The Ultimate Challenge

Of all the words in the English languageprobably no other conjures more fear anddread than cancer. Jerry Padavano knowsthis well. He was happily married withtwo growing boys and a thriving careerwhen he was diagnosed with stage threecolorectal cancer in 1990. In this candidand uplifting memoir Padavano sharesthe challenges he faced and the lessons helearned while triumphing over cancer.P>By striking the disease at its weakness-exploiting its inability to cripple love corrodefaith shatter hope silence courage invadethe soul or shut out happy memories-hedefeated it. With the comfort and support offamily and friends Padavano worked hisway past the numbness shock and angerof his diagnosis through the rigors oftherapies and on to wellness and joy.<P>A victor and survivor Padavano deliversuseful information about coping with theeveryday realities of colorectal cancer andits treatment and recovery includingstages possible therapies and surgery andproducts and tips for managing a colostomy.<P>Most importantly he offers survivors andtheir caregivers the keys to persevere throughthe worst of what life has to offer andemerge a better person with a profoundappreciation for life and all its gifts.