Waiting for Wings, a Woman's Metamorphosis Through Cancer

Heidi writes in a straghtforward manner, describing her ordeal with raw emotions. I feel like I know her and some of what she went through although I've never had cancer. Her courage shines through as we follow her through her journey. It's a wonderful book if you need to know the truth, and an even better book if you know someone who needs hope. I loved the poems and I usually don't go out of my way to read poetry.

This book details one person's struggle to survive cancer, when her diagnosis was bleak. Heidi Marble makes it a struggle anyone can understand, and her personal triumph should be a beacon for any person or family struggling with the disease. The book is engaging, filled with facts the average person does not consider, and will not disappoint.

Recently I read, Waiting for Wings: A Woman's Metamorphosis through Cancer, by Heidi Marble. Through the pages of this phenomenal book, I found described all the patients that I have known in my career. Heidi's narrative, poetry, and the book's photography tell her story of how she found the light of life through the darkness of cancer. Living on the east coast when she was first diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer at the age of 34, Heidi, now a local Fairfield woman, chronicles her life during this time. As she begins to heal, she describes herself as a butterfly coming out of a cocoon, and she has metamorphosed as a type of healer to other women with breast cancer. Her book hypnotized me as I read her poetry that conveyed not only her thoughts and feelings but also those of women I have known who have dealt with breast cancer. The amazing photos by Cordetta Spells, as seen on the cover, is apropos for Heidi's butterfly association. As a Women's Health OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwife for more than 28 years, I have never found an "easy" way to convey the "C" (cancer) word to any patient. I have tried to be matter of fact and clinical, but somehow it always gets messed up and I get emotional on some level. I incorporate a Holistic approach along with the Allopathic Medicine when working with clients. Heidi's account of her experience expresses the heart and soul of people who look to health practitioners to help guide them on a journey of emotions which includes loss, suffering, and redefining who they are. Family's lives also are transformed by their loved one's cancer and the various surgeries and treatments. The collection of letters written by family and friends shows us that we are not just treating the patient but those who also are important connections to our clients. Heidi created her cocoon from the time of her diagnosis, hair loss and Chemotherapy. Through the emotional and physical pain, her cocoon enveloped her and almost suffocated her until determination strengthened her will to live based on hearing her son's voice. The next moment she was overwhelmed with drugs, procedures, and pain. Heidi describes breaking out of the cocoon with a new perspective on life, and even reaching out to fly and help others as Heidi has done with this book. I recommend this book for all who want to know more about those who deal with cancer on a basic human level. It opens your eyes and your heart.

I was deeply moved by this story of triumph over a disease that touches so many peoples lives. Heidi shares a fearless raw account of her fight to beat the odds of a very rare and deadly form of breast cancer. Her honesty and openess offers a real glimpse into the mind and soul of a womena struggling to beat the odds. It's a spiritual journey that left me wanting to do more for those who are suffering and for all humanity. I hope your experience is as rewarding and uplifting as mine... It's a must read!!!!