Book Reviews
Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer: Wisdom for Patients, Caregivers, Family & Friends
Amanda Gunville
Hope & Joy LLC
September 26, 2025
ISBN-13: 979-8999921819
Contact: Melinda Copeland, publicrelations@atlargeproutreach.com
Reviewed by Edith G. Tolchin (edietolchin.com/book-reviews); EGT@edietolchin.com
It often takes an army to survive cancer, and survivor Amanda Ganville, who was diagnosed with stage 2, triple-positive breast cancer, was fortunate that her “. . . army (didn’t) need uniforms. . .”
A type-A overachiever by nature, then certified, Level 2 sommelier and executive of a start-up wine company, Gunville continued to work through new motherhood, all during the early days of COVID and marital dissonance.
In her early forties, and with a toddler, Gunville had neglected her mammograms until she needed contraception, requiring an exam, and the suggestion of a timely mammo. Cancer. Amid fear, said Ganville, “Breast cancer meant death.”
“After a week of spinning in emotional circles. . . It was time to do something.” Post your diagnosis on Facebook. Choose your treatment team. . . Gunville and her mom first interviewed USC Keck, then City of Hope (where couples counseling was a requirement); then she chose USC, meditation, calmness, and treatment.
“Book the counseling session. . . Especially if you think you don’t need it.” Post-chemo meditation, after which Gunville began to see the light, then the side effects. An amazing support network. “When cancer enters your life. . . It happens to everyone who loves you.”
Also, cancer is expensive, and it’s not only the deductibles and co-pays, if one has insurance.
Post-mastectomy, Gunville tried hard to find humor in the trauma. Then, more trauma followed as she learned she needed additional, and stronger chemo to remove the remaining cancer cells. “So, I picked up the sword again . . . determined to finish the fight.”
A new drug, Kadcyla, then sexual health therapy. “I was the valedictorian of vaginal rehab . . .” Acupuncture was encouraged to cope with other side effects; herbal meds were discouraged. After her twenty-first chemo, Gunville finally got to “strike the bell.”
The family moved to Colorado. Additional surgery was required to address estrogen levels, then VICTORY! And many lessons learned, including no more “high-pressure lifestyle . . .” days. She changed her habits and started taking better care of herself.
With quotes from sages introducing each chapter, Gunville’s style is casual and personal, making the reader feel as though she’s talking directly to you. A helpful “My Cancer Resource Playbook” is included, with concise info needed for all phases of treatment.
Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer by Amanda Gunville is part memoir, part guidebook, and a lighthearted (though serious), informative read.