Cancer and Fishnet Stockings: How Humor Helped Me Survive a Life-Threatening Disease, the Loss of My Favorite Nail Polish, and Other Calamities

by Maryann Grau

What does a story about a woman who had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have to do with fishnet stockings, a flood, some Russians, the Tenth Commandment, Superheroes and Galileo? In a brief two-year period of mishap and mayhem—the effects of chemo, car crashes, asbestos, a hip replacement, conflicting emotions—the author began a series of email updates to family and friends to keep them abreast of her treatments and to allay their fears that, as is often the case with pancreatic cancer, she had just been handed a death sentence. Those updates, delivered with humor and a delightful sassiness, expanded to include other catastrophic life events and became the driving force behind her book. In the author’s words, “Humor was important because, without the ability to laugh, the urge to surrender would be too strong.” Her story will inspire people of all ages from all walks of life but will be especially meaningful for those facing difficult life challenges, particularly those with a serious or life-threatening disease, such as cancer. "This book inspires, motivates, engenders thought, and yes, makes you laugh. Above all, it will help others facing their own difficult cancer journeys. I intend to recommend it to all my patients." Dr. Brian DiCarlo, A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

206 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2019

Reviews

[Jane Mettee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one woman’s courageous journey through treatment for pancreatic cancer and a variety of other mishaps. How is it that a person is cruising along in life and suddenly several things go wrong at once? The author couldn’t just focus on fighting for her life. She had to deal with a variety of other major problems. Not fair! But this is not a depressing book. This little book inspires, motivates, makes you laugh and maybe shed a tear. Serious challenges are overcome as she gradually reclaims her life. She is a role model for anyone dealing with a life threatening illness.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful look at a journey through a cancer diagnosis.