Our favorite author

It is time to reintroduce another author, one of a completely different genre from the gentleman below. Monique Spencer was treated for breast cancer at our hospital and has written this funny, perceptive, and helpful book for people who are going through the same thing -- or who are experiencing other types of cancer.

We published the book because commercial publishers thought it was inappropriate to have a funny book about cancer. I agree that not everyone wants to laugh -- but there are many who find humor to be a helpful part of the treatment process.

An excerpt:

This morning I saw yet another article about an amazing cancer superstar. . . . [S]he runs a business, chairs a few hundred charities, takes care of a few sick friends, and the interview takes place in her "immaculate home."

Oh. My. God.

I have deep respect for people with immaculate homes, I really do. Every two weeks, after the cleaners come, my house is immaculate, too. Then school lets out. Here come the kids with their friends. . . .

I've seen quite a bit of advice about managing daily life while you have cancer. This is my favorite: "ask your older children to assume chores while you are recovering from treatment." Trot this one out in the chemo area and watch the older parents roar. . . .

All parents know that the only way to get kids to do chores is to make the younger ones do it. Don't waste your time on those hateful teenagers . . . . Read up on your Dickens if you don't believe that small children can do chores.

You can buy the book from Amazon, but if you buy it from the hospital instead, the proceeds go to support Windows of Hope, our non-profit oncology shop that sells wigs, scarves, and other supplies for cancer patients. Just send a check for $20 to Windows of Hope, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, and we will mail you a copy. Or call 617-667-1899.