Written by and for amazing cancer patients everywhere …
I Am With You is a powerful book for the newly-diagnosed patient, for those who are going through treatment, those who have entered remission, their loved ones, and everyone else in the world.
This is a gorgeous book … beautiful in the honesty of the authors and elegant in the work of the artistic directors. To me, it is gorgeous because our team came together with a shared purpose … to support and inspire those who are living with cancer and those who love and care for them.
Some authors are well-known ‘masters with words’ and others are ‘funky younguns’ who speak the truth in their own language.
We all remember that very moment, that very second, when someone said to you for the first time,
You have cancer.
I was diagnosed on April 29. 2004 with Stage 4 ovarian cancer that had metastasized into my liver. I was in that wicked state of disbelief and fear we all remember.
My brand new oncologist walked into my hospital room at Stanford. He looked a bit like Santa Claus. He said something quite extraordinary ….
Yours is a bleak diagnosis.
And you have a very challenging prognosis.
I think I can help you.
I AM WITH YOU.
Those 4 words …
Everyone in my room heard those words. There was a communal gasp and big tears. Those four words changed my life forever more.
And then he said something that still blows my mind …
When your friends and family go home,
and you think about today
and feel overwhelmed,
please call me.
This is my home phone number.
He was WITH ME … to get me through the night … when I was indeed overwhelmed. I called him at 2:30 a.m. and he offered extraordinary presence and kindness. I am forever grateful.
That one conversation motivated me to write this book for everyone who is living with cancer and especially those who are newly diagnosed and freaking out. I want everyone in the world to be offered this book when they receive their diagnosis … to get them through the night and every night thereafter.
I gathered together over 40 persons who exactly understood my intention and the meaning of this book. They are survivors, caregivers, and loved ones (and many of my dearest friends and family) who share the mission …
No one will ever go through cancer alone.
I Am With You is my love letter to the universe … my expression of immense gratitude for my magical and mysterious recovery. And it is each author’s love letter to all amazing cancer patients everywhere. Our book offers that special relationship that my oncologist offered to me on the night of my diagnosis and that I deeply wish for every person who is diagnosed with cancer.
I Am With You contains more than 40 messages of support, inspiration, and hope. We inspire courage and the will to live. We bring a deep knowing from our own experiences. And we share connection, wisdom, support, compassion, AND pragmatic ways to cope with the shock that life has dramatically changed forever more. There is a section called ‘What I did to get through the night …’
One survivor told me that
she carries her copy with her all the time.
It gives me courage when I feel weepy.
My intention is to get this sweet book to all those who need a hand to squeeze and a heart to hold … and who truly grasp the power of the words …
I AM WITH YOU.
Friends give copies to friends. Cancer hospitals place copies in new patient binders, at the bedsides of hospitalized patients, in the infusion and radiation centers and the anxiety-provoking waiting rooms, in patients’ discharge packets, and in the gift shops and libraries. Oncologists, integrative practitioners, and healing communities give the book to their patients. Group facilitators offer books to their support groups. Some donate books to an oncologist or cancer center in appreciation for one’s own recovery or in memory of a loved one. Books have been given to participants at conferences, retreats, and fund-raising events.
And people generously donate to Nancy’s List so that I may give free copies to cancer patients.
The book costs $20 which includes shipping and handling.
If you are interested in placing a large order and would like to get a discounted price quote or review the book before placing your order, please email me [email protected]. I can offer a reduced price on orders for 20 books or more.
Please send a check to Nancy’s List and your shipping address to
Nancy Novack PhD
6701 Rialto Boulevard #6102
Austin, Texas 78735
or
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SURVIVING UNCERTAINTY
We are fragile, but we are also divine.
… Cheryl Crow
Keeping Hope Alive by Russ Messing, Ph.D.
Hope by Dagmar Herbstreuter
Got Cancer: Now What? by Paige Davis
Forming Attachments, Near and Far by Susan Gubar
To My Next Thirty Cancer-Free Years by Benjamin Rubenstein
A Little Worse for Wear by Max Jennings
The Art of Falling by Steven Baum
I Am With You by Nancy Novack
MORE LOVE LETTERS FROM THESE AUTHORS …
Rachel Naomi Remen MD
John Smith
Annie Sprinkle
Dr. Jerome Freedman
Aenea M. Keyes
Elana Rosenbaum
Allison W. Gryphon
Sue Glader
Molly Ivins
Sophia Kercher
Terri White Tate
Marcy Westerling
Mark Garza
Aisling Carroll
Cindy Finch
Leslie Purchase
Neil B. Feldman
Holly Pruett
Linda Novack
Leslie Roth
Bonnie Powers
Gabrielle Roth
Alexander Niles
Lisa Marie Wilson
Daphne D. Evans
Kevin Haugh
Les Mahler
Jack Lagomarsino
Paul Brenner
Judy Garvey
Neil A. Fiore
Shariann Tom
Laurie Hessen Pomeranz
Judith Cohen
Kelly Gallaher Greene
REVIEWS
I Am With You – Beautiful Love Letters to Cancer Patients
I highly recommend Nancy Novack’s book, I Am With You which is a beautiful compilation of stories, support, inspiration and hope written by and for cancer patients. Each story delivers incredible depth and thoughtfulness in the cancer experience. Not only did Nancy persevere ovarian cancer herself with grace and courage but she’s created a loving community and support system for everyone everywhere. Nancy has achieved keeping HOPE alive. Thank you for your incredible work.
