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The C-Word
'Carrie Bradshaw fell in Dior, I fell in Debenhams. It was May 2008, and it was spectacular. Uncomfortable heels + slippy floor + head turned by a cocktail dress = thwack. Arms stretched overhead, teeth cracking on floor tiles, chest and knees breaking the fall. It was theatrical, exaggerated, a perfect 6.0. And it was Significant Moment #1 in discovering that I had grade-three breast cancer.' The last thing Lisa Lynch had expected to put on her 'things to do before you're 30' list was beating breast cancer, but them's the breaks. So with her life on hold, and her mind close to capacity with unspoken fears, questions and emotions, she turned to her Mac and started blogging about the frustrating, life-altering, sheer pain-in-the-arse inconvenience of getting breast cancer at the age of 28. The C-Word is an unflinchingly honest and darkly humorous account of Lisa's battle with The Bullshit, as she came to call it. From the good days when she could almost pretend it wasn't happening, to the bad days, when she couldn't bear to wake up, Lisa's story is emotional, heartbreaking and often hilarious. The C-Word will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately reaffirm your faith in life.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2010
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549 people want to read
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October 18, 2018
„Думат� с „Р� � катастрофата по пътя към житейския ни план:
В огромния си труд „Императорът на всички болести� онкологът Сидхарт Мукхърджи споделя, че ракът е болестта, белязала нашето време. Някога това негово твърдение се запечата дълбоко в ума ми и близо две години по-късно отново ме навести, докато четях „Думат� с „Р� (изд. „Enthusiast�) на Лиса Линч.
Замислих се как всяка епоха действително си има своята знакова гнет � например чумата през Средновековието и туберколозата за по-близките до нас векове. И ако донякъде свързваме чумата с ужасяващата хигиена и религиозната боязън, а туберколозата � с физическите и душевните страдания на толкова много поети и писатели, то какво обвързва рака (според книгата на Мукхърджи съществувал още от Древен Египет) така интимно с нашето съвремие?
Историята на англичанката Лиса Линч ми даде отговор на този въпрос. Диагностицирана с рак на гърдата на двайсет и осем � шокиращо млада дори за такава коварна болест, изведнъж целият ѝ живот е поставен на пауза, на карта, а всичките ѝ планове за едно обещаващо бъдеще рязко са зачеркнати от Гадината (както тя съсем не умилително нарича болестта). А нали тъкмо това определя нашето време? Неограничените възможности.
Толкова много имаме за постигане. От съвсем малки ни насърчават едва ли не да разграфяваме бъдещето си и да си поставяме цели с краен срок: до осемнайсет да съм завършила престижна гимназия, до двайсет и две да съм изкарала висше, до двайсет и пет � задължителна магистратура, до двайсет и осем да са ме повишили, до трийсет да съм омъжена, до трийсет и три да сме купили апартамент, до трийсет и пет да имам две деца� А това са само дългосрочните ни планове. Дори не искам да засягам тези, които си правим ежедневно, въпроса как денят ни не е ден, а график, в който и спането си има начален и краен час.
Ето защо нашата епоха и ракът са такива зловещи партньори. Ракът, френетичен като нас самите, най-безцеремонно ни пресича пътя, по който бясно летим с пълна скорост и увереност към следващата точка от плана си, и ето я и нея � катастрофата.
Не се сещам за друга книга, в която естеството на темата и начинът, по който е предадена, да са били в такъв очебиен контраст. „Думат� с „Р� e реалната история на Лиса Линч, млада жена с безсрамно чувство за хумор, прекрасен съпруг, голямо семейство и много приятели, също толкова диви като нея. Лондончанка, която обича да пазарува, да пие коктейли, да танцува, да се забавлява и да пише. Комбинацията от рак на гърдата и личност със закачлив дух като нейния ражда блог, в който Лиса разказва напълно откровено за всичко, през което Гадината я прекарва. Не спестява нито една подробност � от най-болезнените, мъчителните и нелицеприятните ефекти на болестта и лечението, през емоционалните трусове и депресиращо мрачните мисли, до безумно смешните моменти (да, има и такива!).
Именно в смеха се крие разковничето на „Думат� с „Р�. Книгата е написана като статия от женско списание, модерно, прямо, разчупено, с огромна доза самоирония и пиперливост. Махнете ли рака, ще звучи почти като чиклит (уви�). Лиса говори на читателите си като на най-близки приятели, изключително непринудено и искрено. Споделя това, което мнозина се страхуват да разкрият � как болестта уязвява „избраниците� си по най-подлия начин, като ги удря по женствеността и накърнява присъщата на всички ни суета, в пъти по-важна за нас, отколкото си признаваме. Как на моменти те превръща в непоносим човек, от какво те ограбва и колко е абсурдно всъщност изказването: „Благодарение на рака започнах да ценя/научих много/успях да…�, независимо от добрите намерения зад него. Но в думите ѝ неизменно се усеща борбеност, даже непокорство, и именно те правят гласа ѝ толкова запомнящ се.
