This Unfamiliar Road: a memoir

by Jill Fague

"Mommy, can it kill you?" I turned toward my son’s little voice from the backseat, his question wounding my soul. I considered his innocent face as his blue eyes searched mine for the truth. His older sister sat next to him, frozen and silent. How could I reassure them without lying or making false promises? Ruthless and sudden, my recent breast cancer diagnosis hijacked our day at the beach, scattering debris in its wake. Another memory ruined. But even on the toughest days, there's a possibility for hope, love, and even some comic relief. My road to recovery included a breast kabob, bacteria straight from the depths of hell, and fistfuls of carrot cake. There were no shortcuts. Despite these misadventures, my family moved forward together. While strength carried us through the fight, laughter helped us appreciate the ordinary places in between the battles. That is where I choose to live. From snot on my husband's shirt to survival, these are some of my moments.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2017

Reviews

[Rebecca Carmosino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a raw and honest account of the very terrifying and traumatic experience of breast cancer and all that comes with it. The author has a very quick wit and at times I was literally laughing out loud yet she also invited us into the depths of her sorrow. Her openness into what she was feeling and experiencing, with no filter and a few "f-bombs" allowed me to share in her journey. I definitely recommend this book and I am thankful to have read it.

[Kerri Pryor lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a wonderful story. Despite the true topic it is written about, the love and resilience Jill and Matt have is something so special. Jill tells her story in some pretty hilarious ways, “batshit crazy one sided food fight”. But she also speaks from her heart, broken and beaten down as it was sometimes. I enjoyed this book so much and would recommend it 1000 times over.