Easy and effective way to give encouragement and hope to cancer patients and their families
Rarely have I seen a book that covers so many DIFFERENT topics related to the huge topic of cancer.
And it is all done in a brief but effective storytelling way.
A must read.
Loving and even humorous account of having to deal with this tragedy.
This is a wonderful book.
You couldn’t get a more touching, loving, and even humorous account of having to deal with this tragedy than from this wonderful book.
It speaks with heart-warming honesty.
Cancer patients are a very special and brave lot and this book is a testament to it.
With immense gratitude to the amazing authors who opened their hearts and their souls to make this book a reality … and to our courageous brothers and sisters … everywhere.
We are with you.
Nancy Novack PhD
[email protected]
NancysList.org
Theresa Wright says
Very encouraging. I purchased this book for a newly diagnosed breast cancer friend.
Theresa Wright
Susan says
My Favorite ..
I am a Patient Navigator and Cancer Journey Coach with multiple written resources for clients/friends. “I Am With You” is, by far, my favorite. It is extraordinary in its variety of ‘voices’, its transparency and its powerful effect on readers. I love, love this collection … and I am so grateful it is available – to give as gifts to my clients. These are writings directly from the heart … beautifully honest and forever inspiring.
One of my favorite chapters is written by Nancy, the Editor. Her Stanford oncologist lays it out as to how to survive and thrive through her treatments, but his most important ‘treatment’ for her was to say (and mean it), “I am with you’.
Thank you, Nancy.
Susan
Linda Novack says
I love this book. I Am With You is just that!
A beautiful book that becomes one’s companion, coach and best friend when going through the cancer journey, or really any challenging journey one encounters in life.
I was so inspired and motivated by this compilation of heartfelt, courageous and honest stories, written by mostly cancer survivors themselves, as they traveled their unique paths through illness and into the healing process.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Linda Novack
Sweet sister
Kumu Brenda Mohalapua Ignacio says
Could not be more pleased!
A friend gave me this book recently, as I am just finishing a journey with cancer, and it helps to reaffirm trust, inner strength and the love that heals. I bought several to send to other friends who are experiencing the emotional and physical roller coaster that is part of this challenge. Kudos to the women who compiled this positive antidote to all the fear-based rhetoric one can find on the Internet or from rigid medicine. The love and gratitude expressed can do wonders for women, and I hope this book gets into every cancer center!
Kumu Brenda Mohalapua Ignacio
California Mom says
A beautiful book. Anyone who has been touched by cancer, either their own or that of a loved one, would enjoy this book. A perfect gift for someone newly diagnosed, it is the antidote to the despair of a new cancer diagnosis. The voices are so authentic and varied that the book appeals to a wide audience and is appropriate for all types and stages of cancer.
California Mom
Jill Martay says
I just attended an incredibly moving book-signing with many of the contributors. I left with feelings of hope, full heart and genuine admiration.
There is a reason all of these personal stories ended up in one book.
Jill Martay
Lisa Marie says
Love this book!
I wish this book had been published when my mom was battling cancer. It’s heartfelt, informative and a wonderful collection of love in regards to the horrible disease.
Lisa Marie
Dagmar Herbstreuter says
You couldn’t get a more touching, loving and even humorous account of having to deal with this tragedy than from this wonderful book.
It speaks with heart warming honesty. Cancer patients are a very special and brave lot and this book is a testament to it.
Dagmar Herbstreuter
Sheila Hecht says
Five stars!
Beautiful and touching. Worth reading.
Thank you Nancy!
Sheila Hecht
S. Hayne says
A Gift for Everyone
People who fight for their lives and show us the beauty of life are gifts. Each chapter in this book is a gift.
I Am With You is a book of hope and healing for new cancer patients. Cancer survivors share different aspects of their cancer story in this very moving and inspiring book about life. It is a book for everyone.
I originally bought the book because a friend of mine wrote one of the chapters. I bought another copy for a client who was struggling with severe medical issues. However, once I started reading, I opened up to so much more. It is a heart-felt experience. So far every story has brought me to tears.
The stories are full of metaphors. The book is helpful to those who are struggling with (what may feel like) insurmountable problems, as well as mental or physical health issues.
This should be essential reading for new cancer patients. If I were newly diagnosed with cancer and received this this book, I really wouldn’t feel alone.
If you know someone with cancer, reach out and be part of their community of support. They need you. Bring them dinner, take care of their pets, watch TV together — whatever it is they would like you to do. Love them.
S. Hayne
Stephanie Sugars says
I Am With You is a collection of 46 short pieces by and about people facing cancer.
The book is encouraging, even inspirational – whether one is newly diagnosed with cancer, facing extended treatments, re-entering life after treatment or facing death in oneself or a loved one.
