Diary of Courage Coping With Life Threatening Illness

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Although written with considerably less panache than Gilda Radner's It's Always Something , Priest's account of her late husband's bout with prostate cancer offers support and advice to those facing similar health crises. Part one is a moving chronicle of the fears and difficulties they braved, from diagnosis through surgery, radiation therapy, a host of medications and emergencies. Strong religious beliefs are important to Daniel and Mary Priest as they confront pain and death. The journal abounds in helpful details. Priest cites problems inherent in Daniel's treatment by an array of specialists, each interested in a single aspect of his illness, none seeing him as a complete biological unit, much less as a person. She also recalls personal isolation as some of their friends shun them, ``staying away as if the disease were contagious.'' Part two conveys the practical knowledge Priest gained from her experiences, including further suggestions for coping with illness. Topics include support programs, clothing and special equipment for the patient, how to deal with doctors and hospitals, and access to medical records. (July)