Sadly cancer is a disease that touches nearly all of us. Either by being personally afflicted or knowing family and friends with the illness or even worse, losing or tragically lost their lives to it.
It was during a planned operation that Miriam Hurdle’s cancer was discovered by chance, and just in time to possibly give her some chance of survival. In The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival Miriam Hurdle chronicles her battle with a particularly aggressive and dangerous form of cancer, melanoma on the inner organs. Specialists doctors were consulted and a gruelling ‘treatment’ plan was drawn up, and yet her chance of survival was slim – 10-20%.
Although one might expect a book about cancer to be grim, Miriam Hurdle’s is anything but this. There are two streams of narrative throughout the book and both are perfectly interwoven.
The factual details of her life before, during and after the cancer is full of clarity, as well as being exceedingly informative and explanatory. Interspersed are sections in italic which capture her thoughts, emotions and above all her love for her family and friends.
This enduring love for her husband and her daughter as well as the loving care from her friends is paramount and one feels that they helped boost this courageous woman through some of the toughest imaginable treatments. I imagine she lost count of the loving emails and cards she received as well as the meals cooked and delivered with such thought and kindness.
Although I am not a person with outspoken faith I can understand how Faith gave much support and comfort to the author, particularly during the challenging year of treatment; one feels it almost carried her through.
Throughout the writing is fluid and an extra sense of immediacy is achieved by the use of direct speech; the ones between Miriam and her daughter, Mercy, are incredibly emotive.
I am in awe of Miriam’s strength and perseverance during her cancer battle but also in her courage to revisit the year by writing this book. Her title could not be more apt as it was indeed a long and at times torturous ‘winding road’.
I highly recommend this moving, powerful and inspirational book to all interested in both personal cancer experiences as well as to those wishing to clearly understand what cancer patients are going through or perhaps, sadly if one is personally struggling with the disease.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AVAILABLE:
NOTE:
Miriam Hurdle’s memoir about her cancer ordeal, The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival is one-year-old today July 30th. For two days from Sunday, 12:00 am, July 30 to Monday, 11:59 pm, July 31, 2023, the book will be available for free on Amazon.
ABOUT MIRIAM HURDLE
Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon. Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.
Please connect further with Miriam Hurdle on the following links:
Annika Perry 
Thank you Annika for this review. Mirriam’s book is now on my TBR.
Michelle, bless! That will mean a lot to her.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I appreciate your interest in and support of my book!
Hi Annika – this is a fantastic review. Miriam is such an inspiration and her book is on my list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it. Best wishes to Miriam, who is a wonderful blogging friend.
Barbara, thank you so much and I know It will mean a lot to Miriam that her book is on your list. Her warm, kindhearted and caring nature shines through in all does, here with her WP friends and with her her family and friends.
I’m so glad to see you here, Barbara! Thank you for your interest in my book and your wishes! You’re a wonderful friend. ❤
You’re so welcome, Miriam! Hope you are doing well – I enjoy your posts very much and look forward to reading your memoir. Also, right back at you, wonderful friend 😊🧡
I appreciate you reading my memoir, Barbara! ❤ 🙂
This is a wonderful review of the book, Annika. I read Miriam’s book, and my thoughts on it were the same as yours.
Miriam’s courage, faith, and love for her family shine through. The help and support of her friends and community made this grueling journey easier. It’s an inspiring, informative book that helps you understand the difficulties a patient and family face as a result of the disease. Miriam’s done an amazing job documenting this painful episode of her life. Congratulations to Miriam again on the book and this fabulous review.
Smitha, bless – thank you! 🙏 It is great that you have read the book and your thoughts on it mirror mine own – your words here capture it perfectly! It is not easy to write a book that is so personal as well as very informative – Miriam has succeeded in balancing both of these elements. I can’t imagine the time she went through all those years ago and thank goodness for such a highly skilled and expert treatment.
Yes, thank goodness for the expert treatment. Reading Miriam’s book helped me understand what my mom went through. My mom didn’t make it, but she was hopeful until the end and even wanted to take care of her grandkids if I couldn’t manage them on my own. But God had other plans.
I don’t think anybody has written such an honest, detailed account of this deadly disease before. Thanks to Miriam for doing it. Hats off to her courage.
I’m sorry that your mom didn’t make it, Smitha! It was one of the reasons you went traveling to “regroup” yourself. It’s wonderful that your experience became part of your new book! Yes, I’m doing what your mom intended to do for you, take care of the grandkids. I wish your mom is still here for you, Smitha! ❤ ❤
My mom’s funeral and the loss I felt after her going became a part of my book, but, the rest of the book is fiction. I couldn’t go travelling as the children were young and in school.
I feel mom’s presence every now and then…especially when I won the Cover of the month contest :). It was like she was telling me, ‘If you ask people you will win.’
She always said, I had a problem with asking 🙂
I love that you can be there for your grandkids. Your journey is beautifully hopeful and inspiring. Lots of love to you, Miriam.XXX
I was closer to my dad than my mom. I felt my dad’s presence for years after his passing. Sometimes the little things I did remind me of him, such as folding paper, I lined up corner to corner preferably before pressing it. My dad was a perfectionist.
