Reviews

BOOK REVIEW – ‘SEIZE THE DAY’ BY ELIZABETH JOSEPH

I have read many books on breast cancer and other cancers since going through my own experience.  Some books have concentrated on medical issues and view points, whilst others have combined medical and general view points.

Recently, I was given a book to read written by Elizabeth Joseph, called “Seize The Day”.  On opening the first page, I found that it was not in the normal format of story telling but in odes/verses.  It is not a particularly heavy book to read being very slim, but it deals with Elizabeth Joseph’s feelings and experiences from diagnosis of her cancer to recovery and beyond.

There are many odes in the book which express Elizabeth's fear, frustration, helplessness, anger, weakness and hope which I was completely in tune with, having gone through the same feelings during my own experience.  What comes through these verses is her determination to survive and lead a normal life as possible.  Also running through the book is the fantastic support and love surrounding this lady, from family, friends and neighbours.  Her love for her sister is beautifully relayed by the wonderful dedication in the book.

I have chosen a couple of verses, out of many, from the book which I would like to share with you, and which personally I found very moving.  “The following is the first piece of positive news from the Oncologist and I think speaks for itself”                                    

On with the Show

I don’t quite know how I feel tonight
I’d like to sleep but my brains too uptight
To the hospital I went as usual today
Expecting the news to be gloomy, not gay
And to my surprise I was called straight in
The Doctor was sporting a manic grin
Are you alone, no says I, but don’t wait
My husband is always terribly late
It would not matter if he missed the start
These conversations merely broke his heart
But as he came in I was able to smile
I had just heard good news, not known for a while
My blood tests were good, but the one last of all
Was my CEA count now had gone into freefall
From 88 it had tumbled right down
And now at 8 there was no need to frown
There was also a letter from my Mr Rees
Who said he would help me – at last I have peace
I know that I still have a long way to go
But what a day! Now on with the show!

“Surrounded even wrapped in a circle of love.  It was truly a wonderful feeling, and one that I will never forget.”

Spiritual Love

With the help of my four Angels
And my very special friends
I have the strength and inner peace
To focus on my mend
There will be times that I may falter
And then I’ll call them in
To boost my faith and cast my doubts
Right down into the bin,
The love that can surround one
Is a very precious thing
But with help from all these people
A full remedy will spring
Of this you may be sure we WILL effect a cure.  

I hope the above has given you a taste to read more.  The book is part of Bosom Pals Library and can be borrowed by contacting our Librarian during our monthly meetings.  

Enjoy!