Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Wayne Cooke Review

My very good friend and University of Michigan singing buddy, Wayne Cooke, has always been a totally positive and upbeat person, which has to be the key reason he has been a survivor of his multiple cancers for seven years now. Certainly the latest medical aids have been important, but attitude is what holds it all together. In "The Far Side of The Curve", he has recounted his life with cancer in, for him, a typically positive way, a very upbeat way, that does not stint on the degree of medial and emotional problems but keeps them in the prospective of solving a problem without railing against the existence of the problem. I have donated a copy of this book to our Cancer Support Group for their encouragement.

Bob Ely
Greenbrae, California 4/16/2010

This might be biased as the author is my father, however, I have found his book to be an honest & true account of how he has approached his illness with bravery and humour. His example is one we can all follow to tackle all of life's challenges - big or small.

Having known Wayne for over 20 years, it has been amazing to see how he has dealt with his cancer. I am glad he chronicled his journey so well. It is an inspiration to all - not only others with chronic cancers

Wayne Cooke gives a realistic narrative of his emotions on discovering he has cancer, comparing his anxiety to other stressful times in his life. After coming to grips with the problem, he gives the reader a practical approach in dealing with this problem. I believe his approach can be applied to many of life's problems. His sense of humor and acceptance and forward-looking philosophy are a model for us all. Thank you Wayne. Sharon McAuliffe

An engaging story of a stage IV cancer survivor's life and the past 6 years of dealing with the challenges of various therapies and their effects on his and his family's lives. Being a cancer survivor myself, I found the story to be an inspiration and a guide to optimizing your lifestyle to successfully cope while enjoying what you have in life.