Може би най-тъжния си момент преживях преди две лета в една книжарница, докато търсех „повдигащ� духа книга� за болна от рак близка. Бях се скрила при лавиците в дъното, а до мен имаше непозната жена, която тихо говореше по телефона с приятелка, отправила същата молба и към нея. Гледах гръбчетата по рафтовете и за една съсипваща минута си представих как болния, потенциално умиращ човек, прокарва пръст по тях и търси помощ, утеха, надежда. Под каквато и да е форма. И макар „Думат� с „Р� изобщо да не е слънчева история за това как рано или късно всичко ще се нареди, искрено вярвам, че да говорим откровено и дори да се шегуваме с нещата, които ни ужасяват, е терапевтично и вдъхва смелост. Ако се нуждаете от кураж, Лиса Линч ще ви го даде, без да си го е поставяла за цел и без да ви залъгва. Просто си е такава.
Никога не трябва да чакаме специален повод да се погрижим за себе си, но все пак използвам възможността да напомня (както беше напомнено и на мен), че октомври е Световен месец за борба с рака на гърдата. На много места ще ви предложат безплатен преглед, а ако се притеснявате, че не знаете къде точно да отидете, потърсете, попитайте, хванете за ръка ваша приятелка, сестра, роднина и посетете заедно с нея клиниката. Не отлагайте и не се оставяйте на страха да ви парализира дори от превенцията.
Накрая бих искала да ви насърча да прочетете текста на Илияна Бенова-Бени � преводачката на „Думат� с „Р�, чието лично преживяване с тази книга е достатъчно красноречиво и която с много по-малко думи е изразила това, което възнамерявах да ви кажа с ревюто си.
В огромния си труд „Императорът на всички болести� онкологът Сидхарт Мукхърджи споделя, че ракът е болестта, белязала нашето време. Някога това негово твърдение се запечата дълбоко в ума ми и близо две години по-късно отново ме навести, докато четях „Думат� с „Р� (изд. „Enthusiast�) на Лиса Линч.
Замислих се как всяка епоха действително си има своята знакова гнет � например чумата през Средновековието и туберколозата за по-близките до нас векове. И ако донякъде свързваме чумата с ужасяващата хигиена и религиозната боязън, а туберколозата � с физическите и душевните страдания на толкова много поети и писатели, то какво обвързва рака (според книгата на Мукхърджи съществувал още от Древен Египет) така интимно с нашето съвремие?
Историята на англичанката Лиса Линч ми даде отговор на този въпрос. Диагностицирана с рак на гърдата на двайсет и осем � шокиращо млада дори за такава коварна болест, изведнъж целият ѝ живот е поставен на пауза, на карта, а всичките ѝ планове за едно обещаващо бъдеще рязко са зачеркнати от Гадината (както тя съсем не умилително нарича болестта). А нали тъкмо това определя нашето време? Неограничените възможности.
Толкова много имаме за постигане. От съвсем малки ни насърчават едва ли не да разграфяваме бъдещето си и да си поставяме цели с краен срок: до осемнайсет да съм завършила престижна гимназия, до двайсет и две да съм изкарала висше, до двайсет и пет � задължителна магистратура, до двайсет и осем да са ме повишили, до трийсет да съм омъжена, до трийсет и три да сме купили апартамент, до трийсет и пет да имам две деца� А това са само дългосрочните ни планове. Дори не искам да засягам тези, които си правим ежедневно, въпроса как денят ни не е ден, а график, в който и спането си има начален и краен час.
Ето защо нашата епоха и ракът са такива зловещи партньори. Ракът, френетичен като нас самите, най-безцеремонно ни пресича пътя, по който бясно летим с пълна скорост и увереност към следващата точка от плана си, и ето я и нея � катастрофата.
Не се сещам за друга книга, в която естеството на темата и начинът, по който е предадена, да са били в такъв очебиен контраст. „Думат� с „Р� e реалната история на Лиса Линч, млада жена с безсрамно чувство за хумор, прекрасен съпруг, голямо семейство и много приятели, също толкова диви като нея. Лондончанка, която обича да пазарува, да пие коктейли, да танцува, да се забавлява и да пише. Комбинацията от рак на гърдата и личност със закачлив дух като нейния ражда блог, в който Лиса разказва напълно откровено за всичко, през което Гадината я прекарва. Не спестява нито една подробност � от най-болезнените, мъчителните и нелицеприятните ефекти на болестта и лечението, през емоционалните трусове и депресиращо мрачните мисли, до безумно смешните моменти (да, има и такива!).
