I lost a friend today who fought to live harder than than any hero in any movie you could watch.

So why am I posting this. I'm assure you that I'm not looking for sympathy. I actually want to share with those of you who have become my friends here, something amazing. (No, this is not a religion plug.)

Before Steve developed this final complication that took him away, he wrote a pretty amazing book about his 25 year battle with cancer and every possible medical complication you can think of.

The book is not what you think either. He talks about his multiple comas, waking more than once to a priest giving him last rights, the hardships his family faced but he never looks for sympathy. He is brutally honest about sometimes being an asshole to those trying to help him. Some of it is insightful, some of it is artful, some of it is funny. Other parts are just pure Steve, love him or hate him.

If you or someone you love is facing or has faced cancer (sadly undoubtedly all of us) then I highly suggest you read this book.

Nine Lives Plus One

I'm posting this here and in a bunch of other places to help preserve and promote what he wanted to leave as his legacy. Well, everywhere except Facebook. He was in marketing and always remember that he once said, "As soon as you advertise something on Facebook, it gets a tiny poopstain on it in peoples subconsciousness."

Thanks for reading this.

I'm sorry for your loss, Murph! 25 years is a long time to contend with life on its own, without the presence of cancer. I can't imagine.

Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend Murph.

Some of that stuff sounds familiar from my ex's brother. He could be a real ahole to the people he was closest to at times.

I can't imagine going through what they did. I think those were the few moments of vulnerability in some otherwise incredibly tough individuals. The ultimate expression of their frustrations as it were. We survive, where they did not.

Be thankful for what and who you have. Be thankful that the miserable things that happen in your life dodn't kill you and that you still can enjoy.

I think many people have more friends in these situations than most others realize.
I've had long time friends who have had leukemia, other cancers, serious car accidents, suicide and become quadriplegic (not including anyone on these forums).

Life is random and fragile.
It is hard and impossible to do perhaps, but "live every day like your last" has merit.

Is it available in paperback?

yes, it's in paperback. just click on the box that says paperback rather than kindle

Sorry to hear about your loss Murph.

As others have said, Murph, I'm sorry for your loss.

It didn't show on my S4. I did look and did find it.
Hoping to glean some form of reality check from the read.

Thanks everyone. As I said, my purpose was not to look for sympathy but to promote the book as his legacy. None the less, I truly appreciate your thoughts and will absorb your wisdom.

That's why I hang out here. Although it certainly seems quieter than it used to be, this is still probably the only online community I frequent that actually feels like a community.

Agreed

Well done, Murph. And, well done, Steve.

It was an interesting read. I really liked the way he wrote and that he inserted third party letters throughout the book.
I hate to spoil it but the letters from "C" took me off guard at first, then it started to feel real.
Thanks for suggesting it. I will read through it again before I shelve it or pass it along.