Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy

Abstract

Are you or is someone you love facing a cancer diagnosis in the prime of life? You're not alone. The likelihood of developing cancer in one's lifetime is 1 in 2 for males and 1 in 3 for females, and the numbers are rising. A cancer diagnosis at any age is traumatic, but young to middle-aged adults who are often raising or planning for children, establishing careers, and getting on their financial feet face unique challenges. When cancer strikes, this group can become overwhelmed by navigating treatment options, mounting debt from medical bills, threats to fertility, and the necessity of facing one's mortality. It can become a mental battle ground.

In Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy, Melissa Trevathan-Minnis and Deanne Meeks Brown offer research, resources, and support to help you overcome the psychological trauma of cancer. Sharing their own personal stories, along with insights from other young cancer survivors, these two mental health professionals guide you through the rollercoaster of emotions from diagnosis and treatment to transitioning back to life post-treatment. While the challenges of cancer survivorship are many, so are the coping strategies available to help promote recovery and well-being. Not Now, Cancer, I'm Busy, addresses cancer through the lens of mental health and offers strategies to not only cope with the challenges of cancer, but to build a life full of meaning and intention despite them. From developing a fighting spirit and learning how to slow down, to breaking down barriers to mental health and spiritual growth, this book will help you tap into your personal strengths and resilience. Although a cancer diagnosis in early and midlife can be earth-shattering, the trauma of cancer can actually leave you stronger and better equipped-if you let it.

WORDS OF PRAISE

OMG! This is a fabulous book--the one everyone dealing with cancer has been waiting for!
While the book is specifically addressed to YMAs (Young and Middle Adults) it is an exhaustive compendium of experience, issues, and directions for all those touched in any way by cancer--victims, survivors, family, friends and the rest of us who care in one way or another.

From diagnosis to survivorship or to disability and death Melissa and Deanne offer amazingly comprehensive research, suggestions, and enlightenment at every step of the journey they take us on. Most interesting to me as a psychologist-psychoanalyst and survivor of cancer at age 21 are the sections on post-traumatic growth, developing a personal narrative, and the progression from surviving to thriving.

Not Now, Cancer is an absolute triumph by two people who artfully weave their personal thriving experiences of themselves and of their families and friends with a wealth of incredible details of their cancer experiences that are equally well applicable to people of all ages who are faced with life-threatening diagnoses or circumstances. Congratulations Melissa and Deanne and thanks.
--Lawrence Hedges, PhD, PsyD, ABPP, Director, the Listening Perspectives Study Center

About the Author

Melissa Trevathan-Minnis is a licensed Psychologist in Austin, TX as well as a professor, writer, animal advocate and colon cancer survivor. She is a mom of two children, three dogs, one ever-growing tortoise, and a rotating group of foster animals.

Deanne Meeks Brown is a therapist, writer, breast cancer survivor, lead singer in an all-mom rock band, and mother to three children. She lives and practices in southern California.