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Staying Alive is a Lot of Work

One day Pat Camalliere was finally enjoying her family, newfound success as a historical mystery writer, and singing in a classical chorus, passions she had put off during her forty-year career in medical administration. The next day she found herself struggling to survive after being diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer.

With knowledge gained from a lifetime in the field of medicine, as a writer of character-driven novels, and as a cancer patient herself, Camalliere walks readers through slices of her life growing up in Chicago, relating moving experiences with detail and humor, demystifying the day-to-day struggles of a cancer patient in a way few can do.

There is no one better to explain the cancer experience from diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiation, through side effects and recovery. Although staying alive is a lot of work, the tools and inspiration needed to understand cancer and the people who treat serious illness can not only lead to survival but ease the journey to recovery. This memoir will benefit anyone who has or has had cancer, their loved ones, and all who treat and support cancer patients.

Why should you read this book?

After managing a staff of patient-oriented providers for forty years, Camalliere knows how to speak plainly to patients’ concerns.

There are few places that support tongue cancer patients.

Camalliere is an experienced writer who knows how to explain well in compelling language and structure.

Camalliere gives patients hope, tools to succeed, smiles along the way for a disease that has a difficult course.

Camalliere helps providers (oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology staff, radiation therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, nursing staff, medical assistants, etc.) understand patients better, giving them tools to enhance treatment.

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Much like anybody in her situation, Pat Camalliere heard her cancer diagnosis with disbelief, fear, and sadness. She met her uncertain future with resolve, intelligence, and creativity. Her memoir’ "Staying Alive is a Lot of Work: Me and My Cancer” demystifies cancer treatment and survival through a patient, detailed account of her own process. She expertly toggles between her emotional and physical challenges. She manages, at once, to avoid sentimentality and express great empathy about the enormity of her situation. The author's own experience, alone, makes this an interesting read. That Camalliere meticulously documents the nuances of her health care support system—including doctors, nurses, administrators, family, friends, insurance agents, and so forth—elevates this to a definitive manual on survival. Camalliere weaves her personal history into the story of her cancer treatment, and in so doing reminds us that in every ailing patient there lies the remnants of a rich, important life. A life worth salvaging. 
Donald G. Evans
The author of a novel and a short story collection, as well as the editor of two literary anthologies. He is the Founding Executive Director of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.