The END of MY LIFE IS KILLING ME-A Gurwitch Finds Funniness with Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Having listened to Annabelle Gurwitch's audio book "You Say Potato and I Say Shut Up" co-written with her husband, I was expecting a clever and comedic insight into the ravages of dealing with stage 4 lung cancer. Gurwitch and her husband bicker back and forth over the same scenario from their separate,  scintillating points of view. This had me laughing out loud to their annoyances in their marriage which were regrettably relatable in other relationships. Gurwitch is an articulate, no nonsense, no holds barred broad. Their bantering belied deeper resentment eventually leading to a divorce after nearly 2 decades of being together. Sadly, I learned of Gurwitch's latest memoir which is about being a divorced mother with a college age son while living with stage 4 lung cancer. At the start of Covid, while getting tested for it, she mentioned a persistent cough which led to the discovery of her lung cancer. Gurwitch handles her dismal diagnosis and debilitating illness with the same aplomb and wry wit as in "You Say..." but here the humor does not provide the same carapace of an omnipotent facade as the realities of her treatment, capabilities and prognosis are challenging both her physical and mental well being.  Still, for anyone who may have a terminal illness, knows of someone dealing with a fatal disease, this part bio, part guide book for dealing with cancer, it's helpful when dealing with fiduciary wrangling, searching for support networks and maintaining a positive outlook. Pervasive throughout is Gurwitch's candor and ability to be uplifting. She's  funny and vulnerable, resilient and overwhelemed. This was not breezy listening but neither was it a pathos picnic. There's much to be gained and even entertained by when listening to Gurwitch stalwart swagger and vivid descriptions. She depicts herself realistically at her weakest and most noxious. I wish her only the best.  I thank her for her bravado dealing with her devastating prognosis. In fact, in addition to lung cancer, Gurwitch also developed breast cancer.  This irrepressible, social commentator and cancer patient is still kicking up her heels, finding love, enjoying friends and family and living life with fervor.  But, unless cancer is close to home, do yourself a favor, listen to "You Say Potato and I Say Shut Up" instead.