Love Always: My Wife's Courageous Battle Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

by John Charles Corrigan

It started with a worrisome lump in Donna's neck. It was May 2017. At the time, John and Donna Corrigan were looking forward to the publication of John's debut non-fiction title about the Red Knight. John had spent twenty-four years doing meticulous research on the Royal Canadian Air Force's legendary solo-aerobatic jet performer. But, suddenly, that lump plunged the couple into a race for a diagnosis and prayers for an effective treatment.

"Love Always" chronicles the many efforts and lessons learned on a journey that consumed the Corrigans for eighteen months. During that period, Donna endured two rounds of chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy, and twenty-five radiation treatments, followed by more radiation before she finally succumbed to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Written with the hope of helping others on their breast cancer journey, "Love Always" lays out the challenges and hopes for couples and families facing a potentially terminal breast cancer diagnosis. It isn't pretty, but it shows there is a community of loving support, from family, friends, health care professionals and even strangers, making it possible to move through the bleakest of times with love, hope, and the knowledge that we are never alone.

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216 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2020

Reviews

[Kathie Steffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the book because it was written by a friend's son and it was about a journey with breast cancer. I too had breast cancer and am now a survivor of 10 years. The book introduced thoughts and pathways of another on the journey. It is well written. Once I started it I sat until I finished it. It brought back many memories of when I had cancer and how I coped and survived. It is deeply personal and gives great insight from those struggling with and sharing the struggles of breast cancer. It is a great read - sad - but well written and would give others an insight into this terrible disease. Thanks John for sharing your journey with Donna.

[Loreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received 'Love Always', I was reluctant to read it at first. I knew it would be an emotional ride, (and it was), but I dove in that evening and couldn't put it down.
First and foremost, it is a love story. Whether or not I had personally known the main characters did not matter.It is also a wonderful resource- yes, for women diagnosed with the same type of cancer as Donna, but also for anyone who is trying to navigate the system. The ‘takeaway’ in every chapter, the personal ones and the medical ones, will be so helpful to so many.

[Joe Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was one that impressed me greatly. I am Donna's brother-in-law and also a cancer survivor. I saw her struggle first hand but never realized, until reading the book, how much she fought and suffered over the course of her treatment. Despite losing her battle with cancer, this is an inspiring tale of hope, courage and determination as well as one of true love. The lessons learned in retrospect and the perspective of the care giver in such trying circumstances will be enlightening to anyone faced with a similar situation. A very worthwhile reading experience.

[Rita VB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love Always" is a beautifully written, honest, detailed account of a loving couple's 18 month journey through a diagnosis of cancer. The story of their daily struggles with all their ups and downs. Together they felt they could get through anything. The book and the take away/lessons learned as well as helpful additional information will help others going through a fight of their own. Very well done. A loving tribute but also a helpful resource.

[Mary T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book - with lots of details re his wife’s courageous breast cancer journey - the diagnostic tests - the various hospitals - the many doctors - the treatments and the tremendous support from everywhere! This was a life story, a love story and a cancer journey story for both the husband and wife. Enjoyed the book!
Great to see all the photos too!

[Shirley Roloson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When everything in Donna and John's world seemed to be going wrong, there was also so much going right. The book “Love Always” outlines a courageous battle against triple negative breast cancer. John, who worked as a quality assurance professional, had spent 20 years researching information for a passion of his own. As his efforts were coming to fruition, he set all things aside to focus on the journey he and his wife, family, and friends would take together. The format of this book has us following their day-to-day schedule for 18 months. Along the way, at the end of each chapter, John provides us with personal and medical, “takeaways.” I referred to them as teachable moments. I believe impeccable note-taking was second nature for John, given his information seeking nature. This was a journey where everyone involved hoped and prayed for a different outcome. In another life, this book could have been a memoir of a courageous battle and a reminder to the warrior of just how strong and courageous they were in the fight!!! Unfortunately, it is a tribute to a woman much loved, although also strong and courageous. We, the readers, become the benefactors. Their journey has the potential to help so many others. Whichever lens you read this book through, you will gain insight. Whether you are someone that just learned you are about to embark on this journey yourself, or you are a loved one taking the journey with someone, a doctor, a nurse, a personal support worker or anyone else in the healthcare system you will definitely come away with something valuable that you wouldn’t have known before reading this book.

