Cancer - It's a Good Thing I Got It!: The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man documents the life and times of David A. Koop, his experience selling Christmas trees, acquisition of Flock-O-Matic, marriage to Carrie , the devastating diagnosis of osteo-sarcoma and a successful treatment. Slowly but surely, David's cancer receded. He experienced a renewed purpose in life after over three years in hell.
David's will to live came from his attachment to his son Christopher and the many good times they had. This will to live was counterbalanced against dreadful chemotherapy, anti-vomiting drugs, and the fatigue experienced from the totality of the enforced treatment regimen. Even blood leaked from the toes as a result of a condition called "spontaneous bleeding." Following surgery, the bladders and prostate were incontinent. Impotence set in due to nerve damage.
Finally, David was able to eat real food like miso soup, a California roll and a shrimp tempura roll. Incrementally, there was some nerve regeneration. Ultimately, David and Carrie took to the road for book signings and extensive talks to whomever would listen. David even consolidated his experiences on a website called: www.somedaygroup.com
Koop cites classic pearls of wisdom, such as a saying by Sir Winston Churchill: "If you're going through hell, keep going." Cancer — It's a Good Thing I Got It is an important book for families facing a cancer diagnosis.
A strength of the presentation centers on the dreadful discussions of the disease symptomatology, as well as the extensive coping mechanisms for patients like David and his family. Koop carefully documents the long diagnostic trail leading from incomplete diagnostic impressions to a correct diagnosis and successful treatment regimen. This book has an important story to tell for both medical practitioners and patients alike.
David A. Koop relates his experience mostly from the perspective of standard conventional treatments for osteo-sarcoma. There are alternative medicine treatments to supplement a basic cancer regimen. For example, selections may include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices in consultation with a professional dietitian.
The non-pharmacological approaches to pain management include behavioral techniques, emotional counseling, radiation, surgery, neurological interventions and traditional nursing/physical therapy. Mind-body medicine techniques include counseling, stress management, guided imagery, support groups, and educational resources like The Lancet.
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