Product Description

A remarkably candid and informative first-person account of surviving colon cancer and living after a colostomy. A helpful guide for anyone facing this life-altering surgery.

Every year 70,000 people in the United States and Canada undergo colostomies. In 1994, Barbara Barrie became one of them. When the successful actress received the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, she knew that this was the greatest crisis she and her family would face. But it also became an adventure that, through courage and humor, brought new joys and a greater appreciation to her life.

More than just a memoir, Don't Die of Embarrassment provides valuable information about the ostomy experience. She gives essential information about the occurrence of colon cancer, its symptoms, and treatment options. A valuable guide for people learning to adjust to an altered lifestyle after surgery.

Includes a new afterword, written by Dr. Otis W. Brawley.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #901648 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
Liz Smith A brilliantly told tale of recovery, hope, faith, and love. What happened to Barrie happens to a lot of people; she has done a great service by speaking out, conveying her experience so movingly and in such a straightforward manner. -- Review

Review
Betty RollinA vivid, touching, often funny story about one of life's most indelicate medical nightmares.

Liz SmithA brilliantly told tale of recovery, hope, faith, and love. What happened to Barrie happens to a lot of people; she has done a great service by speaking out, conveying her experience so movingly and in such a straightforward manner.

About the Author
Barbara Barrie was a Tony nominee for her role in Company and an Academy Award nominee for best actress in Breaking Away. For several years she played Mrs. Barney Miller on the television series Barney Miller. She has performed Shakespeare at Stratford and with the New York Public Theater in Central Park, and she currently plays Brooke Shields's feisty grandmother on the hit series Suddenly Susan. She lives in New York City with her husband, Jay Harnick.

Customer Reviews

Barbara Tells a Good Story
Barbara Barrie does a good job telling a coherent, compelling tale of her experience of colon cancer but her outright honesty about her own denial of long-term symptoms makes you want to shake her! Anyone undergoing the bodily image changes of an ostomy will identify with her embarassment and ultimate acceptance of a difficult, but liberating (it gives you your life back), adjustment.

Important book
This book is an important book. We tend to ignore embarrassing symptoms. The story is tragic, but told honestly and with humor.