Its Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong

After reading this book, (in which I stayed up until it was finished), I am just totally amazed at Lance's guts, determination and strength in fighting testicular cancer, which should have, according to the poor odds against him (less than 3%), killed him. Lance, instead of becoming a victim, chose instead to be survivor!

Here a story of inspiration that will bring tears to your eyes, tears of compassion, joy and triumph. This is one man's story of incredible challenge of digging down deep for inner resources in managing and conquering cancer. Lance refused to become a statistic and instead rallied and became cancer's worst enemy. He refused to give in and chose to fight the disease with all that he had. I admire his love and admiration for his mother, who continues to be one of his strengths in his life. He was fortunate, as well, to have loving friends support him throughout his entire ordeal.

"The one thing the illness has convinced me of beyond all doubt - more than any experience I've had as an athlete - is that we are much better than we know. We have unrealized capacities that sometime only emerge in crisis. So, if there is a purpose to the suffering that is cancer, I think it must be this: it's meant to improve us."

The book chronicles the emotional and physical changes Lance undergoes as he triumphs over cancer as well as his emotional coping both during and after. This is a book of true courage and determination. Lance set up a foundation to help other cancer patients manage and survive their cancer. Lance lives his mother's inspiration of "make every obstacle an opportunity."

Lance proves that the power of the mind, combined with taking control of one's disease, seeking different opinions and doctors, and becoming an expert on the topic can help one overcome and conquer cancer.

This is book is an excellent, poignant, and emotional testimony to one man's faith and determination. Finishing this book, I have nothing but admiration for Lance Armstrong. Thanks Lance for being an inspiration to everyone and with your work with cancer patients. The world needs more role models like yourself!

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Judith E. Pavluvcik, Resident Scholar

"It's Not About The Bike is Lance Armstrong's autobiography detailing his life growing up in Texas with a single mom, a bike and a passion for riding. He overcomes many hardships to become a famous world-class athlete only to face the possible loss of it all to brain and testicular cancer.

He survives the surgery and endures grueling chemotherapy and cancer fighting protocols. Only through his will to live and fierce determination to race again does he overcome cancer and the psychological ravages of the disease.

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David