If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? [Paperback]

Brenda Elsagher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 2003

This story follows a 39-year-old woman through a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and subsequent surgery, with a look at her daily trials in a humorous and honest voice.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

We knew from the moment we saw this book, we wanted to publish it. Brenda Elsagher's story is compelling, honest and funny. We know you will enjoy it too.

From the Author

I wrote this story originally for my children who were 3 and 5-years-old when I was diagnosed with cancer. I found I had a passion for writing and it became a labor of love. Over time, an urgency took hold to share my knowledge of colon cancer and what I learned along the way. Humor got me through the tests and painful times. I shared my story as honestly as I could in the hopes it may help other. Thank you for considering it.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Expert Publishing, Inc. (July 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931945063
• ISBN-13: 978-1931945066
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,346,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A courageous, gutsy, must read book, October 31, 2003

By 

Lois (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? (Paperback)

Brenda Elsagher's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Determined not to let cancer beat her, she fights back-with determination, sheer guts, and humor to help her survive and thrive.

I found myself laughing at her inner thoughts, written in italics, as she is carried along the journey that is cancer. Not only did I laugh, I cried, and then laughed and cried some more. I was right there with her as she went through surgery, chemo,a permanent colostomy, and recuperation. Brenda tells is like it is and I came away, marveling at her courage and spirit.

Rectal cancer is a topic most of us want to shy away from and Brenda tells us why we can't. Denial can be deadly.

I've read this book twice and each time the emotions I felt were even stronger than before.

This is a MUST read book for everyone because rectal cancer and ostomy surgery are topics we would rather keep hidden behind a bolted bathroom door. Brenda won't let us do that. She holds these topics up to the light, to be looked at, without shame or embarrassment,strips away the fears and mysths with candor, humor and straight on guts.

Get it, read it, laugh, cry, and marvel at Brenda's candor and courage; read it again and then give it to a friend!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If the Battle is Over, October 30, 2003

By 

Renee W Rongen (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? (Paperback)

If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform is a book for everyone! This book is poignant, humorous and inspirational! The author takes you on her journey of triumph over colerectal cancer. As she does, she opens her heart and soul to her readers.

This book is an absolute must for all those in the medical field working with cancer patients! Every clinic and hospital should have this book as a reminder that we are all human beings with feelings, insecurities, hopes and dreams.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Medicine, December 17, 2003

By 

Angela McCaffrey - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? (Paperback)

Humor is where you find it. Brenda Elsagher has the amazing ability to find humor in a most difficult journey through colorectal cancer. She encourages the reader to use humor as a survival tactic to combat cancer. This book presents a sensitive portrayal of the immense challenge to the human spirit posed by cancer diagnosis and treatment. It also contains a powerful message of hope for life after diagnosis as readers follow Brenda's transformation from hair stylist to comedian. Brenda's description of her treatment for cancer "back there" under the capable hands of her surgeon "the rear admiral" is incredibly funny. It is likely to cause the reader to laugh out loud. For cancer patients that is a very good thing as laughter is good medicine!!!