It’s wonderful that your winning of the Cover contest reminded you of your mom, Smitha. Your mom was part of your book, even though it was a small part.
I think I’m more excited about my grandkids and talking about them more than most of the grandparents. I’m just grateful to be here for them.
Your words totally resonate with me. It’s in the tilt of the head, or just when I pop something into my mouth,it’s like dad would do it. I shall say no more as I seem to be flooding this space.
Congratulations again,Miriam, on a wonderful review.
It’s wonderful that our parents are ever present in our minds and hearts, Smitha!
I’m grateful for Annika’s fabulous review, Smitha! She made me feel she was there with me, understanding what I went through. I don’t know how to get through my treatment without my family and friends. In fact, it was my community – friends at church and neighbors who took care of my practical food and transportation needs. It was such a relief that I had full income for six months, exactly the time I needed for the treatment. I always love to write and I’m glad to have documented it. It would be hard to recount the details after all these years.
I appreciated your support in reading and writing a beautiful review, Smitha! Thank you very much!
I’ve told so many people about your journey and your book. How support from friends and family is so important when someone is going through a critical illness. I hope your book reaches many more people and they understand what they need to do to help. Thank you for writing the book. I’m glad, Annika, revived it. XXX
Thank you very much for sharing my story with people, Smitha! I remember you mentioned on FB that you’re popular at school and you reached your friends for their votes for your Cover. Before I had cancer, I was active and volunteered regularly at church. We also had many neighbor friends. In a sense, I was in people’s lives before I needed help.
It’s interesting that one person from my church group said nobody went to her mom’s funeral because she didn’t have any friends. She wanted to make sure to have friends by being a friend. It’s a thought. 🤔
My pleasure,Miriam. I hear you. I feel sorry for this person, but then again, she learned something from her mom’s experience🙂. So, it’s all good.
I SO MUCH LOVE your review of Miriams book Annika! I love it too.. I wish everyone could have this outcome🙏🏼❤️
Cindy, thank you so much and you will know exactly what I’m talking about it in my review as you’ve read it as well. It is a book that will help and inspire many. Yes, indeed how I longed for a similar positive outcome for some within my family. hugs xx ❤️❤️
Annika did a fabulous review of my book, Cindy! Three of my family members didn’t make it! I’m grateful that my life is spared and I don’t take it for granted! ❤
I lost a grandfather and a cousin- who developed cancer while pregnant- to this indiscriminate disease. Miriam’s heart-wrenching journey touched my heart deeply.
Beautiful review, Annika.
Jacquie, indiscriminate is just the nature of this disease. One of the boys in my son’s class when he was eleven was diagnosed on the Monday with a brain tumour and tragically passed away on the Friday. We were all in shock … and even just writing this I’m in tears. I am sorry for your losses – it is so unbearably hard. Yes, Miriam’s story is incredibly heart-wrenching and one that will touch all its readers to the core.
It’s shocking news, Annika! Eleven years old, diagnosed on Monday, and passed away on Friday? I can’t imagine how shocked the family is over the horrifying loss. The sad thing is cancer is hard to detect. By the time it caused pain and discomfort, it’s in an advanced stage. My daughter’s MIL started with lung cancer and went to the brain. She thought the headache was caused by her earlier accident. It was too late for her when the diagnosis was cancer.
That is so, so sad.
I agree with Annika, Jacquie! You hit the nail on the head. It’s an indiscriminate disease. Sorry to hear about your grandfather and niece. How heartbreaking when she developed cancer while pregnant! I lost a 51-year-old brother-in-law from liver cancer, my daughter’s 50s mother-in-law from lung cancer, and her dad from brain cancer. A genius such as Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56. The scary thing is that in most cases, the causes are unknown. We don’t know how to prevent it from happening.
It bugs me how much money is donated to cancer research and yet they can’t find a cure, same for TD1.
I know they’ve made giant strides in care, which is wonderful. But for those living with the disease, it’s not much consolation.
It’s disappointing. I’m the lucky one out of four in my family alone. In my son-in-law’s mom and my sister’s husband’s situations, they were in treatments, got better. They even thought cancer was gone, but came back worse and put them in hospice. 😦
Aw 😦
I know. 😦
Annika this is an inspiring book on survival from cancer. Miriam has really endured her cancer. A wonderful review. God bless to Miriam 🙏🏻😊😊
Kamal, thank you so much. I’m glad you picked up on the inspirational aspect of the book, it is full of light in the midst of her grim fight for survival. Xx
Yes Annika can surely understand what people go through in their lives but by God’s grace she came out a winner. Always welcome dear 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you so much for reading the review, Kamal! I waited over ten years to make sure the cancer didn’t come back before writing my story. My family and friends carried me through the ordeal. 🙂 🙂
You are always welcome dear Miriam. I am so grateful to know that you are absolutely cured and it is always friends and family who will be your support and inspiration. God bless dear🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You’re right, Kamal! Family and friends play an important part in crisis such as serious illnesses. God is the ultimate Healer! Thank you so much! 🙂 ❤
Yes absolutely true and agree totally with you Miriam. God is the ultimate healer. Have a great weekend 😊😊😊😊
Exactly, Kamal! Have a wonderful weekend. 😊💖
😊👍🏽👌🙏🏻
This is such a touching and inspiring story, Annika. Thank you for your amazing review. I will certainly download the book. This is the story that deserves to be read and shared.
