Tea and Chemo by Jackie Buxton

Out now
Published by Urbane Publications
Purchase from Amazon here


The Blurb: 

At the age of 45, wife and mother Jackie Buxton was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lurching between the crippling fear that the cancer had spread, and the great comfort of knowing she was one of the lucky ones who could be treated, she did what she always does when life presents her with a challenge: she wrote it down. 

Jackie quickly realised that even with cancer, life was far from bad. Never known for her scientific prowess, she nonetheless became a 'bit of an expert' - at least in the field of hair loss, water retention and biscuits - and decided to use her writing to share experiences and help others recognise you don't have to be defined by your cancer. 

Tea & Chemo is full of laughter, tears, honesty and hope, and offers inspirational words to everyone facing the life challenges that cancer inevitably brings. All proceeds from the sales of Tea & Chemo will go to three incredibly important charities, whose compassionate care and professionalism make the difference to so many lives: The Haven, Breast Cancer Now and The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Harrogate.


My review:

If you are looking for a book to inspire you, this could be the one for you. Jackie Buxton is an amazing, courageous, funny and a totally inspirational woman. The book she has written isn't a story saying pity me, or look how unfair life is. It is a wonderfully written tale of how to receive a cancer diagnosis, and to deal with it, both practically and emotionally.

I had heard mutterings about this book, and seen people rave about it so was intrigued to read it for myself. The title is quite hard core, and I really didnt know what to expect. As someone who is fortunate not to have personally had cancer i guess there was a part of me that was nosey about reading how tough it is, and perhaps feeding my hidden fear of just how awful life would be if I was unfortunate enough to get cancer. I think it is alot of people's hidden, unspoken fear. We hear so much about the horrors of chemo, the statistics on recovery and survival, and sadly most of us know someone who has battled cancer, both successfully and sadly not so successfully.

But this book isnt like that at all. At the risk of repeating myself, Jackie is amazing. Yes, the book talks about chemo and some of the other horrible things that go along with having cancer, but its more than that. The book is full of hope, of smiles, and she cleverly caters for readers of all types.

For those who are facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment there is some really excellent practical advice, and words of wisdom from someone who has faced the same struggles. For those of us either supporting someone with cancer, or just reading because we have in interest in learning more, the book provides an insight to what its really like. Some of the emotions Jackie went through, a description of the treatment and ways to cope, and what life is like when treatment stops.

i found this book a real eye opener, and very thought provoking, I was compelled to read it as it is so well written. It is very honest, and the author makes it very clear that she is not a spokeswoman and representing everyone, as they all face their unique challenges. But I did find it very heart warming and like i say, inspirational. I know sometimes I can get down in the dumps and feel sorry for myself, but this book reminds me that life is a gift, and to treasure and make the most of every day, even the grotty ones.

I feel very privileged to have been able to read and review this book and I would like to thank Urbane books for sending me a copy in return for an honest review.

I should also mention that the author is donating all money from sales to three fantastic cancer charities; The Haven, Breast Cancer Now and The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Harrogate. So I would encourage everyone to buy a copy.