Welcome
I assume you're visiting my site because either you or someone you know has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or another serious illness.
I'm sorry I have to meet you under these circumstances; however, I think my experience will provide some useful hints that will help patients
improved their mental outlook and ultimately help everyone survive this ordeal.
When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer I read as many survivor books as I could. Naturally, I was buoyed by the fact they survived, but their
stories were cut and dry. These survivors were strong-willed and never overwhelmed by anxiety. Obviously, they never met me. And, there was no
humor. Okay, cancer is no laughing matter, but take it from me, putting a smile on your face certainly chases the blues away and aides in your
recovery.
In the About The Book section I talk about how it was never my intention to document my illness; how writing became the great distraction
that saved my sanity. I believe all patients need to find their own diversions, even if they're a little fanciful. This is the lesson I learned
and the reason I'm publishing Cracking The Walnut. So, go to it. I give you permission. Do what it takes to get through it and through it you
will get.
Helpful Links
- American Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Facts
- Prostate Cancer Foundation
- Urological Science Research Foundation
- Medline Plus
- Health Communities.com
- The New Prostate Cancer Infolink
- 10 Lessons of Prostate Cancer
- Beth Israel Comprehensive Cancer Center West Side campus
- Dr. Steven M. Berman
- Dr. Robert P. Lombardo
- Info on Viagra
- Info on Zoladex
- Info on Flomax
- Info on Cipro
About the book
It was never my intent to write about my illness. I like to think my humorous take on life is the main characteristic of my creative endeavors
and there is nothing funny about prostate cancer. It was only when faced with a feeling of deep dread that I turned to writing as a way of escape.
I created an alternate persona, a sidekick, someone tough, someone not afraid, and someone who could kick my butt when my butt needed to be kicked.
A fan of film noir, there could be only one character that fit the bill, Philip Marlowe. From that day forward when I saw doctors, underwent medical
procedures I wasn't paralyzed by fear. I was Marlowe and Marlowe was me. As I dealt with my cancer, this fantasy led to others. I began to dream up
stories about patients, doctors and naturally the nurses. These crazy diversions helped save my sanity and gave me the strength I needed to survive my
ordeal. I hope Cracking The Walnut provides you with a similar distraction, especially during those fearful times when we can be our own worst
enemy.
I hope my book also gives you the courage to find your own distractions, even if they're a little nutty. Fortunately, I had the best medical care one
could hope for and my cancer was caught in time. I can only wish the same for you.
What readers are saying...
- ohenry
- sja
- Peter Johnson
- Robert P. Lombardo, MD
- Noel Friedland, MD internist Wychoff, N.J.
- Steven M. Berman, MD, NYC
- Victoria Jamison
About the author
Eric Robespierre was born in New York City in 1942. He graduated from The Franklin School in 1960. In 1964 he received his BA from New York University, Washington Square College, where he majored in Art History. He graduated from NYU's Tisch School Of The Arts in 1966 with an MA in film. He is a screenwriter, playwright and documentary film director. He has also been an award wining advertising copywriter creating campaigns for Mitsubishi and Izod Lacoste. In partnership with Sally Husk, the owner of Paris To Province Antiques and Interiors, he created a web design firm specializing in antiques, home furnishings and interior design. In 2005, together with the personal trainer and diet coach Helen Brand, he wrote and self-published The Yummy Hunter's Guide:The Best-Tasting, Low-Calorie Foods And Where To Shop For Them. The 2005 and 2006 editions gained a spot as one of the top fifty most popular books on Amazon.com. Cracking The Walnut: How Being A Little Nuts Helped Me To Beat Prostate Cancer is a memoir of his fight to survive this deadly disease. He is currently at work on The Family Ginsburg Pronounced Du Pont: America's Most Eccentric Family That Nobody Ever Heard Of.
