But(t), cancer: A memoir of loss and gain

#1 Amazon Bestseller in the Cancer category (Australia).

GOBSMACKED

One word from her doctor mid‑colonoscopy detonates Lisa Barlin’s life at forty. Overnight, everything she is — lawyer, mother, wife, daughter — is eclipsed by a new, terrifying identity: a woman with bowel cancer, facing brutal treatments, interrupted careers, and the very real possibility of “pooping in public.”

This is a memoir about the detour no one plans for — and the unexpected clarity, connection, and dark humour found along the way.

Growing up in a big Catholic family in 80s–90s Canberra, Australia, navigating law school, marriage, motherhood, and grief, Lisa pieces together how the life she lived prepared her for the fight she never asked for. With unfiltered honesty, tenderness, and a wicked sense of humour, she turns the messiest parts of illness into something profoundly human.

Prepare to be heartened, to cry, to laugh, and to witness the strange alchemy that turns life’s unexpected “But(t)s” into gold.

What readers are saying “Meaningful and funny… I wish this book existed when I had cancer.” — Verified Reviewer

“A great read on bowel cancer, growing up, modern motherhood and Canberra.” — Verified Reviewer

Perfect for readers of The Glass Castle, We Are the Stars, and anyone who loves raw, funny, emotionally honest memoirs about resilience, family, and finding light in impossible places.

This book is for you if you: are facing cancer, surviving cancer, or supporting someone who is

love raw, funny, emotionally honest memoirs

are drawn to stories like You With the Sad Eyes, Strangers, I'm Glad My Mom Died

want to feel less alone in the chaos of cancer, career, motherhood, identity, illness, or grief

believe humour can be a lifeline in dark places

This book is the best friend for anyone with cancer, surviving cancer, or supporting a loved one through the disease.

Told with sensitivity, striking honesty and humour, prepare to be heartened, to cry, to chuckle, and above all, to witness the alchemy that turns life’s unexpected ‘But(t)s’ into gold.

Why this story matters

Because no one should have to face cancer alone — and every story shared helps someone recognise the symptoms sooner.

About the Author Lisa Barlin is a long‑time Canberran, lawyer, wife, mother of two, magpie whisperer, and devoted gin and tea drinker. A lifelong storyteller and now first‑time author, she brings humour, heart, and a touch of the mystical to everything she does.