When Nothing Feels Predictable

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it helps to have a friend who has lived through a similar illness and who can explain what to expect and provide a listening ear and helpful advice. This book was written to serve as that friend in a book; it is a roadmap through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Dr. Richardson is a cancer researcher who was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in 2010. She carefully explains the process of therapy and its side effects and how to deal with both. But more than that, it tells her personal stories of self-advocacy, healing relationships, and the practice of resilience in the face of physical and emotional challenges. This book is not a to-do list, nor is it filled with fanciful solutions to serious problems. The diagnosis of cancer is always a shock, chemotherapy and surgery will likely be necessary, faith is challenged, interactions with family and friends are strengthened or fractured, and fear of death cannot be avoided. Dr. Richardson shares openly how she dealt with the uncertainty and demands common to all cancer patients while also continuing to advocate for research and services for those with cancer. This book is for people diagnosed with cancer to help them through the dark days and to build understanding and resilience in facing these challenges. It is about maintaining hope for recovery. This book is also for their families and friends to help them confront their own fears and confusion so that they can provide more compassionate and effective support. All royalties from sale of this book are donated to cancer research.