Review of Dying Well
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Rose Nafula Oketch
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Review of Dying Well
[Following is a volunteer review of "Dying Well" by Susan Ducharme Hoben.]
Susan Ducharme Hoben recounts her life with her husband, Bruce Hoben, and their battle with cancer in her passionate memoir, Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss. Susan Ducharme Hoben and Bruce Hoben had been married for over forty years and were blessed with two children, Sasha Hoben Pickett and Justin Hoben.
Susan Ducharme Hoben begins recounting when she and Bruce were in the hospital to see her progress on breast cancer medication. She was admitted for surgery, which went well, and after six months, she emerged as a breast cancer survivor. After eight years, on August 29, 2008, Bruce was found to have a tumor in the esophagus, according to the results of biopsies from the laboratory. The cancer diagnosis forced him to take early retirement from planimetric work. Consultation with doctors and a thorough CAT scan revealed Bruce's cancer was stage 4, i.e., a metastasized high-grade tumor, indicating no more curative surgery or radiation for Bruce. After receiving chemotherapy for some time, Bruce boldly decided to quit further treatments. How will Bruce's life from now on be without any treatment?
The first likable aspect is to appreciate Susan Ducharme Hoben's courage and strength in retelling the story of her loveable husband's struggle with cancer. Normally, it is not easy to open up to such an extent and share because some memories bring tears and sadness or affect one psychologically. Bruce updating his friends, former coworkers, neighbors, and family gave him incredible support, which I greatly admired in the book. I also liked the caregiving service and support, i.e., navigating hospitals and doctor's appointments, that Susan provided to her husband, as it shows how to care for people with terminal illnesses.
The book's writing style was amazing. I liked Bruce Hoben's decision because there was no significant change, and the situation was worsening. It shows we need the courage to make such decisions when caught up in such situations. Knowing his death was near gave him time to say goodbye to family members, former coworkers, friends, and neighbors.
Susan Ducharme Hoben's descriptions of Bruce's final months were so emotional. I will rate it 5 out of 5 stars due to no unlikeable aspects or errors in the book to comment on and for being exceptionally well edited. Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss was a good, uplifting story to read. I recommend it to family members and friends suffering from a terminal illness and to those individuals with a dying relative looking for a way to cope with it. This book shows how to handle and face sickness and preparation to face death.
******
Dying Well
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Susan Ducharme Hoben recounts her life with her husband, Bruce Hoben, and their battle with cancer in her passionate memoir, Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss. Susan Ducharme Hoben and Bruce Hoben had been married for over forty years and were blessed with two children, Sasha Hoben Pickett and Justin Hoben.
Susan Ducharme Hoben begins recounting when she and Bruce were in the hospital to see her progress on breast cancer medication. She was admitted for surgery, which went well, and after six months, she emerged as a breast cancer survivor. After eight years, on August 29, 2008, Bruce was found to have a tumor in the esophagus, according to the results of biopsies from the laboratory. The cancer diagnosis forced him to take early retirement from planimetric work. Consultation with doctors and a thorough CAT scan revealed Bruce's cancer was stage 4, i.e., a metastasized high-grade tumor, indicating no more curative surgery or radiation for Bruce. After receiving chemotherapy for some time, Bruce boldly decided to quit further treatments. How will Bruce's life from now on be without any treatment?
The first likable aspect is to appreciate Susan Ducharme Hoben's courage and strength in retelling the story of her loveable husband's struggle with cancer. Normally, it is not easy to open up to such an extent and share because some memories bring tears and sadness or affect one psychologically. Bruce updating his friends, former coworkers, neighbors, and family gave him incredible support, which I greatly admired in the book. I also liked the caregiving service and support, i.e., navigating hospitals and doctor's appointments, that Susan provided to her husband, as it shows how to care for people with terminal illnesses.
The book's writing style was amazing. I liked Bruce Hoben's decision because there was no significant change, and the situation was worsening. It shows we need the courage to make such decisions when caught up in such situations. Knowing his death was near gave him time to say goodbye to family members, former coworkers, friends, and neighbors.
Susan Ducharme Hoben's descriptions of Bruce's final months were so emotional. I will rate it 5 out of 5 stars due to no unlikeable aspects or errors in the book to comment on and for being exceptionally well edited. Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss was a good, uplifting story to read. I recommend it to family members and friends suffering from a terminal illness and to those individuals with a dying relative looking for a way to cope with it. This book shows how to handle and face sickness and preparation to face death.
******
Dying Well
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Symone's Purpose by Victoria "Vicki" Lewis
