If you or a loved one are suffering from Mesothelioma, the Mesothelioma Cancer Center will cover the cost and postage of 'Lean on Me' and provide it to you free of charge.
"Tear Drops" - Book of Poetry
A journey of grief, healing, and hope told through poetry.
Book Reviews for "Lean on Me"
Lean on Me
Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes
By Lorraine Kember
Reviewed by Byron Pulsifer
Inspirational Words of Wisdom
For most of us, we all have one thing in common. We will all face the death of a loved one whether that is a husband, wife, life partner, child, parent, relative, or close friend. But, one thing we may not share is facing the actuality that we will be the primary care giver, the nurse, to one we love. Will we be able to endure, have the inner strength to prevail while we wait helplessly for the final moment when our loved dies?
And, while there have been many diseases claiming our loved ones throughout time, one word that sends shudders through my spine is the prognosis defined as cancer. This book, "Lean on Me: Cancer Through a Carer's Eyes" by Lorraine Kember, not only aptly describes the medical challenges of her husband dying of cancer, but also deeply reflects on her most inner needs as the strength of every edge of her spirit is tested daily. This book stands as a true testament to a wife's most loving, caring, and desperate hope for a dying life companion.
For a lot of us, we may think that asking about the health of the person dying serves to demonstrate caring. Maybe this expression of verbal concern, though, only serves to seal ourselves from experiencing pain we would rather not know, or hoping by asking that the person dying is getting better. But, is this kind of attention what the care giver really needs from you to help them cope? Find out better ways to really help by learning first-hand from Lorraine's book.
As a one time health and social counselor, I have read and studied many books but Lorraine's is definitely one I would highly recommend for all health practitioner's, and hospice staff. In fact, I would strongly recommend "Lean on Me" as a must read for all nurses' training and for doctors and nurses who specialize in palliative care.
Tinka de Bruin - President of the Dutch Asbestos Victims Committee.
Lorraine's story starts at the moment of realization that her husband has the deadly disease of mesothelioma. She writes with passion and love about the hope and desperation, the search through the maze of finding the right painkillers, and about the boundaries of life. This is a story, easily recognizable for anyone who had taken this road, and it gives tremendous support to those facing now the consequences of this terrible disease.
Lean on Me, by Lorraine Kember - (A Book Review by Radhika Gupte)
Cancer Patients Aid Association: Cancer Patients Care India
http://www.cpaaindia.org
A book, a piece of literature, a poem to be critically acclaimed or appreciated has to be first understood in its depth and entirety. "Lean on Me" is a superbly and beautifully written account of a cancer caregiver that transcends the harsh and hopeless realities of cancer and emerges like the smooth flow of a crystal clear rivulet which may appear insignificant and yet brings joy to every object it touches.
It is an extremely articulate account in the form of diary notes interspersed with simple yet beautiful poems. The book touches each and every human feeling-the finer ones as well as the darkest ones. The emotions described will touch any care givers heart and make them identify with the author. All along the journey that she undertook as a caregiver for her husband afflicted with cancer, the power of positive thinking which may seem to fail sometimes is given primary importance. As is a very important factor-love for the patient which enhances human capacity. Equipped with these, the fight against the disease, the fight to help your loved one lead a quality life can become a unique experience. It is no exaggeration to say that the book can be a guide to caregivers who often become confused, desolate or depressed and unable to cope with the situation.
Equally amazing is the author's account of highly technical medical protocols. She studied this aspect in detail, discussed the anticipated side effects with the doctor and thus armed herself with a complete knowledge of the treatment. She stresses the importance of palliative care and shares the relief she felt when her husband was under the care of the Palliative Care Unit at the Silver Chain Hospice Care Service. It is clear that the author left no stone unturned to make her beloved husband's life as comfortable, happy and meaningful as possible.
Coping with the realisation that you are sharing the last days of someone dear to you requires immense grit and strength. While describing the total dedication she invested in the care of the patient, the author also emphasises that the caregiver owes it to him/herself not to neglect their own health, feelings and well being.
The book, which set out to be a simple narration of day to day life of a cancer patient ends up being a motivational force for all those faced with the unfortunate situation of witnessing a loved one suffer.
Debra Mooney
PhD Faculty of Nursing and Science
Griffith University
Queensland
Australia
Thank you Lorraine for the opportunity to read your book. "Lean on Me" Person experience is undoubtedly a powerful medium and one that invites the reader to share in the journey involving loss, and the grief that followed.
The book is well written, informative and easy to read. The photographs and poems keep the information in context.
My opinion is that this book provides a valuable source of qualitative information and should be of assistance to those working in palliative care settings. I would recommend it as an optional text to students undertaking such studies as I feel it would supplement the theoretical information required by such a speciality.
Silver Chain Nursing Association
"Lean on Me" takes the reader from Lorraine and Brian's first meeting, through the 32 years of their marriage and the devastation of the cancer diagnosis.
Interspersed with diary excerpts and poems she penned along the way, this personal account depicts the depth of their love, the sense of helplessness Lorraine experienced on his diagnosis and her growing strength as she comes to realise that there is much she can do to improve the quality of his life.
Her discussions regarding pain management and symptom control provide an invaluable tool for the reader, as well as her insight into chemotherapy, palliative care and the benefits of dying at home.
Silver Chain helped to care for Lorraine's husband, and has also helped to publish this book which we believe is a must read for anyone who has or is caring for someone with cancer.
Recommended Reading
Cancer Council Australia
Lorraine Kember: International Speaker
Drawing from her personal experience Lorraine delivers a powerful and inspirational speech to her audience on all topics related to caring for loved ones with cancer and terminal illness...
