Don't Die of Embarrassment: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures

James Metz, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: March 5, 2010

Author: Barbara Barrie
Publisher: Fireside
Price: $12.00 (USA)
ISBN: 0684846241
OncoLink Rating:

Barbara Barrie is an accomplished actress who received an Academy Award nomination for best actress in Breaking Away and a Tony nomination for her role in Companion. She also starred in the television comedy Barney Miller and the current hit show Suddenly Susan. Barbara Barrie began writing Don't Die of Embarrassment after she was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 1994 while acting in the television mini-series Scarlett.

Don't Die of Embarrassment takes the reader through Barbara's journey of symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and life with a colostomy. It is a candid view of experiences with her family, friends, and the medical profession. The ups and downs of living with a colostomy are discussed from a very personal viewpoint. The book helps the reader to understand the emotional rollercoaster cancer patients' experience. It is an excellent book for the medical professional dealing with cancer in any capacity. The book addresses some of the verbal and nonverbal cues' patients pick up from medical professionals that can cause substantial anxiety.

The book is well written, touching, and witty. Not only those people diagnosed with colorectal cancer will benefit from this book, but anyone who has friends or family with colorectal cancer or a colostomy. It is highly recommended by Oncolink.

Editors' Note: Barbara Barrie will be the keynote speaker of the upcoming conference Celebration of Life: 8th Annual Presentation for Cancer Survivors, their Family Members and Friends on June 4, 1999, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.