The Definitive List of Dos & Don’ts When a Friend Has Cancer
Part Three (Helpful Reading)
This post is the third in a three-part series. Find links to parts one and two at the end.
Overview
The following books and resources have been helpful to me during my husband’s and my cancer journeys. They filled me with thought-provoking concepts; many were healing.
What’s more, given that I’m a small business marketing advocate, I also recommend a handful of books specifically for small business owners.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below lead to Amazon whereby I may earn a commission.*
For Easy Reading, Download the Complete 3-Part Dos & Don’ts Cancer Series in PDF Format
A Manual For Living, Epictetus, A New Interpretation by Sharon Lebell
*My favorite book of all time. It’s tiny (4.25” x 5”). Immediately after finishing it I noted in my calendar to read it every 30 days until I can unconsciously follow its advice.
The overall message: Let go of what you can’t control.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
*I love Mark’s writing. He’s sarcastic and extremely direct. Chapter 9 was particularly helpful, titled: And Then You Die.
In Mark’s words, “Confronting the reality of our own mortality is important because it obliterates all the crappy, fragile, superficial values in life. While most people whittle their days chasing another buck, or a little bit more fame and attention, or a little bit more assurance that they’re right or loved, death confronts all of us with a far more painful and important question: What is your legacy?”
If you can get your mind around dying and its inevitability, then you can be present right now and live your best life by letting go of the fears you’ve created to distract you from thinking about your own death.
On Living by Kerry Egan
*Simply tremendous listening to the stories, hopes and regrets of those dying. How? Because their tales are relatable and, therefore, can change your life if you choose.
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
*Glitter and Glue was especially helpful to me. My teenage daughter and I fell into odds during my husband’s initial cancer journey, adding deeply to my heartbreak and sense of loss.
Kelly’s writing fills me with hope as she tells the story of a mother and daughter. I related immensely with Kelly’s story because I’m the glue. The very substance our children often overlook, since glitter is far more enticing.
Waking Up in Winter, In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife by Cheryl Richardson
*Cheryl provided clarity for me. I became more focused on myself rather than what I thought I should be doing. I’ve successfully changed my life priorities since reading Waking Up in Winter.
That’s My Son by Rick Johnson
*My son was only 12 years old at the start of my husband’s cancer journey. I worried about him constantly, since I was absent a lot shuttling my husband to his medical appointments. Rick helped me narrow in on what my son needs from me, relieving me of unnecessary worry.
The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler
*A tremendously helpful book to prepare for your death or that of someone you love. When I say “prepare,” I mean Katy provides advice starting at middle age. There are many things we can do today, when our death may be far off, to lay a plan for a comfortable death.
This is the most resourceful book I’ve read this year.
Barbara Karnes, RN, End-of-Life Booklet Series
Including:
A Time to Live: Living with a Life-Threatening Illness
Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience
The Eleventh Hour: A Caring Guide for the Hours to Minutes Before Death
My Friend, I Care: The Grief Experience
You can also find wonderful insights regarding end-of-life care at Barbara’s Facebook page: End of Life Care and Bereavement
Barbara also wrote a powerful line to one of her readers who was struggling with the death of her 32-year-old son. I read this line often. It uplifts me.
She wrote:
Although you would like life to be different for the two of you, it isn’t. Right now is probably the best it is going to be so live through it, make it special.
I’m Dead. Now What? Important Information about My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
*My husband is dying and, therefore, it’s important for us to get our affairs in order. Conversations regarding him dying are difficult. I never want him to think I’ve lost hope when I ask him questions about our business affairs. I’m Dead. Now What? helps keep our conversations brief, yet on target.
Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach
*Sarah provides short, evocative essays for each day of the year. Lovely read.
There are many other books that provided me comfort or inspiration, including:
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
Everything Happens for a Reason by Kate Bowler
Somewhere Towards the End (a memoir) by Diana Athill
Books for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, I read a lot of books to gain ideas, different perspectives, etc. I gleaned a great deal of inspiration from reading these three books.
The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert
*One of my all-time favorite books! I read it the week I was laid up on the couch after my cancer-related surgery. If you write any form of marketing or advertising copy, definitely read this book. It’s a series of letters by copywriter Gary C. Halbert, explaining insider tactics and sage wisdom to his youngest son Bond. He writes it from prison. Great read!
Principles by Ray Dalio
*Simply a fantastic book for any business owner or those in leadership positions.
EleVate, Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others by Robert Glazer
*An excellent, quick read. Robert also authors a weekly leadership email called Friday Forward. I read it religiously every Friday. It’s thought-provoking.
Small Business Marketing Resources
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my own writing that I’ve compiled during the past 17+ years to help and inspire small business owners to maintain their independence by using creative and affordable marketing strategies.
My marketing blog, Small Biz Survival
My Amazon eBook Series
Weather Marketing Ideas, Operational Strategies to Combat Severe Weather: Revenue Retaining Maneuvers for Brick and Mortar Retailers & On-Site Service Businesses, Raining Revenue® eBook 1
Duplicate Yourself, Small Business Piggybacking & Partnership Marketing Strategies, Raining Revenue® eBook 2
Email Marketing, Subject Lines that Sell
SELF-EMPLOYED WANTED, Inspirational, Witty & Thought Provoking Expressions for Lifestyle Entrepreneurs, Free Agents and Independent Professionals
Other Resources
Death Cafes and Coffin Clubs – Places where you can go to freely talk about death. It’s not professional therapy; instead, you’ll be surrounding yourself with others who want to talk openly about death.
Sharron’s Contact Information
If you wish to contact me regarding my cancer guide, such as suggesting a helpful resource for cancer patients or caregivers, or if you need assistance with your financial services writing and marketing project management, you can find my contact information here.
3-Part Series Regarding Dos and Don’ts When a Friend Has Cancer
The above is the third post in a three-part series regarding the dos and don’ts when a friend has cancer.
Part one describes the don’ts when a friend has cancer, and outlines the beginnings of mine and my husband’s cancer journeys.
Part two describes the dos when a friend has cancer, actions by others that my husband and I found helpful during our cancer journeys.
Part three identifies helpful books and websites for caregivers as well as for individuals on cancer journeys. All offer thought-provoking concepts; many were healing. Some pertain to end-of-life care.
Waging Hope,
Sharron