The Man Behind The Mask
About The Book
Chris and Lynn were not given a great deal of time together. After being together for 3 years, Chris at the age of 58, was diagnosed with a deadly GBM (Glioblastoma Multiform) brain tumour. Chris, being a published author of 5 action-adventure books, wanted to write a non-fiction book about his illness. He decided on the title while having the radiation mask moulded to his face on 6th June 2014 – hence the name “The Man Behind the Mask”.
When Chris was diagnosed, he and Lynn looked for real-life information and actual case histories in order to understand what they were dealing with and to get some idea of what was to come. But they only found one book. The rest were more like medical textbooks which was not what they needed right then.
Unfortunately, Chris was never able to write the book, so in his final weeks, Lynn promised him she would write it. Prior to that, she had never thought about writing a book. Lynn had kept all the notes she had made in doctors rooms, the emails she sent to Chris’s brother Rob, plus she had the blogs Chris had written prior to his diagnosis and a few he managed to write during his illness. She then pulled it all together in the book from her perspective as the wife and primary carer, keeping the title Chris has decided on nearly 2 years prior.
Lynn’s hope is that this book can help others going through a similar experience. Reading about another person experiencing the same symptoms from the tumour, or similar side effects from the treatments, can provide some comfort in a trying situation and preparation for what may come next.
Praise For "The Man Behind The Mask"
Pippa Hudson, Cape Talk Radio Presenter
"The Man Behind the Mask" offers detailed insight into the journey of a cancer patient - in this case Chris, a man diagnosed with a rare brain tumour while still only in his 50's. While every patient's particular diagnosis and treatment path may be different, there is much to be learned in these pages about what to expect following a cancer diagnosis, from different treatment regimes and their side effects to the mental and emotional impact of the illness, the importance of family support, and the quite bewildering array of medical professionals whose expertise might be called upon.
What I found particularly poignant was the insight into the caregiver's world and the physical, emotional and financial toll of supporting a loved one through treatment. From dealing with uncaring medical aids to juggling hospital visits with the need to earn an income, Lynn describes in detail how she first fought to give Chris his best chance at recovery, and then tried to make his final weeks as comfortable and dignified as possible....all while dealing with her own grief over the future that was being stolen from them.