Don't Fear the Big Dogs [Paperback]

Bill Vancil (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 2005

A heartwarming story of one man's positive-charged resolve to conquer prostate cancer and the incredible journey that unfolded for him and his teenage daughter. Emotion flows through tears and laughter in this tale of a triumphant cross-country odyssey.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bill Vancil's determination and sense of humor mark this remarkable memoir, which gives valuable insight into proton radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Filled cover to cover with personal inspiration, drive, and dedication
--Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

"When Bill Vancil was diagnosed with prostate cancer he raced to find a cure. In the process, he found the symmetry that was his life. Choosing proton radiation treatment at Loma Linda University Medical Center in southern California, he and daughter Tori Lou embarked on a 'once in a lifetime' journey of discovery that covered over seven thousand miles. More than a book about cancer, it is a must-read story for anyone who thinks, feels, hopes and prays. Emotion flows through tears, laughter and discovery; taking a little of each of us along for the ride. There's enlightenment in every chapter."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Tate (May 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933290374
• ISBN-13: 978-1933290379
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #397,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Cancer > Prostate Disease

More About the Author

Bill Vancil was born in Kewanee, Illinois in 1941. He studied art, music, and sociology at Illinois Wesleyan University and Augustana College. From a dollar-an-hour announcer, he went on to become Executive VP, General Manager, and part owner of five radio stations in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2001 he changed careers, starting Bill Vancil Creative Services, specializing in web graphics, logo design and online coupon marketing. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004, Bill went to Loma Linda University Medical Center in California for proton radiation treatment. He was accompanied by his daughter, Tori Lou. Their journey inspired his first book, "Don't Fear the Big Dogs". In 2009 Bill published a second book, "Roy and Kitty", a story told in the words of Bill's two pets. In February of 2010, Bill underwent liver transplant surgery at UW Hospitals and Clinics. Bill serves on the International Advisory Council of Loma Linda University's Proton Treatment Center.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Filled cover to cover with personal inspiration, June 26, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Fear the Big Dogs (Paperback)

Don't Fear The Big Dogs is the very personal story of executive vice-president and part-owner of five radio stations Bill Vancil, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2004. His determination to overcome the attack on his body marks this remarkable, can-do memoir, which also informs the reader of a scientifically advanced option to treat prostate cancer - a procedure called proton radiation therapy, offered at only a few places in America. Told in plain terms, Don't Fear The Big Dogs is filled cover to cover with personal inspiration, drive, and dedication.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A double odyssey, February 16, 2008

By 

Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Don't Fear the Big Dogs (Paperback)

This interesting work features two odysseys. One, a cross-country trip by the author, Bill Vancil, from Madison, WI to Loma Linda, CA, to seek treatment for prostate cancer, using proton radiation therapy through Loma Linda University Center. Two, a long trip back home to Madison with his young daughter, who had flown out to join him after the start of his therapy.

One issue that piqued my interest in this volume: the author is from my home town in Illinois. He worked in Peoria and the Quad Cities, and many of the little details from his earlier life resonate with me, because of similar experiences.

The first odyssey features his efforts to determine the best way to fight his cancer. This included a tussle with his insurance company, which was loathe to pay for "experimental" therapy. It details the surgery demanded by the insurance company as it considered whether or not to pay for some/all of his treatment. It provides detail on the proton therapy, with enough information about the mechanics of the process to enlighten the reader. Here, too, his book is an advertisement for tests for prostate cancer and, in that sense, does a valuable service.

The second odyssey, as noted above, is the time in California with his daughter and their trip back to Madison. Kind of a nice relationship is detailed between father and daughter. She improved her skateboarding, learned to surf, developed a friendship with Sebastian (a "big dog," although the term big dog is used several different ways in this book), and became friends with other kids. Then, when his treatment was completed, father and daughter drove up the coast, through Big Sur. Then (following a trip I once took) Interstate 80 to the Midwest. They stayed each night at places such as Reno, Wendover (Utah), Cheyenne, and Lincoln (Nebraska). Finally, Madison.

This is an unpretentious book, telling a simple story. But a story that works at two levels of odyssey. . . .

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cross-country road trip to healing, June 9, 2006

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Don't Fear the Big Dogs (Paperback)

Tori Lou and her dad Bill Vancil were able to take a serious diagnosis of Bill's prostate cancer and mount a fight, including using a new technology not available nationwide. (Proton radiation therapy.)

Their fight included an amazing cross country trip, chronicled in this book and it reads like an adventure tale while giving some hope and some vital information to prostate cancer sufferers.

Prostate cancer is relatively common, yet slower growing than some cancers, especially in older men. There are a variety of screens for this cancer, and some innovative treatments. But even though there is much hope, the journey to healing is always an uphill fight, and the Vancils tell a dramatic story. Vancil, as a seasoned broadcaster and owner of radio stations, knows how to tell a good story with drama, humor and horror, too. This is a very "feeling" book with something that may resonate with you or someone you know. Recommended reading for human interest and definitely for cancer patients.