Synopsis "My Faith Sparkles: Memoir of a Cancer Survivor"
How much does life change when you're confronted with how very fragile it can be? When Amy Luscher Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wondered how she would make time and space in her busy life to battle cancer. She wondered how her relationships would change after the word "cancer" was whispered behind so many closed doors. And in the aftermath of treatment and personal transformation, Amy is doing what few cancer survivors do -- inviting readers to bear witness to her experiences. She's inviting you to see the details of her daily life as she adapted to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, recovery, and, ultimately, her new identity as a cancer survivor. Amy was raised Baptist with a strong faith in God, and her everyday life was a life in which prayer, faith, and trust in God had never failed her. More than a cancer memoir, My Faith Sparkles is Amy's story about her struggle to keep faith when God seemed conspicuously distant. Her faith always sparkles, but there were days when she struggled to cling to the kind of hope that can't be found in this world alone. Amy shares a two-year path of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, including her reflection on: -The diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer-Lumpectomy versus mastectomy-Talking to her children about cancer-Overcoming the fear of death-Using breast cancer statistics and research-Managing cancer treatment-Chemotherapy side effects and port placement-Radiation therapy and side effects-Living with cancer and accepting cancer support-Remission-Becoming a cancer survivor. Encouragement in a Dark World In her conversational, revealing, and often humorous style, Amy shares what her diagnosis and treatment were really like; what she struggled with along the way; and, finally, where she found encouragement through her faith, which made all the difference. Whether cancer is part of your own life or if you want to encourage and support someone who is receiving diagnosis, treatment or finding their "new normal" as a survivor, this book offers a clear message: "You are not alone." After reading My Faith Sparkles, you may just decide that the best way to find encouragement is to provide it for others. A powerful book for: -Newly diagnosed cancer patients-Family members of cancer patients-Cancer care professionals and oncology support providers-Supporters of cancer survivors-Cancer support group leaders-Anyone directing a ministry of encouragement. When cancer happens, knowledge, support and hope are the best medicine. If you're looking for a friend to walk alongside you (or someone you love) on this challenging journey, My Faith Sparkles is the book you'll want on your nightstand for those late-night moments of doubt. Join Amy and choose hope in the face of cancer. Let your faith sparkle.
