Janice Post-White
About Me
When my four-year-old son, Brennan, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), I was an American Cancer Society Professor of Oncology Nursing at the University of Minnesota. Cancer was no longer the illness that consumed my patients’ lives or the topic of my lectures each week. Cancer had invaded our home and kidnapped our lives.
Although I mostly worked with adults who had cancer, I knew what to expect regarding treatment options, side effects, and how to navigate the healthcare system. But I had no training as a cancer mom. I felt responsible to advocate for my son and guide my family through treatment, yet I felt vulnerable like every other parent who fears losing their child. Fear of the unknown is a human condition. Uncertainty frightens and immobilizes us. Brennan drew pictures to process and share his emotions (some are in the book). I buried my feelings and flew into action.
My son survived his leukemia, but after a decade of treatment, my fears came back to haunt me. The things we avoid have energy. I wrote this book to make sense of our experience and to finally face my fear of losing my son. Through my family’s story, and my struggle to negotiate my roles as both mother and cancer expert, I share my personal and professional insights on survivorship, resilience, and healing. Brennan, too, shares his pictures, journals, and dreams as a young patient going through three years of treatment and then as an adolescent finding his way as a survivor.
Reflecting on how illness shapes our lives and reframes our priorities is important to moving on with meaning and purpose. You, too, can learn to let go of the fears, guilt, and anxieties that haunt you in the middle of the night. CODE WORD: BOOK
Brennan, 8-year-old survivor at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Olivia, MN
Brennan’s drawing of a house, day 1 in hospital.
“There’s a little yellow bird inside. There’s a warning to stay away.”
Visit my website for more information or to order the book.
Standing At Waters Edge Book - Janice Post-White (janicepostwhite.com)
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Want to see more pictures? Go to Standing At Waters Edge Audiobook Companion Resources - Janice Post-White (janicepostwhite.com).
I’m also on Facebook (janicepostwhiteauthor), Twitter (@jpostwhite), and other social media sites. I’d love to connect with you and hear your story of survival and resilience.