On The Far Side of The Curve: A Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor's Journey [Paperback]

Wayne Cooke (Author), Dr. Peter I. Yi MD (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2009

On the Far Side of the Curve: A Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor’s Journey is cancer survivor Wayne Cooke’s dramatic and comprehensive book about overcoming the odds—making it to the far side of the survival curve—moving on with his life, and his easy-to-follow lessons for coping…and surviving. Following a Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis, the author underwent three major surgeries and more than seventy cycles of chemo and infusional therapy. Six years later, he is sharing the lessons, coping techniques, wisdom, humor, and enthusiasm that supported him throughout his lengthy treatment. Whether one is diagnosed with colon cancer or another type of cancer, patients, caregivers, family, and friends will benefit from the lessons described in this book. From the vital role played by caregivers to keeping the faith, from remaining positive to planning for the future, this deeply personal book brings readers into the life and the hopes of a man who continues in his valiant fight against cancer.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Having lived and worked on three continents, Wayne Cooke has enjoyed a lifetime of memorable experiences. But they were only a prologue to his valiant and remarkable battle with stage IV cancer. Raised in Bowling Green, Ohio, the author earned a BBA with distinction from the University of Michigan. Following three years in the United States Navy, he returned to Michigan and earned his MBA, with distinction. After thirty years with IBM—and management positions that took him and his family to The Netherlands, Paris and Hong Kong—he retired and joined his wife selling residential real estate in Princeton, NJ. Despite having a clean colonoscopy in August 2000, the author was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in November 2003. He has since undergone three major surgeries and over seventy cycles of chemo and infusional therapy, and has been a cancer survivor for six years. The author and his wife have two adult children, two grandsons, and reside in Princeton Township, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (December 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439252408
• ISBN-13: 978-1439252406
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #916,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Cancer > Colorectal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and positive!, April 21, 2011

By 

Gigi - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On The Far Side of The Curve: A Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor's Journey (Paperback)

As a sister of a newly diagnosed Stage IV colon cancer patient, I found this story to be inspiring and very hopeful. Mr. Cooke approached his treatments and surgeries in such a positive manner. I found his learning lessons at the end of the book particularly helpful. Proof that attitude is everything.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Cancer Survivor's Story of Love, Hope, Strength and Promise, February 8, 2010

By 

Keith Smith, Author of 'Men in My Town' (Mercer County, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Far Side of The Curve: A Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor's Journey (Paperback)

Wayne Cooke has written a book that will help cancer patients and those they love deal with the realities of cancer. Wayne's story teaches us that the journey from diagnosis to remission to recovery and even death, can be something to embrace, a time to live through, a time to see life and love and family and friends for all they have to offer.

Wayne challenges us to see a day with cancer not as a death sentence but as just another day; a typical day full of hope, dreams, love, laughter, joy, music, family, friends, children, grandchildren, prayer, song, fear, pain, medication, surgery, disappointment, apprehension, handicaps, missed opportunity, cancelled plans, success and failure.

He encourages us to choose to live with cancer and not let it kill our spirit. To recognize that we can't control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it. To live each day to the fullest and not be dragged down by self-pity or anger. To triumph over cancer by waking in the morning and welcoming each new day for what it is; a gift, another day of life.

We can all learn from this remarkable man, a man who has chosen to look back on his life and be thankful. A Stage IV cancer survivor who has the courage to get up each day and live life to it's fullest, even when the cancer, chemo or neuropathy steals his strength and agility. The terminally ill, chronically ill, their families, caregivers, friends and everyone blessed with good health can learn from Wayne Cooke. Read his story and witness his appreciation for all he's been given in the past. Witness his appreciation for the gifts and miracles he sees in each new day. Read his book and experience his world while he lives with cancer; a world full of love, hope, strength and promise based in family, faith and friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom of living for all, August 8, 2011

By 

Jie Hayes - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Far Side Of The Curve: A Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor's Journey (Kindle Edition)

The book was given as a gift last night when Wayne and Pat stopped by visiting my parents whom they recently met in China. My parents are currently visiting Princeton where they have caught up with Wayne and Pat in several occasions. The shared interest in music becomes a common ground that lowered the barriers of culture and language.

Eager to share the story in chinese with my parents, I spent the rest of last night and early morning to finish the book. It was quite unusual journey that Wayne and family have travelled in the past eight years. Their upbeat spirit and approach to deal with uncertainties are inspirations not only for the people who are facing life threatening illness but anyone who is facing any challenge in life. It is a revelation of wisdom of living for all.

Upbeat and easy to read. Highly recommended for all.