BETWEEN HELLO AND GOODBYE:

by Jean Craig ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 28, 1990

A thoroughly engrossing account of a determined and spirited fight against cancer, told by Craig, a woman with a gift for words, about her husband, Ed McNeilly, a man with a gift for life. Ostensibly a journal covering the period from August 1986, when they learn of Ed's cancer, to March 1988, when he succumbs to it, this is much more than a day-by-day record of that struggle. It is a revealing and troubling look at a medical establishment that treats diseases, not people, and regards those with terminal illness as low-priority patients. Craig is no stranger to medical crises and loss: The story of her first husband's terminal illness is revealed in flashbacks that add a special poignancy to the present story, and her strength through that long ordeal is apparent. Now living the good life in Malibu with a successful career and a happy marriage, she faces the ordeal a second time. Her husband this time, Ed, is a strong, resourceful man who attempts to take control of his situation. He learns where cancer research is performed across the country, investigates the various programs, interviews the doctors running them, and selects the one he thinks offers the best hope. For a time, his condition stabilizes, and the McNeillys strive to live as normal a life as possible. Eventually, though, the drugs fail and Ed's cancer progresses. Although the McNeillys experience all the frustration of dealing with doctors who lack the time or interest to see patients as human beings to be treated with dignity, they find comfort and support in a large and loving family, good friends, loyal coworkers, and, most of all, each other. A heartwarming story of personal triumph and tragedy and a chilling indictment of our medical system.

Pub Date: Jan. 28, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Tarcher.--dist. by St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1990

Categories: NONFICTION