Именно в смеха се крие разковничето на „Думат� с „Р�. Книгата е написана като статия от женско списание, модерно, прямо, разчупено, с огромна доза самоирония и пиперливост. Махнете ли рака, ще звучи почти като чиклит (уви�). Лиса говори на читателите си като на най-близки приятели, изключително непринудено и искрено. Споделя това, което мнозина се страхуват да разкрият � как болестта уязвява „избраниците� си по най-подлия начин, като ги удря по женствеността и накърнява присъщата на всички ни суета, в пъти по-важна за нас, отколкото си признаваме. Как на моменти те превръща в непоносим човек, от какво те ограбва и колко е абсурдно всъщност изказването: „Благодарение на рака започнах да ценя/научих много/успях да…�, независимо от добрите намерения зад него. Но в думите ѝ неизменно се усеща борбеност, даже непокорство, и именно те правят гласа ѝ толкова запомнящ се.
Може би най-тъжния си момент преживях преди две лета в една книжарница, докато търсех „повдигащ� духа книга� за болна от рак близка. Бях се скрила при лавиците в дъното, а до мен имаше непозната жена, която тихо говореше по телефона с приятелка, отправила същата молба и към нея. Гледах гръбчетата по рафтовете и за една съсипваща минута си представих как болния, потенциално умиращ човек, прокарва пръст по тях и търси помощ, утеха, надежда. Под каквато и да е форма. И макар „Думат� с „Р� изобщо да не е слънчева история за това как рано или късно всичко ще се нареди, искрено вярвам, че да говорим откровено и дори да се шегуваме с нещата, които ни ужасяват, е терапевтично и вдъхва смелост. Ако се нуждаете от кураж, Лиса Линч ще ви го даде, без да си го е поставяла за цел и без да ви залъгва. Просто си е такава.
Никога не трябва да чакаме специален повод да се погрижим за себе си, но все пак използвам възможността да напомня (както беше напомнено и на мен), че октомври е Световен месец за борба с рака на гърдата. На много места ще ви предложат безплатен преглед, а ако се притеснявате, че не знаете къде точно да отидете, потърсете, попитайте, хванете за ръка ваша приятелка, сестра, роднина и посетете заедно с нея клиниката. Не отлагайте и не се оставяйте на страха да ви парализира дори от превенцията.
Накрая бих искала да ви насърча да прочетете текста на Илияна Бенова-Бени � преводачката на „Думат� с „Р�, чието лично преживяване с тази книга е достатъчно красноречиво и която с много по-малко думи е изразила това, което възнамерявах да ви кажа с ревюто си.
May 9, 2015
I'm a huge Sheridan Smith fan and had been waiting for ages for The C Word to be Televised and that's what inspired me to buy the book.
This is Lisa's story of being diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the ripe old age of 28. She decided to start writing a blog when she was diagnosed so that she could offload all that she was thinking and feeling. Lisa had a phenomenal talent for writing, her tales were honest, engaging, sad yet above all, funny. I never expected to read a book about Breast Cancer and to be laughing out loud. It sounds as though Lisa had a fantastic family, an absolutely top husband and an amazing group of friends. Sadly, Lisa's cancer went on and spread to her bones and brain and she finally passed away in early 2013. This is one of the most inspiring, well written books I think I've ever read.
This is Lisa's story of being diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the ripe old age of 28. She decided to start writing a blog when she was diagnosed so that she could offload all that she was thinking and feeling. Lisa had a phenomenal talent for writing, her tales were honest, engaging, sad yet above all, funny. I never expected to read a book about Breast Cancer and to be laughing out loud. It sounds as though Lisa had a fantastic family, an absolutely top husband and an amazing group of friends. Sadly, Lisa's cancer went on and spread to her bones and brain and she finally passed away in early 2013. This is one of the most inspiring, well written books I think I've ever read.
April 25, 2011
'Carrie Bradshaw fell in Dior, I fell in Debenhams. It was May 2008, and it was spectacular. Uncomfortable heels + slippy floor + head turned by a cocktail dress = thwack. Arms stretched overhead, teeth cracking on floor tiles, chest and knees breaking the fall. It was theatrical, exaggerated, a perfect 6.0. And it was Significant Moment #1 in discovering that I had grade-three breast cancer.' The last thing Lisa Lynch had expected to put on her 'things to do before you're 30' list was beating breast cancer, but them's the breaks. So with her life on hold, and her mind close to capacity with unspoken fears, questions and emotions, she turned to her Mac and started blogging about the frustrating, life-altering, sheer pain-in-the-arse inconvenience of getting breast cancer at the age of 28. The C-Word is an unflinchingly honest and darkly humorous account of Lisa's battle with The Bullshit, as she came to call it.
