Brain Storms
My Life with a Brain Tumour - A Family Doctor's Memoir
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Pub Date 7 Jul 2026 | Archive Date 21 Aug 2026
Nimbus Publishing | Nimbus Publishing Limited
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Description
A poignant, darkly funny, and hopeful memoir of the psychological impact of illness from a retired New Brunswick doctor.
Sharon McCutcheon was a busy family doctor in Sussex, New Brunswick, when she learned she had a brain tumour. Growing up with a chronically ill father and a severely depressed mother had led her to become a caregiver, a healer—a doctor. But while striving to provide the best care for her patients, she had ignored her own health. Her life was already chaotic and, at times, overwhelmingly stressful. The mother of three was burnt out, sleepless, and terrified that the life she had built was suddenly crumbling.
This is not just the story of a doctor with a brain tumour, or how a brain tumour and seizures led to the end of her career. It?s also about beginnings—how our childhood determines our coping skills during life-changing events. It?s about mothers and daughters passing traumatic experiences down through the generations?creating strength and resilience despite family dysfunction. Ultimately, it?s about recognizing that people are complex and that every illness has a psychological impact.
It's also a story of how humour can heal, or at least make a bad situation more bearable. Can living with a brain tumour be funny? Turns out it can be. With dry wit and frank honesty, McCutcheon pieces together her compelling story through personal journals, medical records, and e-mails, and through conversations with doctors, nurses, family, and friends. Rounded out with black and white photos provided by the author, Brain Storms paints a vivid picture of what it's like to lose control of your own brain.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781774715192 |
| PRICE | CA$22.95 (CAD) |
| PAGES | 232 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
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Featured Reviews
Helen H, Reviewer
This is a book that stayed with me whilst I was reading it and will probably continue to do so. It’s an honest account of dealing with a brain tumour and the aftermath that brings with it. I find the lack of support afterwards when she returned to work quite scary and I hope some lessons continue to be learnt there in the profession. I am glad for her though that she learnt her own importance and the priority of looking after herself. This is a valuable book. Thanks to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for the ARC.
Whitney H, Reviewer
Thank you to NetGalley and Nimbus for a copy of this book.
5/5 stars
Plot: memoir of a family doctor diagnosed with a brain tumor
Impression: Dr McCutcheon is an absolute poet. The beauty and imagery of her writing is so moving. She perfectly conveys the stress and pressure of a woman in the medical field. I’m not a doctor but a nurse practitioner as related so much to her experience. While nothing as serious as a brain tumor and seizures, I suffered a concussion while working in family practice. No one told me to take time off, it wasn’t offered- even as I returned to work the next day with sutures and a black eye. The overwhelming feeling of being unable to stop since you’ll get more and more behind gives me anxiety to this day. She related that perfectly. This book is a must read for patients and medical professionals and would be a great source of encouragement for those navigating a similar diagnosis. She writes with humor and insight on a difficult topic.
Trigger Warnings: brief mentions of suicidal thoughts
Star System: 5 star reads are books I can’t put down and/or make me cry. This is a book that will stick with me for either the topic, writing style, or emotional impact.
4 star books are unique or interesting and perhaps teach me something new. A feel good read is usually 4 stars.
3 star reads are good, solid books. I’m not necessarily learning or feeling anything new.
2 star books have some plot holes or timeline issues. These are the books that just aren’t believable.
1 star books are typically offensive
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