Thank you so much, Ritish! It is an incredible story of bravery and courage in great adversity and yes, one that deserves to be read and shared by many. It’s great you’re picking up a copy of it too.
Thank you so much for reading Annika’a preceptive and heartwarming review, Ritish! I’m fortunate to have family and friends supporting me and carrying me through the ordeal. Thank you for downloading a copy and reading my book.
Wow!! amazing review, amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing your story kudos to you
Thank you very much!
Thank you so much and it is an incredible story and I am in awe of Miriam’s strength through it all!
Thank you, Annika!!
Cancer has profoundly affected me, and from your review, this book seems to be a must-read for me. It might just help restore my faith that a bad outcome isn’t always the way. Thank you, Annika, for highlighting it here.
I’m looking forward to reading Miriam’s story. I hope you are well, my friend. ❤️
Hi Tanya,
Thank you for stopping by to read Annika’s comment. I’m curious about how cancer has affected you. Did you have cancer or did someone in your family have cancer?
My cancer ordeal was grim with other complex issues, the insurance system, the medical team coordination problem, my job, and more. The six months prior to the treatment were like an entangled ball of yarn. My book is more than my disease itself. One thing I didn’t talk about in the book, and I don’t want to talk about out of respect for my daughter is that my ex- took my daughter away for five years. I just reunited with her a year before my diagnosis. I didn’t want to die. I wanted to live to enjoy my renewed relationship with her and see her getting married and having kids.
I’m grateful to be alive and in remission for fourteen years now. My daughter got married and has two darling daughters. I’m a super happy grandma! I invite you to read my book. I’m not doing a sales pitch but I want to share my impossible but hopeful journey with you. I also would like to connect with you. Would you visit my blog so that I can connect with you? ❤ ❤
https://theshowersofblessings.com/
Hi Miriam. I don’t know you, but I, too, am grateful you are alive after such a difficult cancer journey. It’s also beautiful that you have reconnected with your daughter and now have two wonderful granddaughters to spoil. The fight to live was worth every claw mark. I’m super happy for you! I look forward to reading your book and learning more.
My dad and stepmom died of cancer 15 months apart, so it’s not been the best few years for me. It was a struggle to find light again, but, thankfully, I have found it 🙂
Take good care! ❤️
Hi Tanya, I can’t imagine both your dad and stepmom died of cancer. It’s not easy for family members during one’s cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment. You wish you could do something, but even doctors don’t know for sure. My husband told me later that he thought I was going to die, but he didn’t want me to know that he was worried.
Saying goodbye is heartbreaking. Sometimes death is easier for the deceased because they stopped the suffering and they’re gone. But it’s hard for the ones left behind. Their pain would stay for a long time.
It may not make sense to you but I actually hoped that I wouldn’t die because I knew my husband couldn’t handle it. It would have been hard for my daughter because she wanted to get to know me more.
I just thought that your dad and your stepmom didn’t want to leave you behind. They didn’t want you to struggle.
Good to hear that you found light. Hang on to it and let it guide you. Your dad and stepmom smile on you because they don’t have to worry about you. ☺️
Take care of yourself also. If you’d do an update on your post, I’ll read it. 💖💕
Dearest Tanya, my heart goes out to you. What terrible and near unbearable losses and both so close together. My friend, you have done well to find the light … may it shine ever stronger as you are able to recall the joyful times with your mother and step-father. love & hugs xx ❤️
You are lovely, Annika – thank you. I’ve worked hard to find my way back, and though I have a ways to go, it sure feels good to feel the sun on my skin again. Lots of love to you, my friend. ❤️
Tanya, my heart goes out to you that you cancer has touched your life so profoundly. There is light for some, but alas it seems far too few. A close friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour just before the birth of her daughter and was unable to have treatment until well afterwards. Thankfully the radiation treatments helped a lot and her daughter has now just started university- but of course, as in this book so many longer side-effects. My friend, I hope you are doing okay; I keep checking your blog to see if you have posted. I am very well thank you but a lot going on around me. Sending much love xx ❤️
Thank you so much for your attention and time spent on this post when you have a lot going on around you, Annika! I hope all is well with you! Hugs ❤ ❤
Wow. I’m so happy your friend survived, and I hope she is doing well despite the side effects. 🙏 I’m doing great and hope to have a blog post finished soon. I’ve got lots to say once again! I’m glad you are well, and I hope you keep managing everything around you. I’m sending lots of love and hugs to you. ❤️
I look forward to reading your blog post, Tanya! ❤
Thank you, Miriam! ❤️
I followed you, Tanya. 💖
Hi Annika, it is lovely to see one of your beautiful reviews, Annika. Miriam’s book is very insightful. Because I know her and follow her interesting blog, it was also quite a harrowing read for me although I knew the outcome.
