I am so proud to present my latest book 'All To Live For.' It's out in Ireland now and in the UK and world wide next week.
It's my updated memoir and the only non-fiction work I've done to date.
It's called 'All To Live For' as I feel the title kind of sums me up!
For those of you who have read my original memoir 'Talk to the Headscarf' this book contains that same material to start off with. My publishers and I came to the decision that it would be a shame to loose all the original material as there are so many people who haven't read it yet.
Besides, I'd only had cancer six times at that point (so last year), so I wanted to update the story. But, if you recognise the first part of the book, you're not going insane, I simply wanted to make sure that any newbies were there with me from the start before I brought everybody up to the present day!
As I added the last four diagnoses and the life that I've led during that time I was blown away (in a good way) by how much cancer treatments have advanced.
I am so anxious that you all know that this isn't a misery memoir!
When I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time I searched for a book written with positivity by an ordinary person who I could relate to. Everything I picked up scared the living daylights out of me. Either they were too medically based and I couldn't understand them or else they emanated negativity. I can appreciate that cancer isn't fun. I know it's damn scary to receive a diagnosis but so many books left me feeling as I were doomed from the start.
So I promise you that 'All To Live For,' won't depress you! There are parts where I shed a tear or two, but for the most part, I laughed out loud more often as I wrote this book than any other! I hope the only darkness you'll find is my often left-of-centre humour.
I've also added a section at the back with some tips and hints that have helped me along the way. Those peer-to-peer snippets of advice that might get you through a moment of frustration or angst.
I still don't have any medical training, I didn't manage to fit in the medical school and oncology exams I'm afraid... I still can't offer you any cures for cancer, I wish I could. But what I am presenting is my story in words that I hope will resonate with others.
Nobody going through cancer should feel as if they are alone.
When my books hit the shelves I'm usually on TV and radio chatting and promoting. Unfortunately I'm too weak to do that right now. But as soon as I build a bit of strength - which is returning each day, I'll be back to annoy you all!
But for now, if you manage to pick up a copy of 'All To Live For,' I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Love and light
Emma