I have just read Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir by Karen Ingalls. My review follows the author’s book blurb found on Amazon.

“When Karen Ingalls was diagnosed with Stage IIC ovarian cancer, she realized ho little she knew about what is called “the silent killer.” As Ingalls began to educate herself she felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, she redirected her energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day and find peace in spirituality. In this memoir, Karen is a calming presence and positive companion, offering a refreshing perspective of hope with the knowledge that “the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radian. It is a story of survival and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover.”

I found Outshine to be quite inspirational in nature. Whenever one hears the ‘Big C’ from their doctor, a maelstrom of emotions start flying. Ingalls’ story is rife with hope, faith, love, and sorrow. I felt that there wasn’t much substance of the anger side of a diagnosis such as hers, and I had expected a little more on this side so that her true humanity would spring forth. For the most part, Ingalls’ went for the positives, and that makes this book more inspirational. God is present in abundance as well as a support system in place – so necessary when one is fighting this kind of disease. I honestly think I felt envious of what Ingalls’ had at her disposal when my son and I had nothing when we had our cancer battles. I didn’t have one home let alone two, we didn’t have money for expensive special nutrient rich drinks and such, and I’m glad the author had that, so I’m not sure what my real emotions are in relation to this. Having been dirt poor, and still living just above the poverty level, I felt like those with money could buy things to help them get well and maintain strength while those without the means had to suffer – so I think I felt true envy. I’m not happy that I felt that emotion, and I’m glad I no longer feel it. I always give an honest review and withholding my thoughts wouldn’t be honest. I am human after all. This book is well written and highly recommended this book.