A compelling memoir about trying to live meaningfully with illness and triumph beyond it, by breast cancer survivor Alana Somerville, a teacher and mother of two young children.

I looked at all the sick people around me. Was I going to be like them? Was that already me? Did I suddenly have a time stamp on my life? Would I make it out of this alive?

Alana Somerville—wife, teacher and mother of two small children—was thirty-three years old when she was diagnosed with stage-two, triple-negative breast cancer. The diagnosis changed her world and the relationships she had with everyone around her. Suddenly she was faced with endless medical appointments, multiple surgeries and procedures, the challenges of chemotherapy, and all the decisions involved in her treatment. She also had to deal with the trauma of realizing that her support network—sometimes even her closest friends—could struggle with how to help or even how to react to her anymore.

Throughout the course of her illness, Alana learned to maneuver through the medical system, to advocate for herself, and to build a truly supportive network. She also discovered how to keep her positive spirit intact while undergoing a double mastectomy and ongoing treatment. She is now living cancer-free—a survivor and an advocate.

Alana’s story is not unique. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has suffered illness and found themselves navigating a whole new world upon diagnosis. This is an “everywoman’s” journey through the experience of cancer, tracing the emotional, physical and psychological steps that are common to all. In the end, this memoir will offer hope that one can live a healthy, fulfilling and happy life beyond diagnosis. Holding on to Normal is for anyone who is suffering—or knows someone who is suffering from—a setback in life, and who is looking for inspiration on how to navigate their own journey.

Alana Somerville is a mother of two, teacher, and real-estate sales representative. Never one to sit still, when she isn’t teaching, she can likely be found with her children at a hockey arena, dance rehearsal or soccer field. Her children are her number one priority, and her drive for life is greatly inspired by them. Holding on to Normal is her first book. Visit her at AlanaSomerville.com or follow her on Twitter @AlanaSomerville.

 

 

Alana Somerville's profile page

“A fierce testament to the power of self-determination in one’s cancer journey.”

Brenda Copps, assistant clinical professor at McMaster University and family physician

“It is one thing to live through a difficult cancer journey with courage, aequinimitas, and humour, but a totally different thing to write about the experience with such wisdom, insight and conviction. This book provides a patient’s look into the world of cancer, treatment and rehabilitation that would be helpful to other patients and their families. . . . [and] provides an accessible look at the patient experience for all healthcare workers.”

DR. ROBIN C. WILLIAMS, Special Advisor to the MOHLTC (Ontario)

“A captivating and riveting read that inspires and instills hope. I urge everyone to read it.”

Elizabeth Hurley, actress and breast cancer spokesperson

“Hundreds of thousands of women get breast cancer every year and few know what to anticipate. This . . . should provide a great deal of comfort for them.”

Ronen Avram, reconstructive breast surgeon, MD, FRCSC

“An inspiring journey through adversity [that] shows us how to find the bright spot during dark days, to see the humour in the obstacles that life throws our way, and how positivity can conquer fear.”

SHERRY TORKOS, author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

“This memoir resonates with its tales of strength and sacrifice—something all mothers experience and will understand. It is a beguiling and hope-filled read that . . . will make you cry with sympathy and laugh with understanding.”

Sarah Bauemler, designer and co-host, Bryan Inc.

“Provides the inspiring message that the new ‘normal’ of life during and after cancer can actually be a blessing.”

Nicholle Anderson, 2017 Hockey Fights Cancer Ambassador