If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform? (Paperback)

~ Brenda Elsagher (Author) "I knew my entire life that someday I would be speaking about something important..." (more)
Key Phrases: Rear Admiral, Twin Cities Funniest Person, Brenda Elsagher (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This story follows a 39-year-old woman through a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and subsequent surgery, with a look at her daily trials in a humorous and honest voice.

From the Publisher

We knew from the moment we saw this book, we wanted to publish it. Brenda Elsagher's story is compelling, honest and funny. We know you will enjoy it too.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Expert Publishing, Inc. (July 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931945063
• ISBN-13: 978-1931945066
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #286,279 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A courageous, gutsy, must read book, October 31, 2003

By	Lois (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

Brenda Elsagher's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Determined not to let cancer beat her, she fights back-with determination, sheer guts, and humor to help her survive and thrive.

I found myself laughing at her inner thoughts, written in italics, as she is carried along the journey that is cancer. Not only did I laugh, I cried, and then laughed and cried some more. I was right there with her as she went through surgery, chemo,a permanent colostomy, and recuperation. Brenda tells is like it is and I came away, marveling at her courage and spirit.

Rectal cancer is a topic most of us want to shy away from and Brenda tells us why we can't. Denial can be deadly.

I've read this book twice and each time the emotions I felt were even stronger than before.

This is a MUST read book for everyone because rectal cancer and ostomy surgery are topics we would rather keep hidden behind a bolted bathroom door. Brenda won't let us do that. She holds these topics up to the light, to be looked at, without shame or embarrassment,strips away the fears and mysths with candor, humor and straight on guts.

Get it, read it, laugh, cry, and marvel at Brenda's candor and courage; read it again and then give it to a friend!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If the Battle is Over, October 30, 2003

By	Renee W Rongen (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform is a book for everyone! This book is poignant, humorous and inspirational! The author takes you on her journey of triumph over colerectal cancer. As she does, she opens her heart and soul to her readers.

This book is an absolute must for all those in the medical field working with cancer patients! Every clinic and hospital should have this book as a reminder that we are all human beings with feelings, insecurities, hopes and dreams.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those experiencing illness!, June 11, 2005

By	armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Brenda Elsagher is living proof that if you're determined (a feisty attitude is a bonus) and armed with a brutal sense of humor, the spirit of a fighter won't be defeated. And Brenda is a fighter. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1995, she shares in If The Battle Is Over Why Am I Still In Uniform? her private war with a deadly enemy; one she was determined to beat.

After reading this book I will never think about my colon, or any other body part for that matter, in the same way again. I learned that screening for colorectal cancer is important, because if caught early enough, it can be cured.

If The Battle Is Over Why Am I Still In Uniform? is filled with wit, wisdom, and the stark realities of cancer. I laughed often and my eyes misted more than once. It is a well-written book of one woman's cancer reality. It is also the story of that woman's determination to grow old with her husband and meet her grandchildren.

This book will provide you with information that might just save your life. If you know someone with colorectal cancer, sharing this book with them will let them know that they're not fighting the battle alone.

Also, if you know someone (maybe you) who is long overdue for their colon screening, this book will encourage them with reality. Get your doctor's number handy and call now!