Frightened by cancer? Riddled with questions? Perhaps you or a loved one are battling this disease.
Do you know where to turn for encouragement, comfort and support? In Her Shoes—Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer is a collection of vignettes, highlighting the stories of everyday women with everyday lives interrupted by cancer—their challenges, heartbreaks, questions, and triumphs. Cancer is hard, but you are not alone. As you cross the threshold, catching a glimpse into the lives of these women, you will find strength, inspiration, and hope.
I’m so glad to feature Joanie Shawhan and her new book, In Her Shoes. Here’s an excerpt and be sure to read through to the end to find out how you might win a copy in my giveaway!
The Other Side of the Bed
by Joanie Shawhan
I was no stranger to the ravages of chemotherapy. I had devoted six years to oncology nursing. We stimulated immune systems and heated, poisoned, targeted, and irradiated cancer cells. Our treatments blasted unsuspecting bodies while we managed the side effects: rigors, headaches, infections, fatigue, nausea, and pain. We slathered inflamed, irradiated skin with soothing cream. Before our patients nibbled on soft, bland food, we coated their ulcerated mouths with numbing gel. Sallow skin sagged over their brittle bones as our desperate patients picked at their macrobiotic diets.
Between controlling their pain and brushing wisps of hair away from feverish brows, we cradled their frail hands. My personal battle with ovarian cancer triggered memories of these past patients—the courageous warriors with whom we laughed and cried. We shared their families, their hopes, their dreams, and even their holidays. We grieved during their setbacks and rejoiced with their victories. Sometimes, I feared our treatment would kill them before eradicating the cancer.
In light of this, I vowed to never undergo chemotherapy. But now, I felt powerless to carry out this resolution.
I was one of them, dragged through the theme park of cancer, only I hadn’t purchased a ticket. Clapping my hands over my ears, I attempted to block the call of the barker as he beckoned me into a game of roulette—my life the prize. The tune “What If?” revolved around my mind like a crazed carousel. How I yearned to grasp the switch that would halt this fearsome ride. But if I wanted to live, I needed to go forward with the treatment.
Cancer flung me to the other side of the bed. Nursing scrubs and shoes gave way to tieback gowns and skid-free gripper socks. Instead of my fingers threading needles into sunken veins, other nurses laced the sharp tips into my veins. Malaise, pain, and nausea stormed my body. The side effects I now managed were my own.
Despite the onslaught of cancer and chemotherapy, I felt reassured that I had made the right decision. I pressed forward. But I often questioned God. In times of prayer, and with his Word and his peace, he ushered me through the fears of all that could go wrong, the chemotherapy that pummeled me, and the voices that spewed negativity. Several months later, I once again donned my nursing scrubs and resumed my career on the other side of the bed.
God had guided me safely through the maze of cancer and chemotherapy.
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14 NIV)
Lord, thank you for taking my hand and leading me through this difficult season. Through your faithfulness, you have brought me out on the other side.
Thank you, Joanie, for sharing with us. I’m confident your book will inspire, educate and enlighten us all.
For the book giveaway, Joanie will send a print copy (only for US addresses) or Kindle copy to the winner. Winner will be drawn on midnight, Tuesday, June 18th, 2019. Enter the drawing by making a comment on this post on my blog.
Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer survivor and a registered nurse. She writes articles and encouragement for women undergoing chemotherapy. Publishing credits include The Upper Room, Coping with Cancer Magazine, God Still Meets Needs, and In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer. She is involved in an ovarian cancer social group, The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up, and speaks to medical students about ovarian cancer in the Survivors Teaching Students program. When not attending one of her two book clubs or her writing critique group, Joanie enjoys designing jewelry, swimming and knitting.
Reach Joanie at:
- www.joanieshawhan.com
- www.facebook.com/joan.shawhan
- www.twitter.com/jmshawhan
- www.instagram.com/joanieshawhan
I would love to win a copy for my sister-in-law who is Stage 4 colon and liver cancer. She started back on chemo infusions after taking oral meds for a bit but her markers are rising.
Jeanne, thank you so much for stopping by and being a part of the discussion and drawing. I’ve put in your name. And we all join you in praying for your sister-in-law. Lord, heal her.
I’m so sorry, Jeanne. Prayers!
I know a young lady who has a rare form of cancer. She could use some prayers and support at this time.
Leslie, thank you for putting your name in the drawing and we do pray for your friend. Lord, heal her and give her peace in this journey.
How wonderful that she has you, Leslie, to support her during this difficult time.
Leslie, Congratulations! You are the winner of the drawing. Joanie will be in touch with you. Thank you again for entering the drawing and we all pray that your friend will be healed by the Lord and strengthened during this difficult journey.
Thank you for hosting this contest. I look forward to sharing this resource.
You are very welcome, Leslie. I know Joanie will be thrilled to know her book is blessing many.
I would love to give this book to my wife Diane. She’s a two-time cancer survivor. She lost her little sister to ovarian cancer, and to this day has not completed her grieving process. Will review and expect to be ordering several copies of this book to give to friends and associates who are currently battling this terrible blight. The excerpt sounds encouraging and comforting. Looking forward to reading more. Thank you for bringing this book to light Ms. Kathy. God’s blessings…
J.D., we are sad to hear of Diane’s journey both in losing her sister and in her own battle. I’m glad you’ve put your name into the drawing. Joanie Shawhan who coordinated this book, struggled with ovarian cancer. Maybe the Lord will use this to help heal Diane’s hurting heart. Thanks for your example of being a loving husband.
Praying your friend receives the love and support that she needs at this time.
Thank you so much, J.D. Praying that this book will help your wife find closure as well as encourage those you feel led to give this book to. Blessings to you!
I finished this book this week. It brought up so many emotions of my own experience and watching my sisters go through theirs. It also offers hope and helps you to see that we need to become our own advocates for our health.
Not entering.
Thank you, Sonnetta. I hope this book helps to provide closure for this traumatizing season for you.
I would like to win this book for myself. A twenty three year survivor of breast cancer I now find myself just finishing chemo and surgery for stage four ovarian cancer. I am surrounded by people who care about me but no one who has walked this path and I yearn for connection to others who might understand.
Oh my, Traci, you have gone through so much. I can only imagine the aloneness of walking this path. I trust this book will strengthen you, whether you win it or hopefully can purchase it. Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you Sonnetta for stopping by and sharing the hope and help you found. That’s sweet of you to not enter the drawing so that someone else can get the book. God bless you!
I would like to give this book to a friend.
Julie, thank you so much for putting your hat into the proverbial ring. I hope many will get this book and pass it along to those who can benefit from it. Plus, the stories are for everyone because we all need encouragement in whatever battle we are facing. Thank you, Julie, for participating.
Thank you! 🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋
Joanna, thank you so very much for stopping by and entering the drawing. God bless you.
I would love to win this to encourage a couple of friends who are walking through this trial right now.
Thank you, Julie, for your supportive heart for your friend. I’ve put your name into the drawing.