Cross Everything: A personal journey into the evolution of cancer

The memoir explores the latest cancer science and a deeply tender story of loss, grief, and love. It is a heart-wrenching journey of a writer and his partner, Zarah, who was diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer in her mid-thirties. Henry began writing down and sharing their experiences with friends and family, and his day job as a writer for Cancer Research UK helped him to explain everything he was learning from the coalface of cancer treatment. After Zarah's untimely death, Henry found closure and comfort by trying to learn more about her cancer from scientific analysis of the test results and biopsies taken during her treatment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A moving, compelling, and vital book that sheds much-needed light on the latest understanding of cancer. Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies, describes it as "a gripping, heartbreaking, accessible personal journey through love and cancer." Charles Graeber, New York Times bestselling author of The Breakthrough, calls it "sensitive and informed. Essential reading for anyone supporting a loved one through cancer. Heartbreaking, emotional – and totally and utterly uplifting and hopeful." Deborah James ({USERNAME}bowelbabe), writer and broadcaster, says it may be the most heartbreaking medical memoir you'll read. The Daily Mail describes it as "an extraordinary memoir that explores the further reaches of today's cancer science – alongside a deeply tender story of loss, grief, and love."

When Henry Scowcrofts' partner Zarah was diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer in her mid-thirties, their world fell apart. In order to cope with the upheaval, Henry began writing down and sharing their experiences with friends and family. His day job as a writer for the charity Cancer Research UK helped him to explain everything he was learning from the coalface of cancer treatment, including Zarah's diagnosis and their rollercoaster journey through the health system.

After Zarah's untimely death, Henry found some closure and comfort by trying to learn more about her cancer from scientific analysis of the test results and biopsies taken during her treatment. He enlisted a team of doctors and researchers to help him. Could he have done more? How did Zarah's tumour develop? Could there be a legacy from her death that would help others diagnosed with cancer?

This heart-wrenching memoir of love and loss is interspersed with Henry's scientific analysis of cancer and his quest to understand what happened to Zarah. He explores the latest research on cancer genetics, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, and how these treatments are changing the landscape of cancer care. He also shares his own experiences with cancer, including the emotional toll of watching Zarah suffer and the challenges of coping with the diagnosis.

One of the most striking aspects of Henry's memoir is his ability to convey the emotional impact of cancer on both the patient and the loved ones. He describes the fear, anxiety, and despair that Zarah experienced, as well as the sense of helplessness and frustration that he felt as a caregiver. He also shares the moments of joy and laughter that they experienced, despite the challenges of their journey.

Henry's memoir is also a testament to the power of love and support. He describes how Zarah's family and friends rallied around her, providing emotional support, practical assistance, and financial support. He also shares the stories of other cancer patients and their families, and how they have found hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite the challenges that Henry and Zarah faced, they remained positive and hopeful throughout their journey. Henry's memoir is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the face of cancer. He encourages readers to seek out information and support, and to be proactive in their own cancer care.

In conclusion, Henry Scowcrofts' memoir is a moving, compelling, and vital book that sheds much-needed light on the latest understanding of cancer. It is a gripping, heartbreaking, accessible personal journey through love and cancer, and is essential reading for anyone supporting a loved one through cancer. Henry's scientific analysis of cancer and his quest to understand what happened to Zarah is interspersed with his own experiences with cancer, and his memoir is a testament to the power of love and support. Despite the challenges that Henry and Zarah faced, they remained positive and hopeful throughout their journey, and Henry's memoir is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the face of cancer.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 386 x 245 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472975126