Despite the fact Lisa will probably want to punch me, The C-Word is a very brave account of what it is to face breast cancer (sorry, but it is brave. So there). Lisa says at the beginning of the book that she wants to portray a realistic approach to cancer because cancer's not a thing to celebrate, not a thing to gloss over, it's a serious illness that most of us know nothing about. Lisa certainly didn't, until she got it and I certainly don't, although I feel much more educated after reading The C-Word as well as Talk to the Headscarf by Emma Hannigan. Both are unflinchingly brave accounts of cancer, it takes a hell of a lot to write a book about something so horrible and to blog about it, too. I applaud Lisa for writing the book (and Emma, too, obviously). Because cancer is something most of us know so little about books like The C-Word help open our innocent eyes, and because Lisa had no experience of it either, it's a very raw and honest book.
What probably sets The C-Word apart from a lot of cancer books that are around, is that Lisa's tale has humour throughout. You wouldn't believe it, but the book made me laugh! I never in a million years thought I would laugh whilst reading a book about cancer - how can cancer and laughs mix? But Lisa's writing style is filled with black humour and there are some genuinely funny moments. I did feel disturbed laughing, and I'm glad there was no one around to hear me, but the book was humourous, honestly. I'm not sick or twisted, I swear. It's Lisa's fault, anyway, for making me laugh.
Seriously, Lisa has become my new hero. I know she says in the book she hates being called brave, and will probably not think of herself as a hero and tell me to stop being an idiot and that many people deal with this crap every day, but I don't think many people face it the way Lisa has. Many people would be defeated by it, but while Lisa has her dark moments, she generally doesn't want the cancer to beat her and she faces it with humour. But do you know what really made the book for me? The family spirit. I felt like if I saw Lisa or P in the street, I would know them. They wouldn't know me, but that's beside the point. The way Lisa talks about her support network; her family, her friends, P, it's in such a way that you feel like you know these people. Even the way Lisa speaks about her hospital team - Smiley Surgeon, Always-Right Breast Nurse, Prof, Curly Prof - it's just amazing. I've never felt so connected to people I've never met!
I was blown away by the book. By the honesty, by the humour, by Lisa herself, and it's a book everybody should read. It's a real and honest account of what it is to have breast cancer at 28. It made me laugh, it made me sad, and it was one heck of a roller-coaster journey (one that isn't over, that can never be over). It's an inspirational story, there's no doubt about it and Lisa has one of the best blogs I've ever read which means I'm able to keep up with Lisa's life (I mean that in a non-stalkery way thank you very much). I see from her blog, Lisa might be writing a novel? I for one would champion that, her writing skills are second to none and a fiction book would be amazing. If anyone can produce a bum-kicking heroine, it would be Lisa. Kudos to her for sharing her story with the world, it's taught me a lot, and it's a book I could easily read again, I loved it (which I'm sure is wrong; how can I 'love' a book about cancer?!). But then again, while it undoubtedly is a book about cancer, it's about so much more than that as well.
Despite the fact Lisa will probably want to punch me, The C-Word is a very brave account of what it is to face breast cancer (sorry, but it is brave. So there). Lisa says at the beginning of the book that she wants to portray a realistic approach to cancer because cancer's not a thing to celebrate, not a thing to gloss over, it's a serious illness that most of us know nothing about. Lisa certainly didn't, until she got it and I certainly don't, although I feel much more educated after reading The C-Word as well as Talk to the Headscarf by Emma Hannigan. Both are unflinchingly brave accounts of cancer, it takes a hell of a lot to write a book about something so horrible and to blog about it, too. I applaud Lisa for writing the book (and Emma, too, obviously). Because cancer is something most of us know so little about books like The C-Word help open our innocent eyes, and because Lisa had no experience of it either, it's a very raw and honest book.
What probably sets The C-Word apart from a lot of cancer books that are around, is that Lisa's tale has humour throughout. You wouldn't believe it, but the book made me laugh! I never in a million years thought I would laugh whilst reading a book about cancer - how can cancer and laughs mix? But Lisa's writing style is filled with black humour and there are some genuinely funny moments. I did feel disturbed laughing, and I'm glad there was no one around to hear me, but the book was humourous, honestly. I'm not sick or twisted, I swear. It's Lisa's fault, anyway, for making me laugh.
Seriously, Lisa has become my new hero. I know she says in the book she hates being called brave, and will probably not think of herself as a hero and tell me to stop being an idiot and that many people deal with this crap every day, but I don't think many people face it the way Lisa has. Many people would be defeated by it, but while Lisa has her dark moments, she generally doesn't want the cancer to beat her and she faces it with humour. But do you know what really made the book for me? The family spirit. I felt like if I saw Lisa or P in the street, I would know them. They wouldn't know me, but that's beside the point. The way Lisa talks about her support network; her family, her friends, P, it's in such a way that you feel like you know these people. Even the way Lisa speaks about her hospital team - Smiley Surgeon, Always-Right Breast Nurse, Prof, Curly Prof - it's just amazing. I've never felt so connected to people I've never met!
