Journey from Pain to Love

Journey from Pain to Love
Phyllis Jankowiak
PublishAmerica
ISBN: 1-4137-5122-9
Non-Fiction, Health, Cancer
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

Journey from Pain to Love is dedicated to all of the friends that Phyllis Jankowiak, the author, lost to cancer. In 2003, Phyllis was suddenly thrown into a world of terrifying fear and deep emotional trauma when two shadows were discovered on a routine mammogram. Her emotional and psychological reactions in the following few months, surprised the author as she had spent years suffering from and coping with the uncertainty, debilitating effects, and pain associated with living with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Stenosis. Yet, the thought of cancer somehow seemed so final and so all consuming. Phyllis found herself in a deep hole of anger and pain that threatened to consume her. Then, something amazing happened. Phyllis found unconditional love in the form of a fourteen year old girl in a cancer chat room.
Journey from Pain to Love is honest, heart warming, and inspirational. At one point in the book, the author compares cancer to a war, explaining her preoccupation with the War in Iraq. This is an aspect of trauma and pain displacement that I would never have given a second thought. Yet, it explains so much in the reactions of those touched by cancer. Likewise, I had never really realized the significance and importance of bonding experiences found in support groups, discussion groups, and cancer chat rooms where individuals could discuss their experiences with those who have been in their situation.