ABOUT THE BOOK
“I don’t know what to say” and “I don’t know what to do” are common responses to a life-threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.
Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.
Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.
MY REVIEW
Emotional support is a necessary and vital component to a person’s overall sense of well-being. This couldn’t be truer in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
As a breast cancer survivor just last year I was both anxious and eager to read this book and Ms. Wolters has created an indispensable self-help book for cancer patients and non-patients alike.
Ms. Wolters, who was diagnosed with a terminal rare form of lymphoma, does an outstanding job describing the “cancer shift” and the plethora of emotions cancer patients feel during that long journey of pain and anguish. Her book also captures the many questions and tips needed to fight this battle and to help our loved ones better understand the big C word.
I was so scared to open this book and experience all those feelings again, but I caught myself nodding my head yes and realizing that others felt the same way I did. The chapters on buzzwords and things not to say to a cancer patient had me gasping because who in their right mind says that to someone? I agree wholeheartedly with the appreciation of all the hospital personnel I encountered. I agree these people are definitely angels. I learned there are colors used for all different kinds of cancer which are listed in the appendix. And the list of cancer vocabulary terms was something I wished I had known early on. Most importantly, the book suggests and I concur to find a support group on social media. It saved me many hours of anxiety to be able to talk to kindred spirits.
Yes, I had family and friends who abandoned me at a crucial time of my life, but as Ms. Wolters so eloquently explains, we need to understand they did not know how to be there for us. I am also guilty of doing this before I had cancer which is why everyone must read this book.
I can go on and on about this wonderful book and I am recommending it highly to anyone who has cancer and for those who have loved ones with cancer. I can’t say this enough, READ THIS BOOK.
I wish the brave and extraordinary Ms. Wolters peace and many more joyful years with her family and friends.
Thank you to Ms. Wolters for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynda Wolters was born and raised in a tiny farming community of 400 in northern Idaho. She worked on the family farm, with her first job being picking rocks out of the fields and ultimately graduating up the ladder to driving a grain truck and combine during harvest. Following high school, Lynda continued her education in Las Vegas before she moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons.
Lynda still resides in Idaho with her husband and their peekaboo, Max.
Lynda has worked in the legal field for 30+ years and enjoys ballroom and swing dancing, horseback riding, kayaking, and river rafting. She has a heart for people and enjoys regularly volunteering. She spends the bulk of her spare time reading and writing.
Lynda was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in August 2016. She touts herself as being a thriving warrior of the disease.
Lynda has completed two books of nonfiction: Voices of Cancer, released in October 2019, and Voices of LGBTQ+, released in August 2020.
The Placeholder, Lynda’s debut novel, was released in November 2022.
Lynda has published the following articles: Navigating the Workplace with Chemo Brain, February 23, 2020, Elephants and Tea. and When Masks Weren’t Popular, March 24, 2020, Patient Power. She has spoken on several podcasts, been a guest on a local talk show regarding Voices of Cancer, and given interviews for other outlets and print.
Jane Brody wrote up Voices of Cancer in the New York Times, her article entitled What to Say to Someone with Cancer, on January 13, 2020, with a follow-up on January 20, 2020, entitled, When Life Throws You a Curveball, Embrace the New Normal.
The Chinese translation rights of Voices of Cancer have been purchased by a grant to offer the book to medical students in Taiwan.
Lynda donates Voices of Cancer books and a portion of its proceeds to Epic Experience, a nonprofit camp for adult survivors and thrivers of cancer located in Colorado.
Follow Linda on her website, Facebook, Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter.
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