Book Conversation: Being Patient Close Encounters in Cancer World

Join us at NERAM for the book launch of Being Patient: Close Encounters in Cancer World and fundraiser for Can Assist Armidale Branch.

Authors, Na'ama and Louise, together with Dr Michael Barbato, palliative care specialist, will be in conversation with Paul Chappell to discuss lessons from Being Patient and cancer care today. The book reflects the experiences of patients, carers and health professionals at the time of diagnosis, treatment, living and dying with cancer.

The event is a fundraiser for Can Assist, and all ticket costs will go directly to them. We've chosen this charity as we are committed to their goal of ensuring that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in urban centres.

Readers Companion book shop will be on hand to sell copies of Being Patient, and will generously donate 10% of their profits to Can Assist.

Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

5pm arrival for a 5.30pm start.

About the book Na’ama Carlin, Louise Chappell and Siobhan O’Sullivan all received the diagnosis people dread – cancer. Working in universities, these three women knew how to speak up. But in Cancer World, their voices were often unheard. As they negotiated medical hierarchies, ‘scanxiety’, gender bias, ongoing treatments and confronting diagnoses, they met others who felt the same. In Being Patient, Na’ama, Louise and Siobhan share their own stories and talk to people about their experiences as patients,carers , and medical experts in Cancer World. Being Patient is unflinching and uplifting and offers unvarnished views of living with cancer from ‘both sides of the desk’.

Praise for Being Patient ‘This bracingly honest account of Cancer World will make for better lives, and better treatment.’ – Andrew Denton

‘Being Patient is a beautiful, clear and important window into the experience of those diagnosed with cancer. – Professor Caroline Ford, Strategic Director of the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute

‘This deeply moving book opens the “black box” of Cancer World through powerful conversations with patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Honest, compassionate, and free of blame or shame, it offers language and insight to navigate diagnosis and care and should be essential reading for those newly facing cancer as well as for students and experienced professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the lived experience of cancer.’ – Professor Ophira Ginsburg, Founding Chair of The Lancet Commission on Women, Power, and Cancer

‘You don’t need to be a goody two-shoes if you’re receiving cancer care. In fact, as this uniquely insightful book will tell you – among many other things – sometimes it helps if you aren’t.’ – Dr Norman Swan

‘Being Patient offers a rare and courageous account of cancer’s inner landscape, drawing on the authors’ own diagnoses to illuminate the trust, power, and silence that shape every patient encounter, and giving clinicians an invaluable window into what patients