Cancer Is a Funny Thing: Reconstructing My Life

Marie de Haan - wife, mother of three, piano teacher, song-writer, and writer-is back again, snarky as ever. Cancer Is a Funny Thing: Reconstructing My Life is the heartwarming follow-up to Marie's memoir about her breast cancer diagnosis, and details here pursuit of joy and purpose in the midst of continued treatment and healing.

Diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at the age of 42, Marie was given a poor prognosis. Putting on her big-girl panties, she endured surgery and chemotherapy, albeit kicking and screaming. At visits to the naturopath, the battle continued over her consumption of sugar. In between all of her doctor appointments and infusions, Marie started a cancer blog, which covers such subjects as poop, boobies, and sex.

Now, as if six doctors wasn't enough, she agonizes about adding a plastic surgeon-to perform a breast reconstruction-to the mix, all the while trying to stay on top of medical bills, lose weight, fulfill her dream of meeting Fran Drescher, and accomplish her never-ending to-do list. She handles all of these issues with humor and grace. And Haagen-Dazs Rocky Road ice cream.

Marie de Haan lives near Seattle with her husband and one to three children at any given time. In addition to teaching piano and writing books, she regularly embarrasses herself on her cancer blog.