The Chemo Affair by Gary Lewis

“The gastroenterologist said she’d found two cancers and, smiling cheerfully through a sedated haze, Will thanked her and beamed up at Faith wondering why she seemed so perturbed.” Told he has advanced bowel cancer Will begins extensive chemotherapy. At the same time Faith discovers a major misappropriation of funds by a trusted colleague in the organization she directs. At first Will thinks the chemo isn’t going to be too bad, but he’s wrong. The side-effects are awful and not just physically but psychologically and emotionally. Faith’s wrong, too, underestimating the stressful impact Will’s chemo is going to have upon her at work and at home. Weary and dejected, feeling useless and lost in a chemo-fog preoccupied with survival, Will tires of telling Faith he’s sorry. Forever anxious and exhausted, feeling as if she’s being taken for granted and overwhelmed by work and caring for Will, Faith resents having to feel guilty. Inevitably misunderstandings develop and unresolved antagonisms once masked by youth, career and family resurface to push the relationship to the brink. When Will’s treatment and Faith’s employment end with a disturbing twist, they face an uncertain future. Was their faith in chemotherapy warranted? Will they survive The Chemo Affair?