When Cancer Hits

When Cancer Hits

Britta Aragon’s When Cancer Hits is a thorough, well-crafted guide for managing the emotional, physical, mental, and psychological aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis. As a childhood cancer survivor myself, I appreciate, most of all, the simply REAL quality of the book. Rather than just offer clichéd uplifting platitudes, When Cancer Hits offers inspiration through affirmations that are juxtaposed with useful practical information from analyses of alternative therapies to hints for dealing with physical side effects of treatment.

Britta Aragon

Furthermore, Aragon shares aspects of her personal experience — which is both brave and helps the reader identify with her personal journey — but quotes from others who have experienced cancer are also included, and the book is more a collection of highly-applicable lessons and advice learned from experience rather than only a touching autobiography.

Here are some of my favorite aspects of the book:

• Again, THOROUGH! I was so impressed by the depth and breadth of sources cited for reference, listed as helpful resources in the appendices, and cited for expert professional advice.
• The book is engaging to the reader, and throughout the book, sections are included that invite the reader to pause and consider her/his personal experience or take a moment to write down her/his thoughts regarding specific situations.
• When Cancer Hits is truly useful for, as claimed on the back of the book, “anyone touched by cancer.” Not only is there information for taking care of one’s body whilst it’s being barraged by chemotherapy and/or radiation, but the sections identifying harmful chemicals used in personal care products are extremely useful for any Beauty Bunny looking to protect her/himself from unnecessary chemicals in skin, face, and nail products.

Having cancer and having gone through the entire experience (though my last chemotherapy treatment was about 16 years ago!!) of vomiting up nearly everything you can imagine, losing my hair, dealing with fatigue, and managing long-term emotional and psychological issues has, as I’m sure you could imagine, greatly impacted my life…each and every single day…and it greatly contributes to the way in which I view the planet upon which I live.

While I’m certainly not perfect and maybe, ahem, have a few more glasses of wine than I should on occasion or don’t quite make it to the gym as many days of the week as I’d prefer, I think the biggest impact that cancer has had on my life and one I’ve certainly observed in Aragon’s book is that it really just genuinely makes one SO mindful of the decisions one makes. From decisions involving the people with whom one chooses to surround oneself, to the food one eats, to the animals sharing one’s planet, to the way in which one treats one’s amazing, remarkable human body… and to the bunnies for which we must look out!

It really is up to us to responsibly pay attention to protect ourselves and those about whom we care, and taking small steps such as purchasing healthier household cleaners or allowing our bodies to recharge with a few moments of quiet meditation can lead to lasting positive results and a much kinder day-to-day experience for ourselves and for those with whom we interact.

Britta Aragon’s When Cancer Hits is published by Cinco Vidas Press and is available September 15.  Aragon’s organization, Cinco Vidas, offers a wealth of information and resources to support those affected by cancer, and her blog Cinco Vidas provides coverage on topics such as products to avoid at the grocery store and financial management tips for those involved in treatment.

Morgan