Damn The Statistics, I Have a Life to Live!: Coping with a Brain Tumor My Personal Story [Paperback]

Harry Wolf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 11, 2003

June 3, 2002 was the day that changed my life forever.  A 43-year-old father of three, whom in oneday went from being a successful senior manager to a man with a braintumor.  I have a glioblastoma multiformegrade IV brain tumor, the most deadly and aggressive type of brain tumor.  This book covers how I have dealt with lifeafter being informed that I have a tumor that only 1-2% survive for 2years.  I share the experiences, thoughts,and events from my first year as a survivor. When I was first diagnosed, I searched for a book that covered thedetails of what could be expected on both a medical and personal level.  I could not find, so I wrote one.  I maintained a detailed journal.  I cover the first surgery, an awakecraniotomy, and the subsequent head infection that led to a second craniotomyand a near kidney failure.  I also covermy first year of treatments.  Inaddition, I discuss my struggles with relearning to speak and read.  Some personal and medical photos areincluded.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

H. Charles Wolf is a husband, father, grandfather, formernuclear facility manager, and a brain tumor victim.  He has worked in America's most dangerous facility, as dubbed byPeter Jennings.  He has been on thefront page of the Wall Street Journal. His education includes a chemical engineering degree from the Ohio StateUniversity and an MBA from the University of South Carolina.  He continues to struggle with the aphasiacaused by the tumor surgery.  Writingthis book was great therapy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410786226
• ISBN-13: 978-1410786227
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading if you know someone with a brain tumor., February 6, 2006

By 

Theresa (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Damn The Statistics, I Have a Life to Live!: Coping with a Brain Tumor My Personal Story (Paperback)

I read this book when my mother was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme IV. It was very quick and easy reading, which is good during a time like this. It tells what this guy experienced from the beginning symptoms, through surgery, and recovery. It helped to reaffirm that what the doctors were doing for my mom was the "standard" procedure for this type of cancer, and helped to familiarize me with the terminology that I was both hearing from the doctors as well as reading simultaneously in this book. Although people experience different symptoms from this cancer, much of it is the same. Because this guy was able to write about what he experienced, it helped me to understand more of what my mom was going through... with the loss of words and thoughts, inability to do simple everyday activities that we take for granted, the craniotomy, and treatments - radiation and chemo. I would recommend this book to anyone who is caring for someone with this tumor.. It's affordable, quick reading, and it will help give you more insight on what the patient is going through.

I would like to say that my mom has undergone 2 craniotomies, she is walking again, becoming easier to understand, and has the best attitude towards life. She's got too much to live for to let this little thing called "cancer" get in her way. :-)

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book that helps you deal with personal tragedy, October 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Damn The Statistics, I Have a Life to Live!: Coping with a Brain Tumor My Personal Story (Paperback)

If you or a loved one is dealing with a tumor or a cancer this is the book to help you get through it. It details the authors personal problems and medical problems. It is a real page turner and very informative. A recommended read for everyone!!!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Put It Down, Great Read, February 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Damn The Statistics, I Have a Life to Live!: Coping with a Brain Tumor My Personal Story (Paperback)

If you know someone that has cancer, this book takes you through the first year covering awake craniotomy surgery, radiation therapy, chemo therapy, and others. There are a lot of pictures.