I was blown away by the book. By the honesty, by the humour, by Lisa herself, and it's a book everybody should read. It's a real and honest account of what it is to have breast cancer at 28. It made me laugh, it made me sad, and it was one heck of a roller-coaster journey (one that isn't over, that can never be over). It's an inspirational story, there's no doubt about it and Lisa has one of the best blogs I've ever read which means I'm able to keep up with Lisa's life (I mean that in a non-stalkery way thank you very much). I see from her blog, Lisa might be writing a novel? I for one would champion that, her writing skills are second to none and a fiction book would be amazing. If anyone can produce a bum-kicking heroine, it would be Lisa. Kudos to her for sharing her story with the world, it's taught me a lot, and it's a book I could easily read again, I loved it (which I'm sure is wrong; how can I 'love' a book about cancer?!). But then again, while it undoubtedly is a book about cancer, it's about so much more than that as well.
March 11, 2021
What an amazing book! I love Lisa and I don’t even know her!!
January 24, 2020
Having seen the BBC drama adaptation first, I then picked up this book. And, boy, is it emotional... Only 28 when diagnosed with breast cancer, Lisa Lynch took to writing a blog to get all of her thoughts, feelings and emotions off her chest, so to speak. Lisa's writing is just brilliant; she is funny, witty, and brutally honest. It's difficult to imagine reading a book about breast cancer that actually makes you laugh out loud, but The C-Word does just that, thanks to Lisa's fantastic writing. There's a certain toilet-related section of the book which made me chuckle a lot - so much so, I had to put the book the down for a couple of minutes to regain my composure! Her brutal honesty about the uncertainty of her future can make for uncomfortable reading, but Lisa manages to put a positive spin on these harrowing subjects. The book ends on a positive note: Lisa comes through all treatment and reconstructive surgery and is told "there is no sign of cancer", but, having seen the drama, we know that, unfortunately, Lisa dies a few years later of a brain tumour. But what a legacy she has left behind.
December 27, 2016
I stumbled across Lisa Lynch's blog knowing nothing about her and decided to buy her book (which is, I understand, an edited collection of many of her blog posts). It was absolutely amazing in a raw, horrible, gut-wrenching and heart-warming way. Read it. And only then do research about her.
January 25, 2016
A frank account of the authors own experiences with cancer.
A funny, heart warming and emotional read.
A funny, heart warming and emotional read.
June 20, 2015
Got a bit too much emotionally for me. couldn't cope with finishing it
May 15, 2016
A very interesting & well written book. It gives a very personal account of Lisa's cancer journey.
I wanted to watch the TV series last year but was unable to so instead decided to read the book.
I wanted to watch the TV series last year but was unable to so instead decided to read the book.
March 3, 2018
Very emotional read.
Fuck cancer!
Fuck cancer!
January 4, 2023
Going into this book, much of which I understand was taken from the authors' blog from when she was living through cancer, I knew that there was going to be a certain amount of humor, but I was totally taken aback by some of the outright hilarity contained within. I read parts on a longish bus journey and the number of looks I got with my outbursts had me laughing even harder.
How Lisa Lynch managed to not only keep her sense of humor but in some ways increase it whilst she was struggling through this cancer debacle, she was certainly a much bigger and stronger woman than I think I could ever dream of being. She must have been an absolute joy to be with in any capacity.
Despite there being many anecdotes about the harsh realities of surviving through cancer and beyond, the book ends somewhat optimistically, but after being a tad confused about that based on what I thought I knew previously, I dug a bit deeper and found that unfortunately she did succumb to the disease and pass away some years ago.
Even though this was a heartwrenching read in some ways, there is a strong message of hope and the uplifting of family and other loved ones throughout. I have to say that Lisa was a very lucky lady to have had the huge amount of support she had throughout her journey, and I'm glad that she was aware of that fact and embraced it seemingly wholeheartedly.
RIP Lisa Lynch and my condolences to her friends and family, I hope you manage/have managed to find peace with her passing.
How Lisa Lynch managed to not only keep her sense of humor but in some ways increase it whilst she was struggling through this cancer debacle, she was certainly a much bigger and stronger woman than I think I could ever dream of being. She must have been an absolute joy to be with in any capacity.
Despite there being many anecdotes about the harsh realities of surviving through cancer and beyond, the book ends somewhat optimistically, but after being a tad confused about that based on what I thought I knew previously, I dug a bit deeper and found that unfortunately she did succumb to the disease and pass away some years ago.
