A clear-eyed account of one woman's fight to survive late-stage colorectal cancer

As a single working parent, the last thing on Shannon Ivey's mind in 2016 was her own health. Then she was diagnosed with late-stage III colorectal cancer and given a 40 percent chance of being alive in five years. Shannon discovered that she was part of a trend of younger people and more women receiving the diagnosis: By 2030, colorectal cancer is projected to be the No. 1 cancer killer for people ages 20 to 49. Shannon had entered a terrifying new reality, navigating a medical system ill-equipped to recognize her unique circumstances.

In Welcome to the Sh*t Show, Shannon delivers a frank account of her battle with cancer. She chronicles her journey from diagnosis through grueling treatment and arriving at her "new normal." Throughout, she shares candid insights into the physical and emotional toll of treatment, social expectations, systemic barriers and inequities, and grappling with structural and internalized ableism. In the face of these obstacles, Shannon learned to advocate for her needs and built partnerships with her care team and the friends who remained by her side. Shannon's honesty, resilient spirit, and biting humor transform a terrifying experience into a powerful message of hope, urging readers to fight for a meaningful and authentic life, no matter the odds.

Shannon's honesty, resilient spirit, and biting humor transform a terrifying experience into a powerful message of hope, urging readers to fight for a meaningful and authentic life, no matter the odds.

Shannon Ivey is an International Coaching Federation–certified professional coach and creative professional, and she has served as an empowered patient leader in Colontown, the leading online support group for people with colorectal cancer.

"When I was diagnosed with blood cancer, Shannon Ivey was one of the first people I turned to for solace and wisdom. Her authenticity and fierce self-advocacy are an inspiring model for anyone navigating hard times."—Katherine Burke, director, Program in Medical Humanities, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine

"Welcome to the Sh*t Show is both humorous and heroic. Ivey's example of self-advocacy, mental toughness, and sense of humor makes this an excellent read for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis."—Dr. Sidney Morrison, colorectal surgeon, Medical University of South Carolina

"Ivey writes in the spirit of Hemingway—'hard and clear about what hurts'—guiding us through the unvarnished realities of living with illness. With unflinching clarity, she dismantles the myth of full restoration after illness, revealing instead the complex, painful, beautiful transformations that come with it."—Nicole Piemonte, Creighton University, author of Afflicted: How Vulnerability Can Heal Medical Education and Practice

"Ivey candidly shares her experience of survival with grit, insight, and humor. This thought-provoking book is a must-read that provides a riveting account of Ivey's resilient journey while facing the stark realities of life balanced by manifestations of self-love, hope, and healing."—Dr. Finie Hunter-Richardson, Howard University College of Medicine

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Welcome to the Sh*t Show

A Memoir of Colorectal Cancer and the Power of Self-Advocacy

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