Finding My Invincible Summer

by Dr Muriel Vasconcellos

After a tumultuous life that included tragedy, betrayal, and corrosive guilt (told in flashbacks), Muriel finally finds love and happiness, only to be stricken with breast cancer. It appears that she has won that battle when life turns brutal again with the wrenching loss of her soul mate and, soon afterwards, another cancer diagnosis—this time of metastasis to her bones. She was given just six months to live. Unremitting pain, both physical and psychological, sends her to the depth of despair, where she seeks to end her life.

Instead, Muriel embarks on a courageous quest for health that includes not only her body, but also her psyche and spirit. She discovers that all aspects of her being are woven into one tapestry—you cannot permanently heal one part without the others. In the midst of this journey she has her third bout with cancer. This time she has the understanding and tools to walk away from conventional treatment and practice gentle approaches to becoming and staying well. Ultimately, she is led to the joy and serenity that abide in the deep recesses of her soul—her Invincible Summer.

222 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2012

Reviews

[M.M. Strawberry Library & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be insightful and rather educational. This book is an autobiography and some parts focus on stuff not about her cancer/treatment, such as her relationship with her aunt, her husband, and so on.

Some people might think that Muriel is saying here to not bother with conventional cancer treatments, but that is not what she is saying. She's not telling you to eschew radiation, chemo, etc, only that you need to make your own decisions, and decide what is best for you, and to explore all possibilities. Personally I can't blame her for the decisions she made, especially after dealing with some extremely crass and/or uncaring doctors who did not take the time to listen to her.

Like Muriel, I've ha the experience of dealing with a doctor who seemed to not be listening to you, however you articulated your issues. I also know what it feels like to deal with guilt and obsess over it, so I found myself resonating with the author in these aspects.

I only wish that Muriel had gone into more detail about est and other alternative therapies (but especially the est) Without more detail in these aspects, this book felt a bit incomplete, since I did not really understand how est helped Muriel as she glossed over pretty much the whole weekend until the end where she walked out of it. Nonetheless, today, with the Internet, you can easily look up est, so it wasn't as if this presented a huge problem, but I still wish she had been more detailed about her own personal experience.

All in all, I felt this book to be quite useful and insightful, and I recommended it to my mother and several other people. The author, back during her first struggle with her health (70's-80's) didn't have as much information, or medical technology available to help her combat the disease. Now it is 30 years later, and patients today are more empowered to do their own research and make their own decisions, but too many do not. Reading this book should give you some valuable insight in taking control of your health.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding My Invivcible Summer by Muriel Vasconcellos is an autobiography memoir. She shares with the reader her life experiences that include love and a lot of heartbreak, loss, and pain both physically and mentally. After a couple of devastating childhood occurrences, her adult life is mared with cancer and widowhood. The best part about the book and her life though, is that it does not end in the despair or hopelessness that suffering all too often brings. The author finds ways to improve her life and she becomes her own champion. Well written and open, this is her story.

[Karen Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this from Goodreads a month or so ago. It is a wonderful, well written book about a woman who didn't give up on herself or life, even though she very well could have. Cancer, death, miscarriage, you name it, it invaded her life and tried to bring her down. She's still here today to tell her story and let others know that there is always hope even when life seems the darkest. It's most definitely inspiring and I will be passing this copy on to my stepmom, who will benefit from reading this now. Thank you Muriel for showing me that anything is possible through God's grace.

[Emma Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muriel Vasconcellos' memoir takes the reader on a journey through her life, focusing on how she came to terms with breast cancer, her encounters with conventional treatment in the late 1970s and her search for alternative therapies.

I avidly read "Finding My Invincible Summer" over the course of several evenings, and in the daytime my mind was full of her flashbacks and experiences.

