Eighteen Months To Live by Rachele Baker Book Review

In the spring of 1990, Midge Rylander rushes to the hospital because of a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. She believes she has pneumonia but her diagnosis turns out to be much worse. Malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lung cancer from prior exposure to asbestos. Her doctors advise her that she has less than eighteen months left to live. While recuperating at home, Midge begins a daily journal to document her experiences during her final months. She writes about her emotional struggles, her physical pain, and her search for answers. This true story captures the spirit of Midge Rylander. May she help others find peace.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

Check out the two articles about the book that were written in local newspapers to Rachele Baker's mother. Addison County Independent and the Rutland Harold.

My thoughts: This novel is more of a journal with entries by Midge. There are also letters inserted here and there that she wrote to her daughter who is the author of the book. Some entries are longer telling the reader what Midge did that day and how she was feeling pain wise and what she took for medications and how often. The book spans the time after being told she had 0-18 months to live. This was a great idea to document the thoughts she had and what pain she felt throughout the time frame for others to have an idea of ones experience.

The one entry with her doctor that she taped and then transcribe was a great idea to she what Midge was going through emotionally and physically. Midge needed to open up more with her doctor and she did that in this visit. We all should be able to be open and ask what is on our minds to our doctors. I do wish there were more feelings/emotions on what was going through her mind throughout this but from what I take the idea was more to tell people about her physical pain and medications that were needed as this was a newer cancer at the time.

We journey with Midge as she shows us how strong she is going through her daily activities and isn't afraid to show us the days that are not great. In a couple entries we see some real emotions of life and death but for the most part Midge isn't going to give into this disease. She is a true fighter.

I give this book a 3.25 out of 5 stars. It is a raw glimpse into a courageous women's life while she battles cancer.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book from the author for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~