Thank you so much, Robbie – that means a lot to me! I will try to write some more and this year I have read some very interesting dystopian novels that have become imprinted on my psyche. Sweden always offers the luxury of being away from everything and opportunity to submerse myself in literature! 😀
You’re right Miriam’s book was at times a difficult read especially since one feels as friends but thankfully aware of the the success of the treatment. An excellent memoir on so many levels.
I read The Road recently by Cormac McCarthy. A frightening dystopian novel.
Thank you, Robbie! I know it was a harrowing read. That’s the reason I said in the “Foreword” that I’m alive to tell the story. A blogger said her writing group member came to the group to write her cancer story but died before she finished. Her mom finished the story for her. I also skimmed through a book by someone who had cancer. She said in the Acknowledgement that by the time the reader read her book, she would be gone. Yes, her husband published the book for her.
I didn’t want the read think that I died at the end. Thank you for doing a wonderful review of my book, Robbie.
Hi Miriam, that was thoughtful of you and I did read it in the foreword 🥰
I’m thankful that even though some readers knew I was okay, like you, they still read through my book. 🙂
What a fabulous review, Annika. I shared so many of your thoughts regarding this read, and all your praise. Miriam’s journey through cancer was courageous and wholly inspiring. She’s amazing. Congrats to Miriam on another stellar review. ❤ Hugs to you both.
Diana, your comment means so much to me, thank you! Miriam is indeed amazing and so often I just wondered how she could continue to cope under such gruelling side-effects. A truly inspiring book and one that must have been extremely emotional to write. Hugs xx ❤️
Haha, Annika. I’m lying flat on my back with the laptop on my tummy right now. It’s hard to wear compression stockings in the summer. When I don’t wear them, my legs balloon quickly. I can’t be up on my feet or even sit up for too long. This is my new normal. I had a wonderful morning leading the singing in the Alzheimer’s special care center. Before that, I went with hubby for his ophthalmologist appointment in case he needed me to drive him home. I can run around for half a day. ❤ ❤
Thank you so much again for your timely review and posting of my book. It had 89 downloads on Amazon in two days, with 7 from the UK! Yay for all of your help! ❤ ❤
She did a wonderful job of detailing how much community, family, and faith helped her survive the ordeal. Plus her own incredible determination. I learned a lot about how to support others in a similar situation. ❤ ❤
I learned from my community also, Diana! I now even try to help my daughter’s friends in need. Her maid of honor had a premature baby and was in the hospital for a while. Someone organized a meal train. I took part in providing meals. Four weeks ago, I started to join someone at church to lead singing in the Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Tiger. We sing 10 songs each time, songs that remind them of their happy days. They have the song memorized and sing them without looking at the song sheet! ❤ ❤
That’s wonderful, Miriam. You remind me that the world is full of kindness. ❤ ❤ ❤
So do you, Diana! ❤ ❤ ❤
It’s my honor to receive a review from Annika! Thank you for your kind comment with endorsement, Diana! Your feedback, Annika’s feedback, and the other readers’ responses mean the world to me. You helped me to know if I tell the story clearly enough to my grandkids and their grandkids. I’m grateful for your wonderful review, Diana. I’m also thankful for Annika’s timely review and her message to boost my promotion. Thank you, Annika!
Thanks for sharing this book review. I do enjoy reading a well written memoir.
Bernadette, it is always a joy to share about books and especially a memoir like this one. Maybe it is one you will consider picking up sometime? Thank you so much for reading and your comment. xx
Thank you very much for reading this review and for your kind comment, Bernadette!
An emotive book and an excellent review Annika. This certainly shows the strength of the human spirit against all the odds, particularly against this invasive and insidious disease.
Mike
Thank you so much for reading Annika’s review and commenting, Mike. It was a highly invasive and aggressive cancer I got. It was scary to go from stage II to stage IV in several months. I’m fortunate to have survived.
Mike, thank you so much and yes, this was a time of survival against all the odds – I can’t imagine ever being given such news, imagining the fight ahead but with slim positive prognosis. The human spirit can at times be indomitable, thankfully!
Annika, thank you for this wonderful review. I scooped up a copy right away. Miriam, I hope you’ve beaten it for good. 💕
Jennifer, I worried the cancer might come back during the first ten years of remission. Whenever I had discomfort in my abdomen, I worried. During the ten years, I had CT scans and lab work with follow-up from my oncologist. After ten years, I only need to have lab work done. I need to take care of the lymphedema on my leg because of the removal of lymph nodes and no fluid circulation. I also have neuropathy in both lower legs. My ankles have no strength. These are minor compared to the life I have and the family I enjoy dearly.
Thank you for getting a copy of my book, Jennifer. I appreciate your interest in reading it. I love to hear what you think. ❤ ❤
Oh Miriam, I’m relieved you’ve been in remission for that long. I look forward to reading your book and to learn more about your journey. ❤️
I’m relieved too, Jennifer. The insurance didn’t approve the CT scans after ten years. I thought that must be a good cutting point. Thank you for reading my book! 💖
Jennifer, thank you so much and it is great you were so taken with the review & book to scoop up a copy. It is always a joy to share about books here and I find I am often picking up books outside my usual genre and finding them an incredibly rewarding experience.