Thoroughly recommended.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finding My Invincible Summer" was an emotional first-hand account of what it is to go through grief, emotional discourse, pain, loss, and, even through the misguidings of those highly regarded individuals in the medical field, it is possible to find and heal yourself by yourself. Without giving too much detail about the plot, I will say that by the time I got to Part V, which is about 120 pages into the book, I found myself thinking, "How much more emotional gravity can this poor woman take? All of these events that she has experienced and accounted are just so sad and heavy that I sincerely hope it doesn't get worse!" Luckily, the book took a turn and ended with a sense of resolve - Muriel was able to find what worked for her, what helped her, even after years of trying things that didn't. One passage that struck a chord with me was one in reference to the glorification of the "warriors" who "fight" cancer. "...The majority of cancer patients continue to send their body angry and depressing messages about their disease...the real path for all of us is to embrace our fears, relax deeply, and love every part of our body, the perfect creation that it is - even and most especially, if it has cancer." I've never personally experienced cancer, but just hearing the negative connotation society places on the disease is so heavy and, yes, as terrible as it may be, it is a creation from within; our bodies aren't suddenly taken over by some alien host, but something within ourselves shifts and creates this new entity.
Without further opening a discussion on society's emotional views on cancer, I will say this - I enjoyed reading this book. As with reading any autobiographical work, the reader is given a new perspective on scenarios that they may or may never experience, and as fortunate as I am to have not been dealt such a series of unfortunate events, I can still appreciate the time and effort that was put into creating this book, the willingness that the author had in sharing her story, and my basic human sympathy and support for all of her hardships and successes that she felt.

[Anne Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very interesting. I feel bad not to give it more than 3 stars, but I would feel unfair to give it more. Well, five stars are only for very special books, mostly stuff I read as a teenager and loved like only at that age. Why not 4? because I am disappointed by the second part, i.e. when she understands she can heal herself.
The first part, describing her life with Silvio and her breast cancer was very gripping and real. Stricken by cancer again after a few years, she has plenty of reasons to be discouraged and give up.
But she will find the strength to think positively and cure her body and mind from the sickness surrounding her. And that is when I would love so much to understand how... and can't. I have a dear friend who is dying of cancer ( in a few weeks or months ) and I wanted to give the book to her. I am not sure I should, because I still don't know how to cancel the negative energy and focus on the great vastness. I mean I am afraid that instead of sending a message of hope, I will discourage her. Does it mean the book is incomplete? maybe, or it may be my fault, I am too skeptical...
Still, I'd love to get deeper into it and understand more.
It is certainly worth reading for anybody.
I decided 3 stars was too hard, the book made me think and if it did not solve all my metaphysical questions, I did enjjoy it. So 4 stars is closer to the truth.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.

"Finding My Invincible Summer" by Muriel Vasconcellos is a powerful book chronicling her survival against all odds against three attacks - no other word fits better - of cancer. After a difficult life full of tragedy, she met her soulmate, Sylvio, who became her husband. He was the love of her life. Everything seemed to be going well - then Muriel was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent brutal treatment. Later, Sylvio fell ill with lung problems that proved fatal. The loss of her beloved husband sent Muriel into a tailspin. Depressed and angry, she had trouble dealing with the people around her and alienated many of them. However, therapy - albeit with a difficult psychiatrist - seemed to help, as did visiting relatives and Sylvio's family and his homeland of Brazil, where Muriel was able to feel a connection with Sylvio. However, she had to survive two more bouts of cancer. Muriel took her treatment into her own hands and has been cancer-free for over 30 years. Her story is emotional, stirring, and inspirational. It is amazing that she has survived what she has with such grace, and I have the utmost respect for her.

P.S. We had a black cocker spaniel too, and I know what loving pets they are. I can understand why Sylvio felt the way he did about Sunshine.

Very recommended.

[Peggy Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this memoir knowing little about it or about the author. I was quite delighted to find it to be a compelling read. The writing is excellent. The author knows how to capture the reader’s attention early and not let it go. She tells her heartfelt story with insight and candor. The writing flows and draws you in.

