When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones [Hardcover]

Cecil Murphey (Author), Michal Sparks (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009

When you're caring for someone with cancer, it's difficult to know how to truly be there and how best to respond to the unexpected twists and turns that accompany a devastating diagnosis. This comforting book inspires caregivers to seek peace and understanding in their loved one's situation, learn the importance of active listening, and explore their own feelings of confusion and unrest.

Beloved watercolor artist Michal Sparks' soothing paintings combine with practical helps and honest "I've been there" admissions from bestselling author and longtime pastor Cecil Murphey that detail handling both the physical and emotional challenges of illness. Caregivers will learn how best to handle anxiety and apprehension, answer questions honestly and with love, deal with their own emotions of exhaustion and helplessness, and bring hidden feelings to the surface.

This much-needed book uniquely combines practical ways to help a friend and family member deal with a devastating disease and spirit-lifting thoughts for celebrating the gift of life in the midst of troubles.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cecil Murphey is an international speaker and bestselling author who has written more than 100 books, including New York Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper). Cecil has served as a pastor and hospital chaplain for many years, and through his ministry and books such as When Someone You Love Has Cancer, Words of Comfort for Times of Loss, and When Someone You Love No Longer Remembers, he has encouraged thousands.

Michal Sparks’ artwork can be found throughout the home-furnishings industry in textiles, gift items, dinnerware, and more. She is the artist for Words of Comfort for Times of Loss, When Someone you Love Has Cancer and A Simple Gift of Comfort. She and her family live in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736924280
• ISBN-13: 978-0736924283
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hello! My name is Cecil Murphey, but everyone just calls me 'Cec.'

I've written dozens of books on a variety of topics with an emphasis on Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Caregiving, and Recovery. In these books, I share my personal experiences as I strive to be closer to God and to seek his will for me.

My passion is to stimulate people's minds and nourish their souls. Since 1984, I've used my writing to help me accomplish those goals. My first book came off the press in 1975. To date I've published more than 135 books and hundreds of articles.

When I write, I have the opportunity to share my faith and my spiritual growth with others. My nonfiction books are based on my personal experiences, experiences that have been enhanced and developed by meeting people just like you.

As a ghostwriter, I sometimes take other people's materials and write books for them. Some carried my name and others did not. (Ghostwriters are often noted with the word 'with' below the author's name.) Why do I ghostwrite? It's rewarding for me to help others tell their stories of inspiration and growth. For example, when I see and hear from readers of 90 Minutes in Heaven and they describe the peace they now have after losing a loved one, I'm gratified to be a part of telling that story.

I've had the opportunity to be a caregiver and work with a number of other caregivers for their loved ones. It's a difficult, but rewarding commitment. When you're dealing with challenges of Alzheimer's Disease, depression, or substance abuse in your family, it can be a time that stretches you personally and tries your faith.

Stop by my web site. Drop me an e-mail. I'd love to hear from you.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#70 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs

#97 in Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs

#70 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs

#97 in Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book for caregivers like me October 26, 2009

By Vonda Skelton

Format:Hardcover

In the past few months, my sister has died of cancer, my mother has been diagnosed with cancer, and I've had several friends develop cancer. I've gone without sleep, changed adult diapers, and done CPR on my mother. It's been a hard year. Cecil Murphey's book was a gift, given to me at just the right time. It was encouraging to see my feelings verbalized and validated. And even though I knew it in my heart, this book confirmed that I'm not alone. Thank you, Cecil Murphey. Your book truly was a comfort and encouragement to a tired, struggling caregiver.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Perspective on Cancer August 4, 2009

By Donna Shepherd

Format:Hardcover

Many books written about cancer are written for the patients. When Someone You Love Has Cancer is written for those whose loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer. What do you do? What do you say? What don't you say? Cecil Murphey, in his own straightforward style addresses all these questions. As someone who has had a loved one battle cancer, he knows all too well that these and many more questions will need to be answered. He takes the reader through the journey with grace, kindness, prayer, and loving advice. An Appendix lists practical things you can do to help those diagnosed with cancer.

When Someone You Love Has Cancer is a beautifully packaged gift book with watercolor illustrations by Michael Sparks. Pastors, this would make a wonderful addition to your library. Are you a caregiver? Read this book to better know what the family goes through. If you know of a person who has just been diagnosed with cancer, run - buy this book for the family and friends.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding guide filled with encouragement and advice July 31, 2009

By Christina Lockstein TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

When Someone You Love Has Cancer by Cecil Murphey couldn't have come at a better time for me. Three days before I received the email about this book, I got word that my uncle's cancer had come back. As someone who is living this right now, this book is perfect. It's short and an incredibly easy read, perfect for anyone who's facing the horrible news but doesn't want to spend hours paging through a book filled with statistics and dry advice. Murphey's book has short anecdotes with down to earth wisdom for the family and friends of cancer sufferers. Some of the advice may seem like common sense, but when your life is turned upside down, common sense is remarkably rare. Each chapter ends with a short prayer for understanding and strength. The most important advice given is for caregivers to just listen and be present for those facing cancer, something that I needed to hear. This book offers hope in the midst of a frightening time. Now that I've finished reading it, I will be passing it on to my mom, and I'm sure that she will pass it on as well. It's that kind of book.