NEW BOOK (2025)
from the Preface–
When I was seventy-four, a series of calamitous illnesses beset me: acute painful gallbladder disease off-and-on for months that sent me into emergency surgery far from home; lung cancer that would result in the loss of my right lung; open-heart surgery that almost killed me; and the return of cancer that doctors had thought to be cured, now progressed to the worst uncurable stage.
That was it, I thought. I became fatalistic and prepared to die probably within two years. I read as much as I could, looking
for slivers of hope. It came at long last after one lucky find of a book gave me some optimism. That book led me to another and another. I learned that while cancer survival statistics, especially for the stage IV that I was at, are grim on average, overall they’re spread out over a survival curve. The average may look grim, but there are always people who survive far more than the average. The task facing me was to get as far on the good side of that survival curve as possible.
That was it, I thought. I became fatalistic and prepared to die probably within two years. I read as much as I could, looking for slivers of hope. It came at long last after one lucky find of a book gave me some optimism. That book led me to another and to another. I learned that while cancer survival statistics, especially for the stage IV that I was at, are grim on average, overall they’re spread out over a survival curve. The average may look grim, but there are always people who survive far more than the average. The task facing me was to get as far on the good side of that survival curve as possible.
I sought out narratives of long-surviving stage IV patients. All indicated that they had done something on their own beyond conventional medical treatment—crucial as that was—to increase their odds. They worked at recovery. Some of what they did I already knew. There was also much to be learned. It was the same with my previous gallbladder, lung loss, and heart recoveries.
This is a memoir mostly about what I did—useful and not always so—to recover from these illnesses to the point that I passed my eightieth birthday feeling much better than when I began the six years of serious illnesses, any one of which that could have killed or made me miserable for the rest of my life.
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Reader Reactions
I loved your book. It grabbed me like good fiction. It kept me reading even when I had many other things to do—like begin taxes. (Letter to author)
After reading this post, I ordered your memoir. which I have not finished reading. It’s hard to put down! Not only the story, but your writing is mesmerizing. Thank you for writing it, a brave and useful gesture. (Facebook)
I inhaled your fascinating and well-written book in two reading sessions. Damn. What a series of ordeals! I greatly admire your perseverance, though it comes as no surprise. I wish you well going forward. (Letter to author)
I finished your book this morning. I am processing all the ways it has affected me. Your vulnerability in writing about your amazing cancer journey has touched me so. I feel honored to have read it. I really wish I had read with a pencil in my hand. I know I will reread and underline what I don’t want to forget – so much wisdom and valuable resources for your readers. (Letter to author)
Finishing Recovering From Serious Illness Late in Life left me in awe of you, as ever. Your many readers will be inspired by the story and be grateful beneficiaries of its lessons. It is the writing, however, that sets this book apart from your other work. Here, a heretofore unseen writerly self comes out – the distinction between having written and being a writer. The craft of weaving the personal biography, sociological insight, medical terminology, literary and popular culture – Norman Cousins, Sisyphus, The Magic Mountain, The Seventh Seal, and Ben Stiller, for the short list – into a seamless whole is performed with aplomb; that’s what a writer can do. I love this book. (Letter to author).
Halfway through. Hope you survive in the end. Well done! (Facebook)
A Hopeful and Encouraging Book. I’m glad to have read Recovering From Serious Illness Late In Life—it is an inspiring and encouraging account of dealing with life-threatening health challenges at a time in life when many people might feel such health challenges are insurmountable.
The author’s handling of each new situation never veers into self-pity or undue drama. Instead, he maintains an attitude of determination, curiosity and persistence as he navigates uncharted health territory. With a background as a college professor, he has a natural ability to tell his story in a way that is interesting and engaging. He has a persistent curiosity for what might be most beneficial for his health, and remains open to new ways to enhance his healing through different modalities, such as breath work, nutrition, exercise, sleep, humor and visualization—and there are discussions into the details of several of these, with useful information worth considering when facing similar circumstances.
It is an inspiring and hopeful book. The fact that Russell was in his late 70’s when first faced with a difficult diagnosis, does not discourage him from continuing to do everything he can to strengthen and provide his body every opportunity to heal. I’m 20 years younger and dealing with an ongoing health concern, and found his story to be very helpful and encouraging—I highly recommend this book! (Amazon)
This book held my attention throughout. First, it’s a good story: despite the word “recovery” in the title, there was always suspense as to how much of his normal life would be intact at the end of the journey. Second, the tone is one of sharing, not proselytizing: you never get the idea that he is using his experience to peddle a one-size-fits-all formula for dealing with a disease like his. Instead, by describing how he found steps he could take on his own – by way of supplementing (not replacing) the care he was getting from medical professionals – he opens a gate for others to explore options for themselves. (Amazon)
Mesmerizing book. This book is quite instructive if you want to learn how to persevere through the thicket of medical care in America with serious illness. There is a lot to learn from one man’s courageous journey. A quick, easy, and pleasurable read. (Amazon)
Compelling narrative. The writing is clear and strong. Once I started to read I didn’t want to put it down. Without bravado the author tells a story of will and determination to not be passive in the face of his illness. (Amazon)
Inspirational and motivational read. For anyone with a serious illness, this is a must-read. Russell’s will to live and energy to investigate options and take ownership of his health and responsibility for his recovery are both inspirational andre motivational. He has significantly impacted his health through his research, commitment, diligence, attitude, and healthful practices. As a fellow sociologist, I enjoyed the many references to theorists and all the research sources. I learned a lot about breathing and other practices, too. As a Simonton Cancer Centre therapist, I had the pleasure to meet him on our 6-week online program and to watch the transformation. (Amazon)
(After arriving at the sample, click on the Kindle version at the top of the page to see the full first two chapters.)