It is a rare opportunity that we have to hear firsthand from the perspective of those who are dealing with cancer-the lamentable impact of radiation, the nauseating effects of chemotherapy and the ruthless toll it all takes on the body, on the family, on the sense of self. Most often these are the things of private reflection and introspection. Not so for Sandy Glum.

When Sandy, an elementary school teacher, was first diagnosed with cancer, she summed up her relentless tears and diminishing hope with the words Wesley spoke to Buttercup (Princess Bride), "Life is pain, Highness." Fearful of...