Author's Corner: "Cancer Journey: A Caregiver’s View from the Passenger Seat" by Cynthia Siegfried

When your spouse is diagnosed with cancer, you quickly realize that—even though it's not your body—it's your disease. With honesty, strength, and humor, Cynthia Siegfried presents a first-hand account of the struggles and triumphs in a cancer battle—from the viewpoint of the caregiver.

Cancer Journey: A Caregiver’s View from the Passenger Seat offers hope and help for the overburdened caregiver. The author shows that it is possible not only to cope but to find joy in the overwhelming circumstances of life. Follow Cynthia as she travels through unfamiliar terrain and learns that God doesn't waste our suffering. He is our faithful Driver along life's roughest roads. 

Cancer Journey offers hope, support, and spiritual guidance for those who provide care for the millions of Americans who are living with catastrophic illnesses. Cynthia recalls:

“On the day my husband, Jim, was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, we began a journey that changed us forever. I was just a passenger, along for the ride, but I was profoundly affected by the illness. Being caregiver to a seriously ill person has problems different from, but equally as serious as, those of the patient. 

Unfortunately, support for the caregiver is often lacking. Taking care of my husband while caring for my aging mother and preschool grandchildren, I sometimes felt as if I would crumble under the stress. Hopefully, my book will provide a shortcut for those of you on similar journeys, taking you from the terror of diagnosis, through the fear of recurrence, and finally to a place of peace and acceptance.

Jim frequently says cancer is harder on the caregiver than on the patient. I don’t believe that for a minute. One thing, though, is certain. The view from the passenger seat is different, and bound to be more difficult—if you don’t know the Driver!”

Cynthia has published articles in Nostalgia Magazine, In Touch, Significant Living, Today’s Christian, and Chicken Soup for the Soul's "Cancer Book" volume. She and her husband are co-founders of a support group, f.a.i.t.H.—facing an illness through Him. They are available to share their story for groups, classes, and events.

You can get Cancer Journey: A Caregiver’s View from the Passenger Seat here at Cynthia’s site where she also has store locations listed; or through Wine Press Publishing or at Amazon.com.

For some extra fun, visit Cynthia’s Blog, Caregiver Banter.