Description
Book SynopsisOne in three women and one in two men will have cancer before they die.
What will you do when it touches your life?
Kathy Manning Gronau was forced to answer this question---twice! First, cancer tapped on her husband’s shoulder and took him away. Three weeks after his death, cancer tapped again, this time on her shoulder. As an RN armed with new knowledge and the experience of her husband’s cancer journey, Gronau was able to navigate and endure the medical, psychological, and emotional journey through cancer to survivorship. Now she’s clearing the path for you.
Inside you will discover:
* How to deal with a cancer diagnosis and what questions to ask as your journey begins
* The various roles of your medical team and how to find the right one
* The complex dance of treatment along with common tests, procedures, and terminology
* How to identify death when he comes knocking and how to prepare for his arrival
* Adjusting to life after death and understanding the grieving process
* How to capture and appreciate the joy in fond memories of loved ones passed
When cancer touches your life, grab your copy of
Eat Ice Cream for Supper and gather up the courage and knowledge to move forward. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Trade ReviewKathy has written this book as an inspiration to others. She faced cancer twice, first with the diagnosis of her husband with rectal cancer, and then a few years later with her diagnosis of breast cancer. In this book, Kathy shares useful advice and words of comfort with her readers. Her book is a faith-based practical approach to coping with the diagnosis of cancer and loss. It is a realistic, heartfelt description of the cancer journey and the inspiration that can be found in the Bible. --Hilah Sue Perkins, ARNP
Kathy’s book,
Eat Ice Cream for Supper, is one of the essential resources you need in your toolkit when fighting cancer or supporting someone through their journey! --Joy Huber, Author of Cancer with Joy, Stage 4 Young Adult Cancer Survivor, Huffington Post Blogger & Professional Speaker
Table of ContentsPart One: Our Story Chapter One: In the BeginningI Had a Hero
Storms
Another Beginning
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Two: Dealing with the DiagnosisMy Experience
My Reaction
Your Loved One’s Reaction
Asking Questions
Searching the Internet
Your Physician or Cancer Treatment Facility
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Part Two: Negotiating the Medical WorldChapter Three: Recruiting the Medical TeamPray First for Wisdom and Guidance
Where Do I Start?
Referral to a Specialist
National Cancer Centers
It’s Not Just About the Doctor---Finding the Right Medical Team
Who is on Your Team?
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Four: Tests, Procedures, and DefinitionsWhat Happens Next?
Before: A Routine Physical
Symptoms Signal an Alarm---See your Regular Doctor First
Referred: Seeing the Specialist
Seeing the Oncologist
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Five: Medical Records and Insurance Records
Dealing with Insurance and Medical Bills
Insurance
What to Do if You Have No Insurance or if You Have Unpaid Balances
Survival Tips
What can a Friend Do to Help?
Points to Ponder
Chapter Six: Our Dance of TreatmentIs it a Waltz or a Jitterbug?
Diagnosed in October: Surgery Number One
Metastasis: Surgery Number Two
Complications: Surgeries Three and Four
A Small Reprieve
In the Roller Coaster at the Top of the Hill
Dexamethasone Side Effects
Mobility Issues
Helping Hands
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Seven: Changing Roles Emotional Responses to Role Changes
But I’ve Never Done That Before
Organizing Your Finances
Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Wills, and Wishes
Social Security and Disability
Reviewing your Financial Plan
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Eight: Death Comes SoftlyAccepting the Inevitable---Negotiating Your Loved One’s Changing Focus
Moving from Active Treatment to Hospice
Help from Hospice
The Payment Changes with Hospice Care
What to Expect in the Last Days of a Terminal Illness
Death
Funeral Arrangements
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Part Three: And Then There Was OneChapter Nine: AloneQuiet
Thank You Notes and Dishes
Your Health
Make a Decision to Trust God with Your Future
A New Relationship
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Ten: Normal Grief Denial or Shock
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Eleven: Sad and StuckSurvival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Twelve: Children and GrandchildrenInfant to Age Two
Preschool (Age Two to Four)
Early Childhood (Age Four to Seven)
Eight to Ten
Pre-Adolescent (Age Ten to Twelve)
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Thirteen: Practical ProblemsNew Tasks, Responsibilities, and Decisions
Finances
Legal Issues
Housing Issues
Relationships
Developing a New Support System
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help
Points to Ponder
Chapter Fourteen: Old Memories and New Traditions Remembering
What Do I Keep and What Goes Out the Door?
Photographs
Sharing His Things
Feelings
Telling Stories---Children Love to Listen
Writing your Story
Write His
Tell God
Survival Tips
What a Friend Can Do to Help?
Points to Ponder
ConclusionMoving Forward
Purpose Where None Seems to Exist
Afterword: What the Bible Says
Appendix: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