Hi Annika, I have been sort of doing the same lately, choosing more nonfiction than I usually do. And I’ve enjoyed it. Fiction is still my favourite though. ☺️📚
Thank you for reviewing this book. It sounds like a wonderful glimpse into strength and faith. I’m sorry Miriam went through this, but appreciate her telling us the truth about her experiences.
Ally, it feels like an honour to review the book – one based around an illness that will touch nearly all our lives. The book offers hope and inspiration while at the same time never failing to tell about the dreadful side effects of the treatment. I feel it must have taken courage to re-visit so many years later and share here – thankfully she did!
Thank you, Annika! I choked up a couple of times when I read one chapter at a time in my writing group. One coordinator got emotional because it reminded her so much of her husband who died of cancer. Some guys emailed me to show appreciation for my honesty in the story. I gave credit to this group for helping to shape my manuscript.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting, Ally! I’m grateful to be here to tell my story. My daughter always asked me to tell her the stories of my younger life. I imagine my grandkids will be interested to learn about my stories. It’s my privilege to share with more readers.
Hi Annika, I agree with your lovely review. I was so touched by Miriam’s faith and perseverance throughout her journey. My husband is a melanoma survivor, so on the surface, her story was relatable. And her perseverance is inspiring to others who are fighting the same awful fight. Thank you for sharing, and Congrats again to Miriam for more well-deserved accolades.
Hope all is well, Annika. Hugs to you both. xo
Lauren, I am so sorry that your husband had to go through this dreadful illness but thank goodness he is doing okay. There are obviously many elements within her book which probably spoke directly to you both and which you sadly recognise too well. Miriam’s perseverance, fortitude, Faith and love of her family and friends truly shine out and help to make this an ultimately uplifting memoir.
❤️❤️
Annika’s review is lovely, Lauren! Thank you for sharing your husband’s experience and your beautiful review. My husband has three spots being treated. Two are done and the other one required delicate work. He has an appointment with a doctor. He didn’t want to use the scary word cancer. It’s in a very early stage. His dermatologist check on his spots last year and they were okay.
Annika wrote a beautiful review, Miriam, and I hope your husband continues to be okay! Sending hugs! ❤️🤗
I hope so, Lauren. He said the doctor will do a little at a time and get the test results during the procedure to remove the cells, not too much and not too little. It will take hours. 😊😊
I’ll keep you both in my prayers, Miriam. Contact me anytime. ❤️
Thank you very much, Lauren! ❤
🩷
What a wonderful review of an inspiring book, Annika. You bring a strong understanding and depth to Miriam’s experiences and the themes she covers. Faith can be such a powerful thing. Just like hope it is probably what we hold on to the most as we go through such challenging times physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually – alongside the loving care and support we receive from those around us. Miriam is indeed strong to have pulled through and go on to share her experience in a book. I really hope to read the book. I think it’s hard to understand exactly what someone goes through with a certain disease or condition. Everyone’s experience is different but often there are similarities which we can find solace and understanding in. Thank you for sharing so warmly 😊
Mabel, thank you so much for your incisive and far-reaching comment. You immediately grasp all the elements of this challening illness, both for her and others, in its physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually hardships. Yes, each person’s experience is differerent – and only recently heard a family member told exactly this by an oncologist – however one can draw strength on so many levels from books like this, being informed helps a lot, also finding inspiration from others is so important too. Throughout the book Miriam’s faith plays a paramount supportive role and I imagine this and /or hope is critical to coping with such a terrifying diagnosis. I do hope you have a chance to read the book sometime, Mabel!
Hi Mabel, I followed you so long ago and somehow lost touch. I’m glad we’re in Yvetter’s anthology together. I glanced through your chapter and I’ll go back to read carefully. Yes, overall faith and hope play an important part in one’s life, especially during a disaster or serious illness. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges flood in all at once and it’s overwhelming. It was a huge relief when one case manager said, “All you have to do is to get well.” I had never done only one thing at a time.
Thank you for considering reading my read. Please download it and have it available. 🙂
I am also glad we are in Yvette’s anthology together. Such an honour to be published alongside you, and I look forward to reading your chapter. Sometimes getting well is much harder than we think it is. Thank you for sharing your story, and I look forward to getting your book, Miriam 🙂
I know half of the authors in this anthology. That’s exciting to do this together. I always have a circulation problem. Removal of the lymph nodes makes it harder. The good thing is, I must exercise. 😊 Thank you for reading my book 📚.
Annika, great review. I, too, have read The Winding Road. It is gripping, so hard to put down, an amazing story.
Vera, thank you so much and it is great how many readers The Winding Road has garnered this past year. I totally agree, a most remarkable and inspiring true life story.
Annika did a beautiful review, Vera! Thank you so much for your support and review. ❤
Annika, your review is remarkably close and deeply understanding of what Miriam Hurdle went through during this gruelling period of a such severe illness and pain.