[Joyce Wilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading about this journey of one couple's fight against triple negative breast cancer. Felt the hope, the disappointments and the unbearable pain. Not a happy, go lucky book but rather a raw, factual look at strength, support and love.

[Mary Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a breast cancer survivor myself, I approached "Love Always" with some trepidation, worrying whether it would trigger some difficult memories of my own journey. Far from it. "Love Always" is a loving tribute to a woman I never met but knew I would have enjoyed having as a friend, relative, or colleague. Told with warmth, caring compassion, and gentle humour, John Corrigan lets us into his life with his wife Donna as their world is overturned by her Triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis and challenging efforts at treating it. Donna's story is not one you can soon forget. The result is a book that could be a valuable emotional and practical resource for families who are facing their own journey with a loved one.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because it was written by a gentleman in my writing group. I was reluctant to read it at first as it was about a subject extremely close to home for me. It ended up being a detailed, compassionate, resourceful account of an unexpected journey of a couple whose love was always at the forefront. Reading it was a healing experience for me. I especially appreciated the photos and takeaways/lessons learned. Donna's and John's strength in character is beyond admirable! Thank you for sharing your profound insights and lovely tribute to your courageous wife. I would highly recommend this book to others facing or dealing with this dreaded disease.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book chronicles many things. 1. The love and devotion shown by Donna for John, and he for her. 2. The outstanding courage and determination of Donna Corrigan facing the daunting ordeal of fighting an aggressive form of breast cancer. 3. The many trials and tribulations, highs and lows faced by Donna ( the patient), and John ( the caregiver and advocate), in dealing with various medical tests, procedures, operations, medical professionals and health organizations! 4. The unwavering love and support of those who cared so deeply about Donna and John. 5. The ("Takeaways and lessons learned"), that everyone who reads this book can definitely use. Joan D.

[Skoot]

A beautiful true account of my sister-in-law's courageous battle against Triple Negative Breast Cancer told by her loving husband. His story too as her caregiver who supported her throughout. Each chapter inludes lessons learned and valuable information for others battling Triple Negative Breast Cancer. The proceeds of the sale of this book will help benefit the many organizations that played a big role in helping this couple through their 18 month battle. The book includes beautiful pictures and memories of a cherished wife.

[Mary M]

Love Always is the story of a couple who through no fault of their own are faced with a journey together. This story tells us how they learn as they go navigating our health care system in a life threatening battle with this aggressive type of breast cancer. When given the challenge of cancer we see the strength of love and hope between Donna and John every step of the way. There is practical advice also regarding resources in our health care system. This is a well written book about a battle well fought.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well documented, down to earth book of one couple's journey through breast cancer and navigating the health care system.
As a breast cancer survivor, I found it informative and real.
It is certainly a helpful resource for those diagnosed.with breast cancer (or
any cancer) and for their caregivers and family.
I liked the Takeaways/Lessons Learned at the end of each chapter and the pictures made it more personal.

[Wilma Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down and read this book in just one afternoon sitting. I marvelled at the courage that it took for the author to retrace that difficult and life-changing journey. It was an honour to be invited into such an intimate and human story. I'm unlikely to read this book more than once but the feeling has stayed with me and touched something deep inside. Thank you.

[Kate]

This is a well written book.
In it John shares the difficult details of his wife’s battle with breast cancer.
This will be a great resource for anyone trying to find their way through the health care system.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional journey and must read for breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. It provides a realistic look at health care issues and challenges. The importance of keeping up with screenings is tantamount to your future.

[Brianna Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johns book "Love Always" is relatable to anyone who has been a caregiver or experienced deep grief. Love always works through the story of Donnas breast cancer and how her and her husband John navigated it with love. I love how the book shares information about breast cancer and caregiving tips.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtfully written tender story about a deeply personal journey through the most difficult of life's adventures. John in writing this story offers insights into living with this terrible disease.