When Monique Doyle Spencer wrote
The Courage Muscle, A Chicken's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer, she couldn't find a publisher willing to take the book on. It was funny, you see, and all the publishers thought it was inappropriate to have a funny book about cancer. She showed me a draft, and I said that our hospital would publish the book, and we did. Since then, it has brought good-humored hope and advice to patients and families around the world. As one reviewer said: "It should become a textbook for the medical professions and a guidebook
for all who must confront, or support those who do, breast cancer. It
is a beautiful book, beautifully written, that sweetly balances
gravitas, zaniness and one person's truth. The author's humanity is in
full, accessible display for all to see, share and learn from."
Monique
died on Thanksgiving weekend in 2011, and along with our fond memories of her,
the book remains. I happen to have several dozen copies, as does her husband Michael. We have decided to offer them at no cost to the readers of this blog. First come, first served, until we run out. Just submit a comment with your name and snail mail address, and we will send one off to you in a few days.
To whet your appetite, here is a story about Monique's humor. It occurred a few months before in 2011. Michael tells it:
Bobby McFerrin gave a marvelous concert, showing his voice as an
instrument, to a packed house at Symphony Hall. Afterwards he came to
the front of the stage and sat, legs dangling, to answer questions.
After a bit, Monique plunged in, without being acknowledged, and asked
about whether he was asked to do "Don't Worry Be Happy." I could feel the audience
cringe. McFerrin gracefully answered the question and said he does not
perform the song and was sorry to disappoint. Monique shot back, "I did
not say I liked it." The audience broke out laughing and McFerrin fell to the floor and lay
down on the stage, doing the same.
44 comments:
I would love a copy of the book – I’m a breast cancer survivor myself, and people frequently ask my advice as a survivor and as a nurse. I’ve always felt humor is key in life, marriage, raising children, working with difficult healthcare providers…
Paul, thanks for this. Condolences to Michael and all who loved her; what a loss. I wish I had known her. ... Gravitas, zaniness and truth should always cohabit! I would love it if you would send me a copy. Snailmail address coming to you by email and thanks.
I would love one! I have a family member who I think would appreciate this. Monique sounds absolutely lovely. Thanks for thinking of this ... a lovely kind gesture.
Thanks for this blog, Paul. What a great story! I agree with Jeanne, and would also be grateful for a copy of Monique's book. May I send you my snail mail address by email?
To others,
You can include your address in the comment, and I will not publish it. Or include your email, and I will write back to you. Either way, I will maintain privacy here.
Thank you for sharing this, Paul. Sending light and love to all who loved and cared for Monique. I would love to have a copy of the book.
Hi Paul…if you get requests from cancer patients/survivors fill them first. If you still have one left over, I’d take it to read and pass on to a friend in that position.
I read the book when it was first published. Also sent copies to a few friends when they were dx with this bastard disease...they loved the book and passed it along to their co-patients during treatment. Laugh it forward one of them said.
Paul,
The Courage Muscle would be a great addition to the Agoos Medical Library at BIDMC!
Margo
I would love to have a copy to read and then donate to my local library.
I would love a copy. Thanks.
I read about this book in your blog and got a copy when I was diagnosed with breast cancer this spring. It made a huge difference in my ability to gain perspective on a situation that struck terror. I have now gone through treatment and been assured that all is well. However, I have a friend who is currently in treatment and would love to give her the book; but I am truly loath to let my copy go too far out of my hands -- as the old saying goes "you never know.....".
I am not familiar with Monique’s book, but one of my favorite accomplishments since working at Lutheran in Fort Wayne Indiana was to work in building a cancer resource center. It started as a space that was too small to do anything else with. I asked for it and got a local company, Vera Bradley, to work with me to transform the space to a nontraditional medical resource area. It now serves more than just women and is occupying more than 5000 sq./ ft. Vera Bradley worked to make it a warm and beautiful space and the resource library has expanded. I would love to add this book to the shelves.