You show how the Circle of love sustains. Love always does. From her husband and daughter, from friends. All there holding her. So beautiful.
I am deeply touched by your review and will now read the book.
As you say, so many of us have met cancer in people close to us and seen that in most the love of life and family carries them through.
Thank you for this sensitive review and deep understanding of life’s pain and joy.
Miriam
Miriam, bless your for your touching and thoughtful comment. It means so much to me that you felt my review captured the ‘Circle of Love’ surrounding Miriam Hurdle during her illness, a love and support that is the backbone of her survival, I feel; such love that is the lynchpin to all our lives. Also the book shines with joy of life and I wanted to highlight the light within the pain – I’m so glad this comes through in my review.
Miriam, as always your innate wisdom and sense of spirituality is evident in all your write, my friend! Thank you! Hugs Xx ❤️🌻
Miriam, I appreciate very much of your perceptive comment! I feel that Annika was with me throughout my journey with her care and deep understanding. Her review shows she shares my pain and joy!
Thank you so much for reading my legacy, something I want to pass on to my descendants and readers who may be affected by the disease directly or indirectly. ❤ ❤
Thanks for this – much appreciated.
Lynette, a very moving book and one that will mean much to many. Thank you!
Thank you very much for reading this post and commenting, Lynette!
Hi Annika, thank you so much for this beautiful, heartwarming, perceptive, and supportive review of my book. As in one comment, I felt like you walked beside me feeling what I felt, sat next to me hearing my conversation with my daughter. Thank you so much for reading my book with your mind and your heart. It touched me greatly. I thank you wholeheartedly.
Miriam, you have a gift for bringing the reader directly into your life, your struggle with cancer and the immediacy of the writing (especially since the actual events were many years ago) was powerful and striking. As you can tell, your book means a lot to me, your story is inspiring and incredible – it is an honour to review it.
I am glad you liked my review and great that your book is gaining many new readers and your memoir will be a support to many more. hugs xx
Thank you for your kind words, Annika. Your review is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m glad to have kept my journals and emails. I wrote the events as if they were happening now without interpretations. I invited my descendants and readers to walk through this journey with me. I was guarding my notes and journals for many years. I can relax now. Some details of the journals are not important.
Hi, Annika – Thank you for this excellent review. I had already read great things about this book. Sounds like a very compelling read.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Donna! Annika wrote an excellent review. It’s my honor to have the support of this blogging community!
Thank you so much, Donna and I was glued to the book – possible to read in one go although I read it over a couple of days. It is great that it is getting so much attention and one that will help many, I feel.
I’m a big fan of this book, and for Miriam to have the courage to write it. Having a great support system helps, but determination and faith were keys to her success too.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Pete! You’re right, I had determination and faith, but the ongoing support carried me through!
Pete, it’s wonderful that Miriam’s book has already found so many readers and touched so many lives. Absolutely, so many elements helped her survival and of course, the expert and caring medical treatment, albeit with horrendous side-effects, was instrumental as well. There comes a point where many will ask themselves if they can carry on with it – and even Miriam in the end is not sure how she would answer now if she had been aware of all the consequences. This disease affects so many and incredibly tough for everyone.
Oh my goodness. What a thing to experience and endure. Good for Miriam for pulling through.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting, Betsy! My family and friends literally carried me through the ordeal. The difficulty was big but the support was stronger!
Good for you. And good for them, Miriam. I’m so happy for you. 🙂 ❤
Thank you, Betsy! I got their permission to mention their names in my book! ❤ 🙂 Some of the names are not in the story but I have an acknowledgment page to list their names. I thought that was the least I could do to publicly thank them. ❤ 🙂
Indeed. That was thoughtful of you.
Thank you.
Betsy, it is wonderful that Miriam managed to endure the treatment and for them to be able to remove all the cancer – the past fourteen years since diagnosis must feel almost miraculous at times.
I’ll bet you’re right, Annika.
Thank you, Annika, for your warm review of Miriam’s book. Congratulations and thank you to Miriam for having the courage to share her story of such an intimate part of her life. ❤
Thank you for reading and commenting, Carol! Annika’re review warms my heart and brought me tears. ❤ I wanted to write my story to pass on as my family legacy. Many of my family members died of cancer. I'm grateful to be alive to tell the story. ❤
Carol, thank you so much for your lovely and warm comment. Indeed, reading the book I was repeatedly struck by the courage taken to revisit these harsh times and also to share in a book.
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Miriam’s unexpectedly uplifting cancer memoir. I was equally moved by her story.
Thank you so much for your reading and commenting, Liz! It’s my honor that Annika read my memoir with her mind and heart. Her review brought me tears. I appreciated very much of your academic and emotional assessment of my book. I passed! That was what I said about your review! ❤
You’re welcome, Miriam!!
Liz, it is the dichotomy of ‘uplifting cancer book’ that is at once so striking – one does not expect this at all and I think the joy and love of life woven into the pain and agony of treatment for survival ensures this is a memorable and meaningful memoir. I see you’ve written a review too and look forward to reading that today.
Well said, Annika.
