Rollercoaster: A Cancer Journey

by Wayne Tefs

In 1994, Wayne Tefs was diagnosed with carcinoid syndrome. Rollercoaster is an account of his journey from the onset of the disease, to eventually learning to live with it. Both practical and spiritual, the book is a must-read not only for those suffering from cancer, but for their loved ones, caregivers and even for those few whose lives have gone untouched by cancer.
"The magnetism of Wayne Tefs' written odyssey with his own carcinoid cancer...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0888012713
• ISBN13: 9780888012715
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Turnstone Press
• Length: 177 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Re-Inventing Life - One Man's Cause For Self-Transformation

Written through pain and with literary reflection, Wayne Tefs has provided an excellent resource for those struggling with a life-threatening challenge. Tef's struggle is with a slow-growing cancer, which he acknowledges as "the worst possible thing that could happen to a person." His angst is further compounded by the realization that his cancer is, in fact, him, and a prerequisite to healing demands nothing less than a complete re-evaluation and restructuring of his life. In this emotionally taxing journey for the author as well as those close to him, Tefs recounts the pain, fear, and rage that accompany him on his quest to deal with the single most important aspect of his life - his continued existence. As a confessed optimist, however, Tefs always leaves one with the spiritual support of hope, related with indomitable courage. For those who would seek wisdom about life's trials, this volume has much to recommend.

carcinoid fighter

Tefs has written a layer cake of a book, in which chapters of autobiographical experience alternate with an imaginary dialogue between the author and his cancer. The dialogues are contrived, but escape artificiality and reveal some of the real pain and difficulties confronting someone with a terminal diagnosis. The autobiographical chapters relate Tef's struggle with cancer to contemporaneous events in his life: his divorce, the birth of a child, the triumphs and defeats of his professional career. Cancer undermines our existence and its unwelcome introduction into our lives not only threatens ultimate defeat but also warps our self-image and self-confidence. Tefs recognizes this and struggles with the threat to his athletic, manly, capable and confident self-image, eventually defeating this threat without resorting to the seduction of denial.This book is about carcinoid cancer from the inside out, by a teacher of literature, and is well crafted without being oppressively literary. The story is told straightforwardly and with courage.

Rollercoaster: a cancer journey by Wayne Tefs

I devoured this book, staying up quite late to do so.The author is very correct in telling how many many people diagnosed with an unusual and rare cancer react when theylearn they have Carcinoid. As another person who was diagnosed in 1995, and who hasbeen very proactive in my treatment, I recommend this bookhighly to all dealing with cancer -- not just the patients, butalso family members and friends. There is a great deal of veryuseful and helpful information in this book.

Rollercoaster: A Cancer Journey by Wayne Tefs

This book is a must read for everyone, and their families, dealing with any kind of cancer -- and especially the rare neuro-endocrine cancer called Carcinoid. After reading the book I hope people will search the internet for the web pages that have solid medical information....

Practical & Spiritual; A must Read for all touched by cancer

The magnetism of Wayne Tefs' written odyssey with his own carcinoid cancer was so intense for me that I was compelled to read his book from cover to cover before putting it down. Everything rings true. He eloquently yet succinctly and with simplicity expresses all the facts and feelings, I have heard so often from many carcinoid patients. The often unspoken or even uncrystallized thoughts and feelings, of carcinoid, patient are expressed clearly by the author. Though he feared that the tone of his book may portray him as a pompous pedagogue he came across as a humble, truthful and well spoken messenger. This book will be of tremendous interest to all concerned with carcinoid as well as other types cancers.Monica Warner MS, RD, CDNDirector of Development and Research CoordinatorCarcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. NYC