Even though this was a heartwrenching read in some ways, there is a strong message of hope and the uplifting of family and other loved ones throughout. I have to say that Lisa was a very lucky lady to have had the huge amount of support she had throughout her journey, and I'm glad that she was aware of that fact and embraced it seemingly wholeheartedly.
RIP Lisa Lynch and my condolences to her friends and family, I hope you manage/have managed to find peace with her passing.
September 9, 2023
This book gave me a mix of emotions, but it did catch my attention on the first page. I'm not easy to make cry, but this one came close to it. It wasn't because the theme, it was just the way she portrayed the pain and tried to cover it with her humor. I guess, it was her way of coping and her way of dealing and healing from it. It really isn't an easy word to say; cancer. My neighbor had it when she was only 16 and I didn't know what she was going through (she is also one of my closest friends but at the time we were a bit distant because of our diverse friend groups). For her it was small and easy to remove. She didn't need to go to chemotherapy but just the mental state... back then I didn't know somebody could go through something, just by the news of it. I know people with cancer don't want to hear this at all but I am sorry for them that they have to go through with it but I believe that they can go through this just like Lisa did. Really good book.
January 12, 2020
I don’t think there are words good enough for this book.
I am a total wreck following this book and it’s been one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. It was a difficult read but also a necessary one. Funny, sad, inspiring, I can’t list enough words.
It took me a while to read and I had to dip in and out of it but this woman is truly incredible.
To write with the frankness and honesty and humour is truly amazing.
The strength she had and the strength and support from her doting husband and friends and family is heart warming and touching.
I’m a little bit broken by this book but also a whole lot better off in lots of ways having gone through the journey with her.
I am a total wreck following this book and it’s been one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. It was a difficult read but also a necessary one. Funny, sad, inspiring, I can’t list enough words.
It took me a while to read and I had to dip in and out of it but this woman is truly incredible.
To write with the frankness and honesty and humour is truly amazing.
The strength she had and the strength and support from her doting husband and friends and family is heart warming and touching.
I’m a little bit broken by this book but also a whole lot better off in lots of ways having gone through the journey with her.
May 9, 2020
This was a tough read, but so inspirational. Lisa writes with gut wrenching honesty...that will make you cry and laugh sometimes at the same time! Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 at stage 3. Her writing makes you feel you are there with her as she faces the awful chemo, radiotherapy, finding she will never be able to have children and will always have cancer (the bullshit) in her life.
Even though the book ends positively, you know from the start that Lisa lost her battle with cancer at 33. I wish I had known her....
Even though the book ends positively, you know from the start that Lisa lost her battle with cancer at 33. I wish I had known her....
November 14, 2017
Book #15: I've not read anything more British than this before and enjoyed every page of this humourous account of a 28 year old's one year stand with breast cancer. The last topic you'd expect depicted with this light heartedness. Honestly I only picked up this book coz Stephen Fry said it was funny. Thanks Mr Fry, this was a brilliant choice. Please please please read this book in spite of this not being your genre! Happy to lend a copy.
October 22, 2018
As someone who has lost two family members to cancer, I was a little unsure as to whether or not I actually wanted to read this book but I'm glad I did. Lisa's honest and heartfelt story of the struggles and battles both she and her family faced made for rather emotional reading, but I couldn't help but be uplifted by the story, and indeed, the legacy she's left behind.
May 22, 2019
My first breast cancer memoir, this was a tough one, I started to read it awhile ago and had to put it down, because everything was still too raw for me. But I've managed to find some head space so could come back to it. Lisa was 28 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2008. This book sprung out of the blog she kept at the time, she passed away in 2013 when the cancer metastasised. It was a tough read, because you don't imagine someone that young having to go through this. And it certainly seems that breast cancer treatment and information has changed a lot in the following decade. There was a lot that she didn't seem to be aware of (eg never really being cured, just hoping that it doesn't come back), and she certainly had a super tough time on the chemo regime. It was good to read about someone else going through the same experience, even though things have changed a lot since then, and my experience is not her experience.
August 29, 2017
Such an honest portrayal; funny, heartfelt, beautiful. Really helpful to anyone who has had to deal with the indignity of cancer. So thankful that this lovely lady shared her story.
September 14, 2017
Incredibly moving and true life story of a remarkable woman's fight with cancer.
December 1, 2019
Found this book emotional but enjoyed it
April 2, 2021
May lovely Lisa rest in peace xx
March 13, 2022
I laughed, cried and then laughed again.
August 21, 2023
I think this book would have been helped by an epilogue. It's both funny and sad, and pulls at your heartstrings, but the blogs at the end make you wonder about the 'in between'.
Rest in peace Lisa
Rest in peace Lisa
January 9, 2025
Really good book, laughs and cry hots home in parts.
May 2, 2020
I feel I subconsciously based a lot of my feeling about this book on the successful BBC adaptation and I kept having to remind myself the timelines were different as I kept expecting a different ending.