Annika, Liz put on her literature professor hat as well as being a friend when reviewing my book!
I’ve read that optimism and preconditioning “good” health are part of the ingredients for surviving serious illnesses. Of course, it also must have the lucky ticket.
I enjoyed reading Miriam’s book. Everyone’s story is different because the are so many types of cancer which in turn are not the same for each person. And then the treatment can feel worse than the original condition. Miriam was unlucky to have a rare type and we are lucky she is still here to tell the story and be part of the blogging world!
Thank you very much for reading and commenting, Janet! Yes, there’re so many types of cancer. Three of my family members died from three different cancer. Two of them were better after six months of treatment. But when cancer came back, the drugs couldn’t outrun the diseases. I’m the lucky one in the family who had cancer but survived to tell the story.
I hope you continue to do well and even the lymphedema will get treated.
Yes there is nothing fair about cancer or other illnesses, but whatever the outcome the help and support of others along the way is important.
You’re right, Janet. The help and support make a big difference.
Janet, I can imagine this was particularly moving read for you. How true that everyone’s story is different and there seems to be a time when the side effects of treatment becomes too too much. I think the expert medical care helped her survive this almost unsurvivable cancer – unlucky diagnosis but lucky to survive. It is fantastic she can share here story here and I feel her book will help many. Wishing you well, take care. Xx
Thanks Annika, I was lucky to get one of the common or garden varieties and at a later stage in life when I didn’t have to worry about money, work or family responsibilities.
That’s an important point also, Janet. In my case, the finance was part of the worries.
Yes I remember in your book. Our NHS is far from perfect, but it is a safety net for most of us.
That’s comforting.
Sounds inspiring while showing the challenges. Certainly a good review that will bring in all kinds of readers.
Annika did a beautiful review of my book, Georgina! Thank you very much for reading and commenting!
Georgina, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. The book definitely balances the inspirational with the horrendous challenges and I hope it finds many new readers and that it will help them in difficult times.
This is a wonderful review for a wonderful book that I love. As you say it is moving, powerful and inspirational. It is an important book as it can help many.
Annika wrote a wonderful review, Thomas! I’m thankful for your great review of my book and for sharing your story about your mother.
Thomas, warmest thanks and it is great that Miriam’s book has already found so many readers and hopefully more who will find comfort, reassurance and help in it.
I see you have a post out today about the book and heading over there later.
Anikka, this sounds like a wonderful book. What a lovely review! I believe that you are right that just about everyone has experience with cancer in their family. My grandmother had two mastectomies about 40 years apart, and my mother also lost a breast.
Hope all is well with you! Have a great week ahead. ❤
Cheryl, thank you so much and it is a moving and inspiring memoir which touched me to the core. I am sorry to hear about your grandmother and mother – hope the insidious disease has not affected you.
I recall a teacher at school when I was ten talking about cancer and asking us to put our hands up if we knew anyone affected with it. There were a few cautious hands, before our teacher reminded us to all put up our hands – a fellow pupil had leukaemia but we saw him as a friend before the illness. His treatment inspired him to become a doctor. Sadly, now so many of my close family have had /have the disease it is difficult – and made Miriam’s book more pertinent and emotional for me. Xx ❤️❤️
I am sorry for the cancer cases in your family. My mammograms are good, thankfully. Hope yours are too! ❤ ❤
You’re right that cancer touches almost every family, Annika! Sorry to hear your close family has had or has the disease. My baby sister’s husband died of liver cancer at age 51. My daughter’s husband’s mom died of lung/brain cancer in her late 50s. My ex- died of brain cancer. I’m grateful to be alive to tell my story. Thank goodness that I like to write and have kept all the journals, emails, and medical records that helped me write this story.
I’m sorry to hear that your grandmother and your mother suffered from cancer, Cheryl! Three members of my family died from cancer. One lost a breast but is alive. ❤
Thank you for sharing your family story. Have a wonderful week. ❤
❤ All the best with your book, Miriam!
Thank you so much, Cheryl. 💖
Thanks for sharing the review Annika, Miriam’s story sounds very inspiring.
Thank you so much, Andrea! It very much is inspiring- Miriam endured incredible hardship with great fortitude.
I’m thankful for Annika’s review with depth, Andrea! Thank you for your kind comment.
I agree with you Annika… “I am in awe of Miriam’s strength and perseverance”… Well-said! Your review touches the core of this book. There is no doubt that it is going to inspire all those struggling with any kind of disease.
Balroop, thank you so much for your in-depth comment and it means a lot that you feel I reached into the heart of the book.
I felt that Annika walked beside me on this journey and sat next to me when I conversed with my daughter. I appreciate her deep insight into my ordeal. Thank you so much for your support and review as well, Balroop!
A beautiful review for Miriam’s most courageous and heart-wrenching story. ❤
Debby, thank you so much and heart-wrenching and courageous are definitely the key words- at times I wondered how it was possible to survive the treatments. Xx
Miriam is a warrior woman for sure! ❤
Hi, partner! We’ll win when we fight side by side, Debby! ❤ ❤
You better believe it girl! 🙂 ❤ xx
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Annika did a beautiful review, Debby! I appreciate your support and your heartwarming review as well. ❤ I wrote an honest story to leave it as my family legacy! ❤
Yes you did! And such a powerful one! ❤
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Miriam’s book was so inspiring. I highly recommend those who haven’t read it grab a copy. Thanks for sharing, Annika.
