Product Description

It is impossible to go back to the old life after a cancer diagnosis; the reality of surviving is complex. Kate Carr was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39, underwent extensive harrowing treatment, and in 1998 was told that she'd reached a significant milestone - the five-year mark. Reaching this point without the cancer returning is a strong indication that the treatment has been successful. The sad truth, however, is that, like all cancer sufferers who have reached this stage, she had to live every day with the knowledge that it can come back at any time. It's Not Like That, Actually charts Kate's diagnosis and treatment, while explaining in beautifully written detail the ups and downs - the reality - of moving on from there and dealing with the emotional burden that friends and family find it difficult to understand. A unique, inspirational, practical book for all cancer sufferers, and their families.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #137870 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From the Publisher
The first book of its kind to be written on the reality of surviving cancer, long-term.

About the Author
Kate Carr was a freelance writer and freelance Books Editor for Good Housekeeping magazine. She died in September 2004 at the age of 47 after her cancer returned. She left behind her partner and two children (aged 9 and 12).

Customer Reviews

A REFRESHINGLY FRANK AND REALISTIC ACCOUNT
Kate Carr's book is a refreshingly frank and realistic account of what it is like for a young woman trying to cope beyond the moment you are diagnosed with breast cancer and everything that is flung at you thereafter. If you have just been diagnosed, buy it and read it in a few months. If you are midway or near the end of chemotherpay read it now it will reassure you that you are not going insane. If you have a friend or relative with breast cancer, learn as you read.

It would be misleading to say that this book is uplifting as, unfortunately, Kate Carr died as this book was published. This adds additional poignancy to her fears about not being around to see her children grow up. However, what this book gives you is something to relate to from your hair falling out in your hands to insesitive coments from well meaning friends and colleagues.

If Kate Carr wanted to leave any kind of legacy, then this book and it's unflinching honesty is one she should be proud to leave behind for all the women who are diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer who are sick and tired of reading about so-called inspiring and heroic battles against cancer. As the tiltle says, it's not like that, actually.

written to the point and very easy to relate to
I had read other books in my local library about cancer survivors, and their experiences, having being diagnosed with breast cancer myself, in may 2005. As a mother of 2 young children, I was looking for a book, written by someone I could relate to. When I read the back of the book I was sure I had picked the right one. As soon as I started to read it I was hooked. I needed to hear someone elses experiences.The book scared me sometimes, but those parts I needed to read, because people around me would not discuss, or were afraid to ask me certain questions. I could not put this book down, even though I found parts hard to read. I found it very helpful. I would highly recommend. A great read

Excellent book....definately worth reading
I thought this was an excellent book. Kate Carr gets right down to the nitty gritty on what it is like to experience cancer. I have recurrent cancer myself and it was so refreshing to read a realistic experience on what it's really like to go through this nightmare instead of the usual sugary, unrealistic nonsense in the press..

I was so sad to hear that Kate passed from the cancer but she left a great legacy with this book.