Cancer and Fishnet Stockings: How Humor Helped Me Survive a Life-Threatening Disease, the Loss of My Favorite Nail Polish, and Other Calamities

What does a story about a woman who had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have to do with fishnet stockings, a flood, some Russians, the Tenth Commandment, Superheroes and Galileo? In a brief two-year period of mishap and mayhem—the effects of chemo, car crashes, asbestos, a hip replacement, conflicting emotions—the author began a series of email updates to family and friends to keep them abreast of her treatments and to allay their fears that, as is often the case with pancreatic cancer, she had just been handed a death sentence. Those updates, delivered with humor and a delightful sassiness, expanded to include other catastrophic life events and became the driving force behind her book. In the author’s words, “Humor was important because, without the ability to laugh, the urge to surrender would be too strong.” Her story will inspire people of all ages from all walks of life but will be especially meaningful for those facing difficult life challenges, particularly those with a serious or life-threatening disease, such as cancer. "This book inspires, motivates, engenders thought, and yes, makes you laugh. Above all, it will help others facing their own difficult cancer journeys. I intend to recommend it to all my patients." Dr. Brian DiCarlo, OncologistNote: A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

This is a well-written look at two tough years in the life of a warm, confident, sassy woman who tells her story with an optimistic attitude and irrepressible smile. She chooses not to dwell on devastating news and instead decides to embrace the happier elements of life. That's hard to do when the news is a life-threatening diagnosis. It's even harder to stay upbeat when the blows roll one right after the other, yet she remains grounded with a grand sense of humor.
 
 
Maryann Grau carries the reader along on her rollercoaster journey with light, entertaining vignettes and occasional email updates about her treatment, prognosis, and her own expectations. I found it particularly touching when she writes about exploring the textures of each of her scars; it's so personal.In all, this book accentuates the positive parts of living, despite the odds.
 
Judge: 27thAnnual Writer's Digest Self-published Book Award

Maryann Grau was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016. The devastating effects of the disease were not unknown to her as both of her parents, and an uncle she had been helping to care for had succumbed to the disease.  Additionally, both of her brothers are cancer survivors. The examples of courage, dignity, and humor demonstrated by beloved family members throughout their treatments were not lost on her, and she was determined to follow in their footsteps.
Usually considered a death sentence-only 9% of pancreatic cancer patients survive more than five years-her diagnosis was no laughing matter. And yet, she credits her ability to write about her cancer experience from a humorous perspective as having had a major impact on her recovery. Maryann hopes that anyone facing difficult life challenges will read and draw inspiration from her book.  Maryann was born in New York City but spent most of her life in Southern California where she married, raised three children, and began a 34- year career with the Los Angeles Times. In 1994 she moved to London to establish the Times' first International business office, returning to California five years later. After retirement, Maryann moved into a seaside cottage in the small central California coastal community of Cambria. Her activities include leading aerobics and strength training sessions at the community center, performing in the local theatre, and taking brisk walks along the coast. For quiet time, she enjoys reading, writing and baking. Family being a big part of her life, she frequently travels south to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Laguna Beach. This is her first book.