Jill, it is heartwarming how much support the book has and is receiving- well-deserved. Yes, it is inspiring and an enriching read. Xx
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for adding your recommendation, Jill! I’m thankful for Annika to share her review and add her promotion to my book!
In the time since I saw your review a little more than an hour ago I have read Miriam’s story. Earlier in the week I had read her contribution to the book compiled by Yvette Prior, about her response to grandchildren and I was curious because I knew she’d had cancer treatment. What an ordeal and what a survivor she is. Blessed to have her Faith and a husband who sounds like the Crown Jewels, but what a very remarkable lady. Thanks for bringing the book to my attention, Annika 🤗💜
Jo, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and it is evident what a huge impact Miriam is having on so many around her and it is great she is on so many posts etc. As I’ve been away in Sweden with no wifi I haven’t seen the book collaboration with Yvette but look forward to checking this out. Reading this book her courage and fortitude is extraordinary and yes, the support is heartwarming. I love your description of her husband and so true! Xx ❤️
Thank you for your comment about my hubby, Annika! Whenever we don’t agree with each other, we remember how we met and how we’re meant to be with each other. ❤
Thank you so much for reading the posts about me and my story, Jo! After my diagnosis, I asked my group to pray for my treatment when my daughter and her then-boyfriend visited me. I said I wanted to live to see her getting married and having kids. I was thrilled when the grandkids came along and grateful to become a grandparent. My book is free on Amazon on 7/30 and 7/31. ❤ ❤
I took you up on your generous offer yesterday and read the book in one sitting, Miriam. Hard to read some of the things you went through. My own Mum had a similar wish, to see me married, and my son was just 7 months old when she died. This was more than 30 years ago and treatments were not so far advanced. The cycle of life goes on. My son is to marry in 2 weeks time. I can’t wait to be there.
Jo, how hard to lose your mother when you were still so young and you son just a baby. 💕
Aww … congratulations on your son’s upcoming wedding – that is wonderful news! Have a fabulous time! Last week we were at my son’s graduation and I couldn’t have been happier – an amazing occasion! Xx
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Wow, Jo, it’s hard to imagine your mom’s situation. I bet your mom didn’t want to die, yet she went with a smile on her face because she could see her 7-month-old grandson. My son-in-law’s mom tried so hard to hang in there from her lung cancer. She was able to be there for his 30th birthday and passed away two days later. She told me someone was sitting next to me after her son’s birthday “party.” Her niece told me she said it twice before. I think it was the angel who came to take her but she wanted to stay for her son’s birthday. It gives me goosebumps by talking about it.
Congratulations on your son’s upcoming wedding. It’s an exciting milestone in life. That is what parents look for and hope for, their children get married (and have kids) and be happy!
Thank you very much for reading my book in one sitting. I’m touched by your support.
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This sounds like a wonderful book and reminder of how to embrace what life brings. Thank you Annika and Miriam.
Brad, thank you for your beautiful and in-depth thoughts. Hope you’re doing as well as possible. Take care.
Thanks Annika.
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comment, Brad! It was hard for you to care for your mom in her last days. Illness gives up a wake-up call “to embrace what life brings.” Take care of yourself!
Agreed Miriam. I’ve been given a wake up call.
I know, Brad! I want to keep healthy to enjoy the grandkids. I must be diligent in many things as small as taking my vitamins and supplements.
you did spotlight one of my favorite parts of this book. Miriam does talk about cancer, but not in a grim way. As you say–“anything but”. I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did.
Jacqui, I know, it does feel incongrous to enjoy a book that deals with such traumatic disease and treatment. It is truly enriching and I feel that mirros the rich family, friend and faith in Miriam’s life.
Thank you, Annika. My family and my faith are still here. I was fortunate to be one of the three in my community who got serious diseases when our group was strong. The people poured their love and support into us three. The other two who had Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s didn’t make it. In the last few years, many in our shrinking group have had long-term illnesses and didn’t get as much help as I did.
Thank you for your kind comment and enjoyed my book, Jacqui! I appreciated Annika’s spotlight also! At one point when I was writing it, I felt very heavy. I didn’t want the readers to feel that way. There were many positive things going on as well as my hope. I wanted to make sure every downward would go upward to take a breath!
This is a great book about survival and the strength of endurance. A super review.
Absolutely, Darlene. The side-effects of the treatment were horrendous and one wondered at times how it was possible to endure so much. Thank you for reading and glad you liked my review.
Yes, Annika, the treatment was horrible. After two cycles of treatment, I felt like there was no life left in me. At the beginning of each cycle, they did lab work, monitor my weight and strength, and gave me a dosage of drugs strong enough to kill the cancer and barely kept me alive.
Annika’s review brought me tears, Darlene! Thank you so much for your great review and for adding your endorsement here!
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