Title: Ticking off Breast Cancer
Author: Sara Liyanage
Publisher: Hashtag Press
Publication Date: September 26th 2019
Print Number of Pages: 272
Genre: Autobiography
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Sara is a married, forty-something, mother of two and part-time lawyer in London. When breast cancer appears on her never-ending to-do list, Sara's life is thrown upside down...
Ticking Off Breast Cancer is a chronological narrative of Sara’s life from the day of her primary breast cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment. Sara opens up with heart-wrenching honesty, as she deals with the physical, emotional and mental challenges thrown at her by cancer. Accompanying her on the rollercoaster of cancer struggles, are plenty of light-hearted and positive moments. This is a no-holds-barred insight into the day-to-day realities of breast cancer treatment aimed at supporting the patient as well as their family and friends. Packed with helpful to-do lists, Ticking Off Breast Cancer provides thoughtful and helpful advice for every step of the way.

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive and oestrogen positive primary breast cancer on 19 October 2016, aged 42. It wasn’t part of my life plan (which at that point involved being a very busy wife, mother of two children, working part time in the corporate London rat race, general multi-tasker, juggler and spinner of many plates). But I decided to get through this detour with a positive attitude and as much dignity, grace and composure as possible.
Well, with the combination of medical appointments, scans, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy my dignity, grace and composure all flew out the window at some point. But I did retain the ability to get myself organised and make a few lists. And I love a list. I found myself spending a lot of time researching the practical stuff like what to take to hospital for surgery and chemo, how to alleviate the side effects of chemo, what to eat, how to relax, what to expect from radiotherapy and so on. Researching and making lists.
I found a wealth of excellent online information about going through breast cancer treatment. However, I found the websites completely overwhelming. I wanted to talk to someone who had been through it and who would hold my hand and tell me what to do. I wanted a website which gave me practical advice in one easily accessible place where I didn’t have to go through link after link trying to work out if the information was relevant or not, whilst trying to avoid the untrue/out-of-date/unreliable information. But I didn’t have someone to talk to and I didn’t find that website. Instead I researched around and I separated the wheat from the chaff, noted down a few to-do lists, shopping lists and action plans and put one foot in front of the other along the well-trodden cancer path.
Armed with my trusty lists I have made it through to the other side where I am now basking in the glow of hair regrowth, new eyebrows, new eyelashes, and a renewed energy.
After my treatment came to an end, it seemed a shame for my dog-eared lists to get thrown out but I certainly don’t plan on using them again. Never. I thought they might help other people like me. So here they are: I have created a website, which is what I needed when I was first diagnosed and going through my treatment.
I can’t hold your hand and tell you what to do, but I hope that my website can help make this turbulent journey a little less bumpy for you. I wish you all the best.

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I'm glad you're okay.
ReplyDeletethanks!
DeleteI think this book is wonderful. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I would love to read this honest portrayal of what life is like after diagnosis. The cover art seems calm and inviting.
ReplyDeletethank you
DeleteThis is so awesome.....Only another woman understands the fear we go thru when we get called back for another image....Thank you for this information!
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteThank you for your bravery. And your information. Very inspiring story.
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteNice book cover and the book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteThis sounds like a very helpful book for those going through this like my sister.
ReplyDeleteIt is - and helpful for you to understand a little bit about what your sister is going through. Thanks for your support.
DeletePraise the Lord for your healing.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! I am very excited to read this book!
ReplyDeletethanks!
Deletethanks so much for sharing and joining the book tour!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this! Thank you for sharing! ❤
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading this. I lost a sister to Ovarian Cancer a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteTh book sounds so very good.
ReplyDeleteI have just devoured this book, and as I have recently had surgery for breast cancer and face a new year of treatment I found it to be a great source of comfort. Sara, so very pleased you are a survivor and wish you all the best for the future. Your book is holding my shaky hand...
ReplyDelete