Many of the pieces in I Am With You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients would be great for someone newly diagnosed with cancer and wondering how to survive the ordeals of life-altering treatments.
The essays are written in the “can-do” spirit of motivational speakers and cancer coaches. “I did it and you can too. Here’s how.” The book is a “together we can do it” survival guide and many of the authors offer their services to those facing cancer.
This is such a beautiful impulse, to come through one’s own experience and wish to support others.
Also Nancy’s List is an incredible online resource to bookmark and use during one’s cancer experience. http://www.nancyslist.org
Stephanie Sugars
Patty Paul says
Thank you Nancy for this uplifting, courageous compilation of stories.
I took my Warrior Mask off just long enough to read these courageous, inspiring essays in Nancy’s book. We all need stories overflowing with wisdom, healing, hope and love.
Thanks Nancy for the uplifting reminder of how precious life is and how tenacious we must be to preserve it.
If there was a word stronger than BRILLIANT to describe this book, I would use it. I have tears of joy for these amazing fighters and for their willingness to share their stories with us. These stories shine on us the light we need to keep moving forward despite the odds.
Do your friends a favor if they are fighting any kind of debilitating illness and send them a copy of this book NOW.
Patty Paul
Daphne Evans says
The beauty of the warrior – we will not go quietly into that good night!
A beautiful book and collaboration by so many cancer survivors, including me. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of loving, caring strong people and their stories inspire me. The stories will bring tears, laughter, pride and thoughtfulness.
We tell our stories not to bemoan the fact that we have or have had cancer (3 times for me), but that we are joyfully living our lives. We will “not go quietly into that good night..” (Dylan Thomas).
Thank you dear Nancy Novack, a fellow cancer survivor for rallying around us and may you be blessed eternally.
Daphne Evans
Anne W. Weiss says
Helpful, inspiring – to a male cancer patient.
My husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October and I was given this book by a close friend.
I found the book very inspiring and recommended it to my husband. As he started coming to grips with the reality of his disease, he picked it up and also found it very helpful, especially the tips on what tools helped each author cope, located at the end of each essay. I feel this book has helped him move forward and explore various options for emotional and physical support, which is a very good thing for him (and often very difficult for men to do). I am grateful to Nancy for compiling this book.
Anne W. Weiss
Simon says
Heartfelt Stories from Survivors and Others.
A hearty thanks for this beautiful compilation of stories we survivors can really relate to. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication to honor your authors’ stories. I have savored every one, and many resonated with me and my own story.
You are a blessing, Nancy Novack.
Simon
Tamwitch says
Buy this book for yourself and/or someone you love battling or surviving Cancer.
Cancer warriors, survivors and supporters of cancer fighters should buy this book. It will move you, inspire you and is something you will relate to.
Although moments here may bring you to tears, you will be lifted and filled with hope, courage, belief and love.
I am partial to the section written by Leslie Purchase and I also know how special the sound of singing is after Cancer. It is the sound of survival.
Tamwitch
Judy says
This book is absolutely amazing! It’s realistic, inspiring, honest and hopeful. I wish that I had it when I was going through my cancer treatments. I highly recommend it for anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis or who is dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatments. A really great read.
Judy
Terri White Tate says
Thank you! No amount of data moves us like a personal story can! These honest, open-hearted stories from those who have been there help in a way nothing else can. This is a beautiful book in every way!
Terri White Tate
T. says
The essays are about ‘knowing’, connection, wisdom, humor, and compassion. The authors speak of their personal healing tools that helped them cope with the anxieties, side effects, relationships, and more. Patients appreciate the intimacy and truth from kindred spirits who truly understand. Family members and caregivers express their gratitude for the stories since they have helped them to understand the experience of their loved ones.
These essays become lifelines … bright shining lights during the darkest days. The stories of resilience give strength in moments of weakness.
This small book is a superb survivors’ tool.
T.
Suzanne says
I am reading your book — a few chapters every night — and loving it. Such perspective, such humility, such wisdom, and such courage.
Thank you for your vision and for all the work that went into it. You should be proud!!!
Suzanne
Dr. Navin Pancholy says
You are doing great service to people who need you the most.
Some people are born to care.
I see you as my mirror image.
I was chosen to care.
I care no matter who the person is.
Hard to find people like you.
Thanking you
Dr Navin Pancholy
Bobbie Jonas says
Nancy
Thank you for sharing this writing by Rachel Remen – I am so touched and with tears in my eyes wanted to say to you “ Thank you” from the bottom of my heart and soul. ❤️
Bobbie Jonas
Shariann Tom says
Thank you, Nancy.
Rachel Remen’s piece is such a poignant and uplifting story. One doesn’t have to be on a current Cancer Journey to get the message and benefit.
We are such powerful beings.
I love you,
Shariann
Lori P. says
Beautiful, thanks for sharing the Rachel Remen essay, Nancy.
~Lori
June says
Thank you, Nancy and Rachel Remen. I needed this today more than ever.
Xoxo
June
Sandy E. says
Thank you for sharing,Nancy! This is so beautiful💕💕💕
Sandy