Second Act: Life after Colostomy and Other Adventures

The actress known for her roles as Mrs. Barney Miller and as Brook Shield's grandmother on television candidly discusses her battle with colon cancer and her colostomy with resolute optimism and a sense of acceptance

That even colostomies have their humorous aspect is demonstrated in this spirited account by a Tony- and Oscar- nominated actress with a remarkable zest for life. In April 1994, when Barrie was in her early 60s, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Her story of what followed is not a simple one, for unfortunately all did not go well. Having been told that the surgery would leave her with an opening, or stoma, on her abdomen that would resemble a rosebud, she found to her horror and considerable pain that her bowel protruded some three inches and looked, in her words, exactly like ``a pink penis coming out of a donut.'' Ten months after her first surgery at Columbia Presbyterian, another surgeon at New York Hospital performed a second, successful colostomy. During this period, in which Barrie also underwent chemotherapy and radiation, she rehearsed and appeared in a play and on several television shows (she's Brooke Shields's grandmother on Suddenly Susan), while continuing to entertain friends, attend the theater, play tennis, and spend weekends with her husband on Fire Island. Throughout, she insisted on her privacy, and few people in her business or personal life knew what she was going through. Then, a humiliating accident on a Manhattan bus inspired Barrie to go public with her story. She bares her soul and her body with considerable panache. Even the details of how to care for a colostomy and perform the necessary daily irrigation are told with frankness and good humor. Learning about colostomies from a woman who has clearly continued to live a full and active life should comfort those facing similar surgery. The broader lesson to be learned from Barrie's experience, however, is the danger of denial. For years she ignored her symptoms, when to have taken early action might well have made this a very different story. A gutsy woman's tale of survival. (Author tour) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

In this irreverently humorous book, ac-tress Barrie describes her 30-year experience first with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and later with carcinoma of the rectum. Despite significant symptoms, Barrie denied her illness for so long that she developed a large tumor, endured not one but three operations, had radiation and chemotherapy, and now lives with a colostomy bag. Her ability to describe this ordeal with warmth and humor will help those facing the same situation by demystifying the process. By using her visibility as the TV wife of Barney Miller, Barrie has opened the door on what for many is a taboo topic, making a true contribution to the literature. Those wishing more detailed information could consult The Colostomy Care Handbook, edited by Aaron Kwan and John Boey (State Mutual Book and Periodical Service, 1993), or Kay Marshall's The First Step Guidelines on Care & Recovery Following Colostomy Surgery (HERC Inc., 1990). Highly recommended for patient-education and consumer-health collections in all types of libraries.?Janet M. Coggan, Univ. of Florida Lib, Gainesville.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.