Vasconcellos takes the reader on her remarkable journey. It’s impressive how she relates numerous events, some of them not only life-changing, but also life-saving, in a seamless, easy to follow manner. Like every good story, this one has many turning points. I found myself always wondering what would happen next, all the way to the uplifting ending. Hers is a thought-provoking story worthy of sharing with readers. I, for one, am grateful that she did so.

[Deborah Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vasconcellos' story makes for a compelling read. Though it was not the best written memoir I've ever read, it is certainly one of the most memorable. The deliberately straightforward voice actually sustained the experiences at a level that made the reading very comfortable. I was both horrified that a woman would have to navigate such painful experiences, but the fact that she used those experiences to become stronger was inspirational. Her chapter on visualizing/meditation encouraged me to try it myself, and it was a powerful experience that I intend to continue. I have long believed that we have within us a power we only barely glimpse, and this story makes me continue to move towards a deeper understanding. Thank you Muriel, for your brutal honesty and for sharing the depths and heights with us.

[Nicole Ashley]

This book is exceptional! A must read! A deeply touching, bittersweet story, brilliantly written. This book reflects the depth of a soulful woman who has learned to live through deeply wounding experiences, come to terms with her emotions and heal her pain. Reads like a thriller, yet is deep, raw and inspiring. This book is a gem. It is a gift to anyone who is in need of inspiration and hope, as well as to those who just wants an exceptionally good book to read. Pages come to life like in a movie, snapshots of history add meaning and relevance, and every chapter is filled with new surprises and give deeper meaning to the one before. Muriel's story is an inspiration and heart opener. I found this book to be a thought provoking and enriching experience in my Universe.

[Michelle Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muriel Vasconcellos is amazing!! From the first chapter to the last I was absolutely captivated by her story. How beautiful and gut wrenchingly devastating. She candidly tells of her diagnosis of breast cancer in the 1970's and how she took a stand and opted for unconventional methods of treatment. She meets the love of her life and you go on a journey with them and learn a bit of history on the way. Even through tragedy and loss she finds a way to live her life and be an inspiration and advocate. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. If you are looking for a good read and need an uplifting story of hope, this book is perfect for you.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Muriel Vasconcellos’s Finding My Invincible Summer from Goodreads. The author’s life story is heartbreaking, inspiring, and fascinating. Her encounters with the scions of sickness (i.e., many practitioners of “modern” medicine) are horrifying. As a result, her ultimate choice to be the master of her own destiny is all the more poignant and satisfying. The author’s story is important for everyone and may be life-changing for some. Most of all, I recommend it as mandatory reading for every medical professional. It provides an education as valuable as anything one learns in medical—or any—school.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to win this book from Goodreads just as my mother-in-law is battling breast cancer. I believe it helped me to understand more about what she is facing. Although it looks as though mother-in-law won't be as blessed as Mrs. Vasoncellos I believe that is will help me to be there for my wonderful mother-in -law in ways I may not have if I didn't understand what this battle intails. My father-in-law has also passed as had the authors husband.
I think this book will help others to help friends and family of those facing cancer to be more compassionate and understanding. Thanks to Goodreads and to Mrs Vasconcellos for this book.

[Laurie Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for growth in my own life, I re-read this memoir and found it even more enriching than the first reading early this year. Profound personal growth is so carefully described. The mental and external steps, and the practices that led the author not only to personal insight, but physical healing. It is compelling to read as a story, and very well substantiated with the resources and ideas that were helpful to her and which I, as a reader, can draw on as well.

[Claire Barfell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so very glad I got to read this book. Muriel is so brave and her quest to find herself is so inspiring. She discovers so much about herself and gave me food for thought in my life. She went through so much grief, pain and anxiety, but she learned through biofeedback and so many other methods how to deal with her problems and let go. There are some very important lessons in this book for all of us. I highly recommend this book.

[Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt sorry for the author, she’s had a hell of a life but found the book to be the most depressing thing I’ve come across! Glad she found happiness and peace in her life though and hope what she found helps her for the rest of her hopefully better life.

[Karan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Once I started it I could not put it down. Great story, great lady.