I really liked this book I just wish I had read it first before watching it.
I really liked this book I just wish I had read it first before watching it.
February 7, 2017
"...I loathe the term 'journey' when applied to cancer. Journey implies a pleasant trip to the seaside, a magical mystery tour or an epiphany during some life-changing experience. CANCER ISN'T A JOURNEY. Cancer is a nuclear bomb dropped in the centre of your lovely world..."
So, here is a good idea: On the eve of my departure from the danger zone of inevitable 27 Club Stardom, let me read a book about a 28year old who survived my great fear. The Big C. The Bullshit. The Booby Shaped Killer that is, as I type, conga-lining around in my body in the shape of a BRSA gene, just waiting to pounce. Yes, I know you're there you little monster. And yes, you scare me absolutely feckless.
This is a wonderfully honest, and delightfully humorous recount by Lisa Lynch, of her year of "The Bullshit" (aka. Breast Cancer). I laughed at, and loved this book until about halfway through, when I made the grievous mistake of wanting to find out what the author looks like. Understandably so, since such a large proportion of the book is dedicated to her (previously) luscious locks. And I found it astounding that a person who has a death sentence stamped on her chest (literally) at the age of 28, is so obsessed with her hair. Thus I started envisioning her as a sort of modern day Rapunzel.
Big. Mistake. *spoileralert*
Nothing ruins a book about surviving cancer quite as much as finding out that the author died of cancer.
Needless to say I read the rest of the book with a box of tissues close by, and sobbing pathetically at even the happy, funny parts. It also made the previously, only slightly annoying complaints about hairloss, unbearable. Infact, there were times when I thought about shaving my head just to be able to say "It's not that bad. And I'm still alive!"
You fought bravely Lisa. You coped. And all of us are eternally grateful for the legacy you left behind.
(Now chears to you Janis, Jimmy and Kurt. I'm on my way out of the Club! And save a seat for me Lisa...)
So, here is a good idea: On the eve of my departure from the danger zone of inevitable 27 Club Stardom, let me read a book about a 28year old who survived my great fear. The Big C. The Bullshit. The Booby Shaped Killer that is, as I type, conga-lining around in my body in the shape of a BRSA gene, just waiting to pounce. Yes, I know you're there you little monster. And yes, you scare me absolutely feckless.
This is a wonderfully honest, and delightfully humorous recount by Lisa Lynch, of her year of "The Bullshit" (aka. Breast Cancer). I laughed at, and loved this book until about halfway through, when I made the grievous mistake of wanting to find out what the author looks like. Understandably so, since such a large proportion of the book is dedicated to her (previously) luscious locks. And I found it astounding that a person who has a death sentence stamped on her chest (literally) at the age of 28, is so obsessed with her hair. Thus I started envisioning her as a sort of modern day Rapunzel.
Big. Mistake. *spoileralert*
Nothing ruins a book about surviving cancer quite as much as finding out that the author died of cancer.
Needless to say I read the rest of the book with a box of tissues close by, and sobbing pathetically at even the happy, funny parts. It also made the previously, only slightly annoying complaints about hairloss, unbearable. Infact, there were times when I thought about shaving my head just to be able to say "It's not that bad. And I'm still alive!"
You fought bravely Lisa. You coped. And all of us are eternally grateful for the legacy you left behind.
(Now chears to you Janis, Jimmy and Kurt. I'm on my way out of the Club! And save a seat for me Lisa...)
May 11, 2015
The C- Word Review
In this nonfiction and very inspiring novel you'll find yourself crying and giving thanks for everything and everyone in your life. The book is based off a cancer blog and story told by Lisa Lynch and Nicole Taylor.
For starters, the C-word gives you a personal look at what things are like for cancer patients. More specifically women with breast cancer. It also clarifies some of the rumors. Like if you have cancer you'll lose your hair. This isn't true, hair loss is occurs because of chemotherapy. It also takes you through the very emotional and tough process of everything. From being diagnosed with cancer to hair loss, medication, and intense emotions. Lisa is a very inspiring from the start of things. The way she decides to handle things and work her way through it all shows so much. She focuses on the future instead of what's going on. She is optimistic and doesn't let the cancer take over her. She decides to take control of the only thing she can her emotions. She doesn't give up even after she is diagnosed with cancer for the second time. There are moments throughout the novel where she wants to give up but she always finds a reason to keep trying. Whether it’s the friends and family that support her or her brothers upcoming wedding.
All in all, Lisa reminds us to never lose faith and hope. She helps inspire new and old cancer patients. She provides comfort through a book.
In this nonfiction and very inspiring novel you'll find yourself crying and giving thanks for everything and everyone in your life. The book is based off a cancer blog and story told by Lisa Lynch and Nicole Taylor.
