Then Came Life: Living with Courage, Spirit, and Gratitude After Breast Cancer

When Geralyn Lucas, author ofWhy I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, put on red lipstick in the hall on the way to the operating room, she was showing her doctors, her family, and, most important, herself that she planned on coming out of the OR and living life to the fullest. She figured that that day in the OR would be the hardest day of her life-but, it turns out, the twenty-seven-year-old cancer survivor was a bit short-sighted.

Then Came Lifepicks up almost two decades later, when Geralyn is now living the life she was afraid she'd never be able to have. After having almost died from cancer as a young woman, Geralyn felt that growing old enough to get wrinkles is a gift-one she prayed fervently for in her youth. But she is now in her midforties- Her two miracle babies (both C-sections, both advised against by her doctors) have grown into a mean tween with a fierce eye roll for her mother's failures and a tornado of little-boy energy who refuses to play by his preschool's rules; a storybook romance with her husband has become couples therapy with a grumpy prince; and her demanding corporate job at Lifetime TV that she loves moves across the country without her. She has lost the wonder of that cancer gratitude moment, and when she looks in the mirror at her hard-won wrinkles, all she can think about is that she wants to have Botox.

Then Came Lifeis a charming, quirky, delightful yet poignant story of surviving life, a collection of coming-of-(middle)-age stories of trying to be a role model for her daughter while being dissatisfied with her own looks, and what happens when her adoring son is more intent on romancing her than her husband is (right down to dueling Valentine's Day cards). With the clear-eyed wit and observations of Nora Ephron, she not only explores the dissonance of facing the challenges she was afraid she wouldn't be alive to have but also confronts them with a great sense of infectious empowerment and a hilarious voice. Geralyn harnesses her fighting spirit and leaves behind the trauma of cancer to battle all the rest that life has to throw at her.Then Came Lifeis not a cancer recovery story- It is about rediscovering the resilience, courage, and optimism it takes to reinvent yourself at every age.

Praise forThen Came Life
'The candid and perceptive author talks about motherhood . . . marriage, body image, self-worth, family, and the loss of loved ones as she ultimately seizes living over living in fear . . . Lucas's sage commentary will bring a nod of recognition from fellow cancer travelers and a smile to everyone's lips, even if they aren't cherry red. Highly recommended.'Library Journal
'Lucas' success in overcoming breast cancer would give nearly anybody the sense that other, more 'manageable' obstacles can also be overcome. Different challenges-learning to parent, resolving marital difficulties-have called on her to tap into other inner resources, and she continues to handle them with a positive attitude . . . Women inspired by the way Lucas marshaled her resources for treatment will enjoy seeing how such strength can be channeled into other challenges.' Kirkus Reviews
Prone to self-criticism and with an affinity for Botox, Spanx, and antidepressants (as well as the red lipstick that gives her courage), Lucas doesn't hold back as she confronts aging, negativity, and living fearlessly. This forthright tale of a woman facing her future after cancer will resonate with survivors as well as others caught in the throes of midlife.'Publishers Weekly
'I love this honest, funny, and deeply emotional book. Geralyn charmed her way into my heart and took up permanent residence.' Delia Ephron, author of Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc.)

About Geralyn Lucas