Cancer treatment. It’s more than a series of events that wreak havoc on the body. It’s a season that also affects the mind, spirit, and emotions. Whether chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, or a host of other things—finding an activity to calm the heart during treatments is vital to a survivor’s wellbeing.
I’ve been through two battles with cancer, and with my recent diagnosis, reading became the hobby I needed. It helped fill the hours I spent in bed, gave me focus for my wandering mind, and uplifted me in those many quiet moments throughout the long days.
Some readers prefer e-books, while others enjoy holding a paper book in hand. I love reading on Kindle, but on my most difficult days, looking at the screen caused pain. So I always kept a couple of print books handy, too. (An Amazon gift card for books, print or digital, would make a great gift for a friend in the hospital.)
How Reading Helped Me as a Cancer Patient
There’s no way to predict how we’re going to feel while enduring treatments. Doctors can try to prepare us, but every person is unique. I may receive the same treatment as someone else, but my body may react in a completely different way. There are endless unknowns, which is why the majority of the books I choose have an element of faith to them.
I’ve found faith-based books bring comfort, peace, and encouragement to the weary soul suffering through cancer.
This year has been a long and painful season for me, but I am now on the other side of treatments and recovering well. I read a total of 25 books, mostly during extended hospital stays when I wanted to keep my mind focused on good things while keeping anxiety at bay.
I’ve listed 10 of those books here, along with links for each one. Some of these books are specifically for cancer survivors, others are not. But all have one thing in common: they gave me something I needed, like entertainment, encouragement, confidence, or hope.
If you or someone you know is going through treatments for cancer or other chronic illness, consider sharing this list with them. It may have a suggestion that will bring a smile on a difficult day.
Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow
This inspiring nonfiction Christian living book by Abby McDonald tackles a tough question we all have when staring down an uncertain future. How do I recognize God’s voice?
I struggle with releasing my grip on my circumstances and trusting the outcome to God, especially when decisions must be made and I’m desperate to hear from him. Abby has a real and honest way about her writing that I love—a blend of personal experiences and in-depth biblical truth.
I had the opportunity to read an early copy, and it’s a book I keep on hand to refer back to often.
This nonfiction collection of stories of cancer survivors and caregivers found me at just the right time. I connected with the author, Kim Harms, who is also a two time cancer survivor. Kim has a powerful way of telling the hope-filled stories of other cancer patients who’ve held on to their faith through the most difficult times.
I read one story each day, taking time to reflect on each one. Reading about others’ experiences helped me to not feel so alone in my suffering. Sometimes what we need in the midst of a cancer battle is to know there is someone else who understands what we’re going through. Kim’s book does just that.
One of my favorite genres is inspirational fiction. This Christian love story by Heidi Chiavaroli caught my eye, mainly because of the wheelchair pictured on the cover. At that exact time, I was learning how to use a new wheelchair and navigating the challenges this season of life would bring. I knew I discovered Chiavaroli’s book at the perfect time.
The author did a great job of bringing out the inner struggle of living with a disability through her complex and relatable main character. A heartwarming theme of overcoming obstacles, community, and faith, with a little romance for good measure.
(This is Book 3 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, even without reading the preceding books.)
Empowered for Purpose: Winning Your Daily Spiritual Battles
This Scripture-packed nonfiction spiritual growth book by Linda Evans Shepherd reminds us who we are as children of God and how to live victoriously with the weapons God gives us.
Linda Evans Shepherd is a prayer warrior who has written numerous books that encourage readers to find renewed purpose and hope through the power of prayer. One thing I needed most as a cancer patient was a reminder to daily put on the Full Armor of God to protect myself against spiritual attack. As I read each chapter, I felt encouraged with the truth that God is indeed on my side.
The Overcomer: God’s Answers to Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges
This Christian spiritual growth book was different in style from my usual reading, but sometimes we need a little variety for long, monotonous days! I gained so much from his wisdom and relatable teaching style.
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Author James Collins’ book made me feel like I was sitting in church listening to a wise preacher skillfully weave Scripture with humorous stories to drive each important point home. A great read if you’re seeking biblical help for the mountains in your life.
The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms
One thing many people don’t realize about cancer treatment is that chronic pain is often a side-effect survivors must deal with. More than once, I’ve heard the advice, “At least you can be thankful the cancer is gone.” But the lingering pain after cancer can cause grief, discouragement, and more. Dr. Michelle Bengtson addresses the difficult realities of chronic pain with wisdom, understanding, and grace.
The story of the woman with the issue of blood touches my heart in a real and personal way. This video clip from The Chosen series gets me every time.
Dr. Bengtson’s book is a must-read for anyone dealing with chronic pain.
Full disclosure, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton is the only book on my list that is not in the Christian category. However, I can appreciate a clean fiction book, where the author’s storytelling ability keeps me riveted until the very end.
There were times in my grueling cancer journey when all I wanted was a distraction. If a book didn’t hold my attention, my mind was prone to wander back to a harsh, unrelenting reality. This book was gifted to me and proved to be a welcome getaway for my overworked mind. (Note: Some more mature themes are addressed.)
One-Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer
This pocket-sized hardcover devotional and prayer book makes a great gift. A friend sent it to me early in my cancer journey, and I was able to slip it in my purse or bag easily and carry it with me. The author, Nikki Hardy, is also a cancer survivor.
Cancer battles can be all-consuming. One minute, it’s life as usual, then suddenly every detail of your life revolves around this diagnosis. It’s easy to get so focused on your own struggle that you don’t see what others are going through. Reading about overcoming obstacles totally unrelated to cancer gave me a perspective shift. It helped me stay outwardly aware of the needs of others.
Even though The Reunion is a fictional story, I appreciated the faith element, as well as the realistic look at what life can be like for veterans and their families. It gave me a new appreciation for the selflessness of our servicemen and women.
Refilled: Finding Fullness in God When Life Leaves You Empty
I never thought I’d be reading my own book while enduring cancer, but God knew I would need help restoring my faith during a most trying time.
My latest book had not yet been released when I heard that dreaded “c” word. So I postponed its release to focus on treatment. For a year, my life became about surviving. So, one day in the hospital, I decided to pull up my manuscript files and begin reading. I cried through almost every chapter. It’s amazing how God inspired me to write the very words I would eventually need to read. He is faithful.
If you’ve been living with a void in your heart and wanting to feel whole again, Refilled may be your best next read, too.
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