For starters, the C-word gives you a personal look at what things are like for cancer patients. More specifically women with breast cancer. It also clarifies some of the rumors. Like if you have cancer you'll lose your hair. This isn't true, hair loss is occurs because of chemotherapy. It also takes you through the very emotional and tough process of everything. From being diagnosed with cancer to hair loss, medication, and intense emotions. Lisa is a very inspiring from the start of things. The way she decides to handle things and work her way through it all shows so much. She focuses on the future instead of what's going on. She is optimistic and doesn't let the cancer take over her. She decides to take control of the only thing she can her emotions. She doesn't give up even after she is diagnosed with cancer for the second time. There are moments throughout the novel where she wants to give up but she always finds a reason to keep trying. Whether it’s the friends and family that support her or her brothers upcoming wedding.
All in all, Lisa reminds us to never lose faith and hope. She helps inspire new and old cancer patients. She provides comfort through a book.
May 17, 2016
I read a lot of books about cancer and this is one that stands out for the quality and clarity of the writing. Lisa Lynch knew where to put an apostrophe - and she should have as that was her profession. It's lovely to read something written by a writer who happened to get cancer, rather than a cancer patient who happened to want to force out a book.
Like many readers I had seen Sheridan Smith in the TV adaptation and in some ways that did spoil the book a bit. I couldn't read it without hearing HER voice or imagining HER as the protagonist which I think is a bit of a shame as Lisa got a bit lost behind the excellent actress who played her role.
If you can't deal with doom and gloom, don't worry. The TV adaptation went a couple of years beyond the book so this isn't a book that ends in death and disaster - though it seems some readers quit on the assumption that it would.
It's mentioned - but never explained - that Lynch had one of the BRCA genes that made her chances worse than they would be for those people who lack that gene defect. Hence I'd advise that the book is probably very useful to a patient facing chemo and radiotherapy or their family and friends as Lynch's account is quite graphic and detailed.
You'll finish this book wishing you knew Lisa Lynch - or if you're not into swearing and smut (I am) you might want to wash her mouth out but you'll still learn things along the way.
Like many readers I had seen Sheridan Smith in the TV adaptation and in some ways that did spoil the book a bit. I couldn't read it without hearing HER voice or imagining HER as the protagonist which I think is a bit of a shame as Lisa got a bit lost behind the excellent actress who played her role.
If you can't deal with doom and gloom, don't worry. The TV adaptation went a couple of years beyond the book so this isn't a book that ends in death and disaster - though it seems some readers quit on the assumption that it would.
It's mentioned - but never explained - that Lynch had one of the BRCA genes that made her chances worse than they would be for those people who lack that gene defect. Hence I'd advise that the book is probably very useful to a patient facing chemo and radiotherapy or their family and friends as Lynch's account is quite graphic and detailed.
You'll finish this book wishing you knew Lisa Lynch - or if you're not into swearing and smut (I am) you might want to wash her mouth out but you'll still learn things along the way.
February 18, 2025
"The last thing Lisa Lynch had expected to put on her 'things to do before you're 30' list was beating breast cancer, but them's the breaks. So with her life on hold, and her mind stuffed with unspoken fears, questions and emotions, she turned to her computer and started blogging about the frustrating, life-altering, sheer pain-in-the-arse inconvenience of getting breast cancer at the age of 28."
A brutally honest story of Lisa's cancer journey through from finding the lump, surgeries, treatments, side effects, after effects and a lot of swearing, joking and light-hearted (if sometimes inappropriate in places) humour to help her along the way. A must read for anyone going through it or know a friend or family member going through a cancer journey, as it really and honestly explains it all.
Full of admiration for this lovely lady and the way she dealt with and shared her cancer journey.
A brutally honest story of Lisa's cancer journey through from finding the lump, surgeries, treatments, side effects, after effects and a lot of swearing, joking and light-hearted (if sometimes inappropriate in places) humour to help her along the way. A must read for anyone going through it or know a friend or family member going through a cancer journey, as it really and honestly explains it all.
Full of admiration for this lovely lady and the way she dealt with and shared her cancer journey.
March 30, 2012
Lisa can be really smutty and humorous. She finds ways to present harrowing situations in the most hilarious ways provoking contradictory feelings in the reader with her brutal honesty. Her warm writing style could easily fool you to believe that her emotional explorations are just that... emotional. However, the book doesn't only tell you how a 28 year old woman with a dreadful illness that she calls "the bullshit" feels... It shows you life interrupted; it shows you the effect of loving parents, friends and a partner; it shows you anger not slathering the author's feelings on the pages but by showing you the scenario and letting you imagine how YOU would feel if you were in her shoes. I felt as if it was me who fell at Debenhams... obviously wasn't and yet I was angry and laughing. I still laugh every time I pick it up.
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