I, also, would love a copy of this book to share with women in my church. I think humor, even in difficult situations, is such a gift and applaud Monique for the gift that she gave to every woman who deals with breast cancer.
My sister was just diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer last month. We both could use a laugh. If a copy is available, please send one my way.
I would love a copy of her book!
Margo,
Go nab a copy at the Windows of Hope oncology shop on Shapiro 9!
I suspect that I’m way too late, but just in case, I would LOVE to get a copy!!
On its way, Jane!
I would love a copy of the book- Monique was a friend and coauthor of my dept chair and I know she inspired my boss to do great things.
I would love to read Monique's book!
If there are any copies still remaining, I would love to have one. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, a year after my husband’s death. The past decade has been a remarkable journey. But in partnership with my resilient and good humored children, as well as skilled and caring providers, I’m still around and preparing to be buffeted by the next winds of health care reform!
Paul, I'd love a copy, and will share with our cancer center team.
Paul, I hope I am not too late to request a book. May I have one. My mother in law died from this disease and it is a concern to my wife as to whether or not she too will encounter BC. A point of view presented by the author such as you described would be an encouraging and enriching read. Thanks for your consideration.
I have a good friend struggling with breast cancer and would love to share the book with her. Thank you very much.
If you still have a copy of Monique Spencer’s book, I would love to have a copy for our cancer center library collection here at Emerson Hospital.
I would very much like a copy , if you have any left. I remember your article about her when she passed. She must have been a remarkable individual. Thanks for sharing her with us.
I would love to have a copy. Hope I am not too late. THANKS.
A good friend of mine was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I would love to pass a copy onto her. Many Thanks!
Currently working with a group of BC survivors called “The SunShine Girls” in rural Georgia. Would appreciate a copy if available.
If any copies are left, I would love one. Thank you!
Would like a copy - thank you for your blog. Recently retired and I hope also to make a thoughtful contribution to my fellow beings.
Dear Michael and Paul,
What a nice response you have gotten from your generous offer of Monique's book. I found reading the comments simultaneously heartwarming to know that Monique is still helping people, and sad, that so many people need one.
Along those lines, if you have one left, one of my friend's young sister (40's?) has stage 4 cancer and could probably use one. I was going to give her mine at one time, but was both loathe to give up my copy, and nervous about somehow sending a bad message or something. But she has recently suffered further progression.
I'd love to read The Courage Muscle. I trusted the system and as I spent a month in the hospital realized doctors are there for the "station stop" but I had to help my son think through his life's journey. Now, I want to help educate others.
If there are any left, I would love to have one.
Would appreciate a copy if one remains. As an Emergency Medicine resident I struggle with the delivery of diagnoses such as cancer and often am tasked with managing some of these patients symptoms and complications. I think it would be beneficial for me to see things from the perspective of the patient living through a devastating and often disfiguring disease via laughter (it's the best medicine).
Thanks Paul for the great blog and bringing these heroes to my attention.
I would love a copy to give to a friend who is a recent breast cancer survivor. Her name is Janet and she is amazing!
Hi Mr. Levy--the envelope arrived that was to contain the book--but the book was gone. It seemed that the envelope came open in shipment. If you have any left, I'd love to have one. If not, I can purchase one. Thank you for trying!
I just mailed another one, Ann.
Hi - just a short note to thank you for sending the book to me. I, too, have laughed out loud while reading the book and have learned so much about living with and treating breast cancer. I appreciate getting to know Monique through her book - she just rocks! Kate
If you still have any books left, I'd love if you could send me one. A friend told me all about the book and your blog...how wonderful!
On its way!
Hi Paul, I was hoping you have an extra copy of this wonderful book. I work for a non profit organization CTChallenge.org we recently opened up a center for survivorship, we have a great library for survivors to sit a while and thought this book would be a great addition to benefit all that pass through. thank you!
Sure, send the address in the next comment. (I won't post it: Will just use it.)
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