogged down in the clinical specifics of each medical or treatment interaction, and it reflects Ben’s goal to always push through to keep a healthy perspective on elements of the journey to get to the ultimate aim.
The media release with the book lists Ben’s top 10 epiphanies and from our experiences as health professionals and consumers of cancer services we recognise as truisms: “It’s a good thing; having a reason to live makes life a lot easier; you can enjoy a bad moment; pain goes; ‘if’ means nothing; taking control is the key; you’ve got to get down to get up; there’s always someone worse off; you probably can’t do it on your own and; always finish on a positive”.
There are two things I particularly enjoyed about Ben’s approach in documenting his experience. The first was his inclusion of emails to and from his friends and family over time, which gives the book a modern edge and reminds us of the importance of communication with people who are special to us. The second was his wife’s participation in the book with her thoughts on surviving cancer. I liked the way they talked about the experience as ‘we’, as a couple might getting through important life events such as pregnancy. As most carers will recognise, and especially those who are life partners will attest, his wife declared “I surrendered to an exercise in devotion”.
It was no surprise to learn that Ben founded the ethical advertising agency, Republic of Everyone. It is clear that Ben learned many lessons from his experience with cancer and there are lessons for us all in here.